Content about Jo-Ann Stores

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has hired former Disney and J.C. Penney’s executive Kris Arabia as VP of product development. Arabia will report to SVP and chief marketing and merchandising officer Riddianne Kline.
 

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has added The Ohio State University to its assortment of exclusively licensed collegiate fabrics.

“We are thrilled to offer fans of The Ohio State University this exclusive-to-Jo-Ann line of fleece and cotton fabrics,” said Susan Starcher, buyer of fleece, warm and licensed fabric for Jo-Ann. “Our customers love to show their school spirit, and no other retailer offers a more diverse selection of college and university fabrics than Jo-Ann.”

Burlington, Mass. -- Enterprise cloud commerce solution-provider Demandware announced Wednesday that Jo-Ann Stores has selected the Demandware Commerce platform to support its digital commerce strategy.  

HUDSON, Ohio — Shortly after Michaels reported Q4 sales growth, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores will officially open its 800th store on March 21 in Slidell, La.

“Reaching our 800th store is a testament to the hard work of Jo-Ann Team Members around the country, our customers’ passion for crafting and sewing, and their appreciation of our retail concept as a one-stop creative destination,” said Travis Smith, chief executive officer and president for Jo-Ann.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has named Riddianne Kline SVP chief marketing and merchandising officer.

In addition to retaining her current responsibilities overseeing both marketing and advertising for Jo-Ann, Kline will assume responsibility for the merchandising, product development and inventory management groups.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has launched an iPad app to help customers find everything they need for their next project.

“Our customers crave fresh inspiration delivered to them through a variety of means. What we have accomplished with the Jo-Ann app for iPad is consolidating all of these inspiration sources into one highly engaging experience called the Idea Center,” said Riddi Kline, SVP and chief marketing officer for Jo-Ann.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has announced it will increase its work force by more than 15% for the holiday season.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Stores has announced the promotion of Travis Smith to CEO effective immediately, replacing Darrell Webb. Webb will retain his position as chairman of the board for Jo-Ann Stores and become the interim CEO of Sports Authority. Jo-Ann and Sports Authority are both owned by Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority announced that Darrell Webb has been named as interim CEO of the company, replacing David Campisi who is resigning as CEO and president of the company. 

As previously reported by Retailing Today, Webb currently serves as the chairman and CEO of Jo-Ann Stores. Webb previously has held senior positions at The Kroger Company, Fred Meyer Stores and Quality Food Centers. Webb will retain his position as chairman of Jo-Ann Stores while serving as Interim CEO of Sports Authority. 

HUDSON, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores announced that its shareholders approved the adoption of the merger agreement between an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and the company. Of the shares that were voted, over 99% were in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. Approximately 82% of the total outstanding shares, as of the record date, voted in favor of the merger agreement. The company anticipates the closing of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, will occur later today.

NEW YORK -- The fabric and crafts business showed signs of growth, as Jo-Ann Stores reported fourth-quarter sales and income growth, and announced plans to open and remodel a number of stores this year.

HUDSON, Ohio - Jo-Ann Stores announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., for a total price of approximately $1.6 billion, or $61 per share in cash. The offer price represents a 34% premium to the closing price of Jo-Ann’s shares on Dec. 22.