The quilters of San Antonio, TX collectively petitioned their mayor to speak to WalMart on their behalf to not discontinue their fabric and notions line. WalMart agreed and that's why the stores there never interrupted selling them.
Now that JoAnn's has been sold -- and their quality and selection has declined, and their prices have gone up, and many of their long-time employees have been replaced by part-time non-sewers -- WalMart's replacing their fabric and sewing departments in many of their stores.
In the meantime, though, I'm shopping at Hobby Lobby.