Jo-Ann Stores Builds DC

Hudson, Ohio, Jo-Ann Stores plans to build a 700,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Opelika, Ala., to support the company’s growth in southern states, including Florida, Georgia and Texas. The site will mark the company’s third distribution center, with two others located in Visalia, Calif., and Hudson, Ohio. Jo-Ann will break ground for the new site in March 2005 and expects to begin shipping to stores in April 2006.

The company plans to open an additional 40 superstores across the country in 2005. Last year, the company opened 29 superstores as part of a strategic initiative to transition many of its retail outlets from traditional fabric stores to full-service craft and fabric superstores. The larger superstores generate, on average, almost four times the revenue of a traditional store.