A.C. Moore Closing All New Jersey Stores

NEW JERSEY – A.C. Moore will close all stores, the company announced Monday. The chain, owned by Nicole Crafts, said it has decided to "exit its retail operations" by closing all A.C. Moore stores "as part of a broader strategic plan."

The arts and crafts supplier operates 18 stores in New Jersey (see list below).

The announcement comes as nearly 3,000 more layoffs have been announced in New Jersey as major changes take place in the state's health care industry and other store closings have been revealed. Read more: Nearly 3K More Layoffs Announced In NJ

Under the transition, as many as 40 A.C. Moore stores will become Michaels. The locations to become Michaels have not yet been named.

Online orders ceased as of Monday. Previously placed orders will ship, the company said.

Here are the New Jersey stores:

• Brick
• Clifton
• Deptford
• East Brunswick
• Egg Harbor Township
• Haddon Township
• Hamilton Township
• Linden
• Manalapan
• Mount Laurel
• Newton
• Ocean Township
• Paramus
• Sewell
• Shrewsbury
• Voorhees
• Wall
• Watchung

The closures are due to "headwinds facing many retailers," said Anthony Piperno, A.C. Moore CEO.

"For over 30 years, our stores have been servicing the creative community with a vast selection of art and craft materials, with one common focus, the customer. Unfortunately, given the headwinds facing many retailers in today's environment, it made it very difficult for us to operate and compete on a national level."

Closing plans for specific A.C. Moore locations will be released in the upcoming weeks.

"We are looking forward to re-opening these stores under the Michaels name in 2020 and welcoming new team members," said Michaels CEO Mark Cosby.

The first A.C. Moore store opened in New Jersey in 1985.