Berlin-based arts and crafts retail chain A.C. Moore will close all of its roughly 140 stores, including 18 locations in New Jersey.

The company made the announcement Monday, saying it will no longer be taking online orders.

Anthony Piperno, Chief Executive Officer of A.C. Moore, said in part, "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."

Retail chain Michaels will assume the leases for up to 40 A.C. Moore locations on the East Coast.

A.C. Moore is a family-owned company that celebrates creativity in all things arts and crafts. The company opened its first store in Moorestown back in 1985.

"It was the first craft store that I ever went to for years and years and years so it's kind of sad," says Michelle Gorbich, of Bordentown.

Michelle is a preschool teacher who says she relies on stores such as A.C. Moore and Michael's for her classroom activities.

The company has more than 5,000 team members. It is unknown when the closures will begin.

A.C. Moore’s New Jersey stores include Egg Harbor, Sewell, Deptford, Vorhees, Haddon, Mount Laurel, Hamilton in Mercer County, Brick, Wall, Manalapan, Ocean Township in Monmouth County, East Brunswick, Shrewsbury, Watchung, Linden, Clifton, Newton and Paramus.