Jo-Ann makes executive moves

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has announced two significant organizational changes in the merchandising and marketing areas.

Megan Featherston, formerly senior vice president, merchandising, at Jo-Ann, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising & marketing. In her new role, Megan will oversee the retailer’s merchandising, marketing, Joann.com and business intelligence and analytics teams.

Prior to joining Jo-Ann in May 2014, Featherston was the executive vice president of merchandising for Haskell Jewels. Previously, she was president of the fine jewelry division of Sears Holdings and held leadership roles at Wilson Leather, Michaels, and Payless Shoe Source when it was a division of The May Company.

“Megan is a talented merchant with extensive experience in creating strategic merchandise assortments, providing inspiration to a broad customer base, while driving relevance and a strong price value position. I am confident that these skills, coupled with her exceptional leadership, will enable us to achieve our strategic initiatives at Jo-Ann,” said Jill Soltau, president and CEO of Jo-Ann.

In addition to Featherston’s promotion, the company said it hired Amy Parker as senior vice president, marketing & advertising. She most recently served as chief marketing officer for Pet Supplies Plus and prior to that was chief marketing officer for the home division at Sears Holdings.Previously, she was with Michaels and Toys “R” Us.

“Amy’s track record of developing strategic customer engagement tactics and implementing diverse marketing strategies is the winning combination Jo-Ann needs to continue to reach and serve our customers,” said Soltau. “I am pleased to welcome such a talented and accomplished executive to the Jo-Ann team.”

Jo-Ann operates roughly 850 stores in 49 states.