Michigan Attorney General Tells JoAnn Fabrics No
This story feels a bit like parenting. The parent makes the rule and then the kids looks for the exception. Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel ruled Tuesday that, no, JoAnn Fabrics cannot keep their storefronts open during the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe order.
"The company asked the Attorney General’s office to confirm that its on-site operations are necessary to sustain and protect lives because many hospitals and volunteers are turning to JoAnn Fabrics for raw materials to make face masks, face shields and hospital scrubs and gowns," according the Attorney General's office.
But Nessel said in a statement that JoAnn Fabrics products can be purchased online and thus can be shipped and it doesn't require an actual trip to the storefront, such as the one on Westnedge Ave, in Portage. JoAnn's also has a location on Beckley Road in Battle Creek.
The Attorney General's release indicates this ruling is not a confrontational situation.
"After receiving the Department’s letter, JoAnn Fabrics stores in the state appear to have modified their business operations to comply. I’d like to thank JoAnn Fabrics for its quick response to our letter and for putting the health and safety of Michigan’s residents first in making this decision,” - Michigan AG's release.