Jo-Ann Appoints Bryan Pugh as Executive Vice President, Stores and Store Operations

Also Announces Jim Bellore, Senior Vice President, Store Operations
and Store Support

HUDSON, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty
retailer, has appointed Bryan Pugh as executive vice president, stores
and store operations — a newly created role. Pugh will lead financial,
operational and cultural leadership of Jo-Ann Stores and will report
directly to president and chief executive officer, Jill Soltau.

“Bryan is a diverse and experienced leader, and I’m thrilled to add him
to our leadership team,” said Jill Soltau, president and chief executive
officer, Jo-Ann Stores. “Bryan’s broad experience in operations,
merchandising and marketing in global, highly competitive and strategic
retailers provides a strong and diverse base of knowledge equipping him
to lead and support our field and operations teams, and represent our
customer every day.”

Pugh joins Jo-Ann from Fred’s Pharmacy & Super Dollar where he held the
role of executive vice president, chief merchandising and marketing
officer. His experience also includes senior vice president, chief
merchandising officer at Walgreen Co. in addition to several roles of
increasing responsibility at Tesco, with his last position as executive
vice president, operations. Pugh began his career at Wal-Mart, Sam’s
Club Division, where he held roles in operations, merchandising and
marketing.

Jo-Ann also welcomes Jim Bellore who will serve as senior vice
president, store operations and store support; he will report directly
to Pugh. Bellore most recently served as senior vice president, store
operations at The Bon-Ton Stores. Previously, he held store operations
leadership positions at Saks Inc., Carson Pirie Scott, and Dayton Hudson
Inc. after beginning his career at General Motors.

“We are pleased to welcome Jim to Jo-Ann in his new role,” said Soltau.
“Jim has a proven track record in driving efficient operations,
improving customer service and implementing new operational
capabilities, simultaneously. Jim brings financial and strategic
strength to support our store operations support teams and has an expert
skill set in solving operational challenges and creating value.”

To learn more about Jo-Ann, visit joann.com.

About Jo-Ann Stores, LLC

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft
retailer with locations in 49 states, was founded in 1943 as a single
retail store. Today, approximately 850 Jo-Ann stores across the country
provide consumers all the fabrics, craft supplies and inspiration they
need, conveniently under one roof. For additional information, visit Joann.com.
To make creative connections, visit Joann.com/community.

Contacts

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
Beth Shivak, 330-463-8661
Corporate
Communications
beth.shivak@joann.com