Spinrite closing Listowel store

A large yarn manufacturer is shutting down its plant in Listowel. CTV’s Jeff Pickel has more.

Local crafters may have to shop online or look elsewhere for yarn as a staple of the Listowel community announced it is closing its doors.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the Municipality of North Perth responded to news the Spinrite Manufacturing Facility and Retail Store is closing.

“For over 73 years, Spinrite has been an integral part of our community’s identity. Spinrite is a valued corporation, a major employer, and a destination for many through its annual yarn sale. This news is shocking, and we recognize the significant impact this will have on individuals, families and the broader community,” the post read.

According to the company’s website, Spinrite was founded in Listowel in 1952 by David Hay. Their products are sold in many stores, including Walmart, Amazon and Micheals.

Their annual yarn sale also hooked avid knitters and crafters, as well as drawing people to the area.

This year’s event was held online only, with a social media post from the company stating the decision was made due to safety issues at a new location for the popular sale.

In a statement to CTV News, Spinrite, “This decision was not made lightly and reflects the need to ensure long-term business sustainability in a highly competitive global market. Our last day of production will be July 25, 2025. We will still maintain a presence in Listowel to support the business, as well as our Listowel Distribution Centre to facilitate Canadian distribution.”

More than 100 employees affected

According to the municipality’s post, approximately 140 employees will soon be out of work.

“We have appreciation that some of the administrative, marketing and sales roles will remain in North Perth. I am saddened to learn that the store will also close, though on a timeline different than the factory closure,” Mayor Todd Kasenberg said in the post.

The municipality, he added, will be “assertive” in supporting the affected employees.

“We are deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the Listowel manufacturing and retail team, past and present, whose contributions have played a significant role in our company’s history. We recognize the impact this decision has on our team members and the community, and we are committed to supporting those affected through this transition. Spinrite will be providing transition support for impacted team members, including extended compensation packages, job fairs, career planning support, and retirement services,” the statement from Spinrite said.