Home > International Directory of Company Histories > Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. - Introduction

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Introduction

5555 Darrow Road
Hudson, Ohio 44236
U.S.A.
Telephone: (330) 656-2600
Fax: (330) 463-6675
Web site: http://www.joann.com

Public Company
Incorporated: 1951 as Cleveland Fabric Shops, Inc.
Employees: 21,700
Sales: $1.73 billion (2004)
Stock Exchanges: New York
Ticker Symbol: JAS
NAIC: 451130 Sewing, Needlework & Piece Goods Stores

Formerly known as Fabri-Centers of America, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., is the country's largest fabric retailer, with sales of nearly $2 billion, 851 fabric stores in 48 states, and an estimated 6 percent of the $29 billion retail fabric and craft-supplies market. The company's smaller "traditional" stores and 35,000 square foot superstores carry wide selections of fabric, notions, and craft goods. The chain boasts nearly double the sales and locations of its nearest competitor, Hancock Fabrics. Having survived a dramatic shakeout in the retail fabric industry in the 1990s and growth pains between 1998 and 2002, Jo-Ann made a strong recovery from its unprofitable years and looked to expand to 600 or 700 superstores in the early decades of the 21st century.

1. Introduction
2. Founding and Early Development
3. Facing a Changing Market in the 1970s–80s
4. Transformation and Diversification in the 1990s
5. The Rise to the Top
6. Company Perspectives:
7. Key Dates:
8. Principal Competitors
9. Further Reading
10. Copyright Page
11. About Page