Pat Catan's Closings: Layoffs Begin In Ohio

STRONGSVILLE, OH — At the end of January, Michaels Companies announced it would shutter all Pat Catan's stores. Now, layoffs have begun at Pat Catan's parent company, Lamrite West.

At least 26 people have been laid off at Lamrite West, in Strongsville, already, according to a letter filed with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Michaels said 56 employees will be laid off at Lamrite, in total, by Nov. 30, 2019.

Pat Catan's, which has 36 stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, will also be shut down, which will impact an unknown number of employees, according to the letter. Some stores will be rebranded and reopened as Michaels locations.

However, employees that are laid off from their positions at Pat Catan's will have a chance to apply for or be placed into positions with Michaels, the letter to the ODJFS said.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

The rebranded Michaels stores could reopen in 2019. The Michaels Companies will also maintain a support and distribution center in Strongsville, to support the business's wholesale operations.

The Michaels Companies purchased Pat Catan's parent company in 2016 for $150 million. Chuck Rubin, chairman and CEO of The Michaels Companies, said the decision to shutter the Pat Catan's brand came after a comprehensive review.

"This was not an easy decision, and I am grateful for the contributions of our Pat Catan's Team Members. As we work through the closing process, we intend to provide employment opportunities or transition support for all Team Members," said Rubin in a statement.

The Pat Catan's closings have inspired mourning and outrage across Ohio. The announcement even inspired a tragi-comic pseudo-viral video.

Photo from Lori Uldricks