Jo-Ann hires former Disney, JCP exec

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 senior VP and chief marketing and merchandising officer Riddianne Kline.



Arabia, who was most recently divisional VP of sourcing for home at J.C. Penney, will oversee the fabric and craft retailer’s design and trend, global sourcing and production and quality control and compliance departments. Additionally, she will assume responsibilities for managing overseas agency relationships.



“Our goal remains the same: deliver quality products to our customers at a great value,” said Kline. “We are thrilled to have Kris, with her tremendous experience in retail sourcing, leading our in-house product development and trend forecasting efforts to help us accomplish that goal.”



Prior to J.C. Penney, Arabia held various sourcing positions with Walt Disney, Pottery Barn, Bath & Body Works and Mikasa. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. She, her husband and their four children will be moving to Hudson, Ohio, to the company’s corporate headquarters.



Jo-Ann operates approximately 800 stores across the country.