If you’re a fan of crafting, then you’re most likely familiar with Joann Fabrics. This popular chain store is a go-to destination for all things related to sewing, knitting, and DIY projects. However, have you ever wondered what Joann Fabrics’ original name was? Believe it or not, the store didn’t always go by its current name.
Joann Fabrics actually started out as a small fabric shop in Cleveland, Ohio. The store was founded in 1943 by two German immigrants, Hilda and Berthold Reich, who wanted to provide quality fabrics to the community. The shop quickly gained a loyal following, and by the 1960s, it had expanded into a chain of stores across the Midwest.
But what was the original name of this beloved craft store? Keep reading to find out.
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Key Takeaways
- Joann Fabrics was originally founded as a small fabric shop selling remnants in Cleveland, Ohio in 1943 by Hilda and Berthold Reich.
- The store expanded into a chain of stores across the Midwest and changed its name to Jo-Ann Fabrics in the 1960s, then to Jo-Ann Fabrics in the 1980s, and recently to Joann, dropping ‘Fabrics’ altogether.
- Joann is currently one of the largest fabric and craft retailers in the world, offering a wide variety of crafting supplies, fabrics, and home decor items, as well as classes and workshops for learning new skills and a rewards program.
- The company also partners with organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Special Olympics, and the Boys & Girls Club to give back to the community.
The Founding of Cleveland Fabric Shop
You won’t believe the humble beginnings of Joann Fabrics – it all started with the founding of Cleveland Fabric Shop!
In 1943, Hilda and Berthold Reich, immigrants from Germany, opened the Cleveland Fabric Shop in Cleveland, Ohio. The small store specialized in selling fabric remnants and operated out of a 1,000 square foot space. Despite the challenges of running a small business during World War II, the Cleveland Fabric Shop thrived.
The Reichs’ commitment to providing excellent customer service and high-quality fabrics quickly gained them a loyal following. As the business grew, they expanded their inventory to include full bolts of fabric and sewing supplies. Over the years, the Cleveland Fabric Shop continued to grow in popularity and success.
In 1963, the Reichs’ daughter, JoAnn, took over the business and expanded it into a national chain of fabric and craft stores. Today, Joann Fabrics is one of the largest fabric and craft retailers in the world, with over 850 stores across the United States.
It’s incredible to think that it all started with a small fabric shop in Cleveland, Ohio!
The Evolution of the Store’s Name
Discovering how the store’s name has changed over the years can be quite fascinating. Jo-Ann Fabrics, as it’s now known, was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1943 by Hilda and Berthold Reich.
The store underwent several changes in its name and branding. Here are four different names the store has gone by:
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Cleveland Fabric Shop: This was the original name of the store and it remained that way for several years until the first rebranding in the 1960s.
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Jo-Ann’s Fabrics: In the 1960s, the store was renamed Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, which was a combination of two of the founder’s names, Jo-Ann and Alan.
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Jo-Ann Fabrics: In the 1980s, the store dropped the apostrophe in its name and became Jo-Ann Fabrics.
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Joann: Most recently, the store has undergone another name change and is now simply known as Joann, dropping the word ‘Fabrics’ altogether.
Through all of these changes, Joann has remained a go-to destination for crafters and creative individuals alike. While the name may have evolved over time, the store’s commitment to providing quality fabrics and crafting supplies has remained the same.
The Legacy of Jo-Ann Fabrics
Nowadays, the store continues to be a beloved destination for crafters and DIY enthusiasts, with a rich legacy that spans decades. Jo-Ann Fabrics has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a single store in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, there are over 800 Jo-Ann stores that can be found in almost every state in the US, making it one of the largest fabric and craft retailers in the country.
The legacy of Jo-Ann Fabrics is not just about the number of stores that it has, but also about the impact it has had on the crafting industry. For many people, Jo-Ann Fabrics is more than just a store, it’s a community. It’s a place where people can come together to share their passion for crafting and to learn from each other.
Jo-Ann Fabrics has also played a significant role in supporting local communities through its philanthropic efforts.
Moreover, Jo-Ann Fabrics has adapted to the changing times and has embraced technology to better serve its customers. The store’s website offers a vast selection of fabrics, sewing patterns, and crafting supplies that can be ordered online and shipped to your doorstep. Additionally, Jo-Ann Fabrics has a mobile app that allows customers to easily find stores, browse products, and access exclusive deals.
With its continued commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Jo-Ann Fabrics is sure to remain a beloved destination for crafters for many years to come.
Joann Fabrics Today
If you’re wondering what Joann Fabrics is up to these days, you’ll be happy to know that they have a lot to offer!
With a wide range of crafting supplies, fabrics, and home decor items, Joann Fabrics is a one-stop shop for all your creative needs.
Plus, they’ve expanded their online presence and e-commerce options so you can shop from the comfort of your own home.
Current Offerings and Services
Joann Fabrics, now known simply as Joann, offers a wide variety of crafting supplies, fabrics, and home decor items to inspire and satisfy the creative needs of their customers.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, they have everything you need to get started on your next project. From yarn and needles to paint and glitter, Joann has it all.
One of the most popular services Joann offers is their custom framing. They have a team of experts who can help you choose the perfect frame for your artwork or photo, and they even offer a satisfaction guarantee.
Additionally, Joann offers a variety of classes and workshops for those who want to learn new skills or improve upon existing ones.
With their wide range of products and services, Joann is a one-stop shop for all your crafting and creative needs.
Online Presence and E-commerce
You can easily access Joann Fabric’s products and services through their user-friendly website, where you’ll find a wide variety of crafting supplies and home decor items. You can browse through their extensive collection of fabrics, yarns, and sewing accessories, and add them to your cart with just a few clicks.
Their website also features helpful tutorials and project ideas, making it a great resource for DIY enthusiasts.
Here are some of the things you’ll enjoy when shopping on Joann Fabric’s website:
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Curbside pickup and in-store shopping options
- Exclusive discounts and promotions for email subscribers
- A rewards program that earns you points for every dollar spent
- A ‘Teacher Rewards’ program that offers special discounts for educators
With their convenient online presence and commitment to customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder that Joann Fabric has become a go-to destination for crafters and decorators alike.
Other Craft Stores in the Market
As a crafter, you may be familiar with other craft stores in the market that offer unique products and services to help you achieve your creative vision.
One of the most well-known craft stores is Michaels, which offers a wide range of crafting supplies, including yarn, fabric, and paper. They also offer classes and workshops to help you learn new crafting skills and techniques.
Another popular craft store is Hobby Lobby, which specializes in home decor and seasonal items, as well as traditional crafting supplies like yarn, fabric, and art supplies. Hobby Lobby also has a strong focus on religious and family values, and often features these themes in their products and advertising.
Joann Fabrics, which was originally called Cleveland Fabric Shop, is another major player in the craft store market. The company was founded in 1943 and has since grown to over 850 locations across the United States.
Joann Fabrics offers a wide range of crafting supplies, including fabric, yarn, and sewing notions. They also offer classes and workshops, as well as custom framing services.
Fun Facts About Joann Fabrics
Did you know that Joann Fabrics was founded in 1943 and has since grown to over 850 locations across the United States?
This retail chain is well-known for its wide variety of fabrics and sewing supplies, but did you know that they also offer classes and workshops? That’s right! Joann Fabrics is a great place to learn new crafting skills or to brush up on old ones.
One fun fact about Joann Fabrics is that their original name was actually Cleveland Fabric Shop. The name was changed to Jo-Ann Fabrics in 1969, after one of the daughters of the founder, Hilda Kaplan, who was named Jo-Ann.
The company continued to grow and expand throughout the years, eventually becoming the well-known brand that we all know and love today.
Another interesting fact about Joann Fabrics is that they have a strong commitment to giving back to the community. They regularly partner with organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Special Olympics, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide support and resources to those in need.
So, not only is Joann Fabrics a great place to get all of your crafting supplies, but it’s also a company that cares about making a positive impact in the world.
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