Jo-Ann Stores 10K/A 2003 Annual report (amended)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003

Commission File No. 1-6695

JO-ANN STORES, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Ohio		34-0720629
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

5555 Darrow Road, Hudson, Ohio		44236
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(330) 656-2600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


		Name of Each Exchange
Title of Class		on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock, Without Par Value		New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock, Without Par Value		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K/A or any amendment of this Form 10-K/A. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No o

The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 2, 2002 was $409.2 million.

The number of shares outstanding, as of April 11, 2003, of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock was 10,423,700 and of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock was 9,414,171.

Documents incorporated by reference:

Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference:


	Proxy Statement for 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders — Items 10, 11 and 12 of Part III.

Introductory Note:

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (this “Amendment”) amends the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003 filed on May 2, 2003 (the “Original Filing”).

The Company is filing this Amendment in order to amend (a) Part I — Item 8 note 12 “Minority Investment” of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which deals with expanded disclosure of IdeaForest.com and (b) Part IV-Item 15—to include financial statements for IdeaForest.com.

Exhibit No. 23.1 to this Amendment was identified as Exhibit 23 in the Original Filing and is being currently dated but is otherwise unchanged. Exhibit No. 23.2 to this Amendment is being added due to the addition of the IdeaForest.com financial statements. Exhibit No. 23.3 was identified as Exhibit 23.1 in the Original Filing and other than the change of the exhibit number is otherwise unchanged. Section 302 CEO/CFO Certifications were updated to be compliant with SEC changes effective July 28, 2003 and are included as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. Section 906 CEO/CFO Certifications were updated to be compliant with SEC changes effective July 28, 2003 and are included as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2.

PART I

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this report is given as of February 1, 2003, the end of our latest fiscal year. The words “Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.,” “Jo-Ann Stores,” “Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts,” “Jo-Ann etc,” “Registrant,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and, unless the context requires otherwise, to our subsidiaries. Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. is an Ohio corporation, founded in 1943. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31 and refers to the year in which the period ends (e.g., fiscal 2003 refers to the period ended February 1, 2003).

Item 1. Business

We are the nation’s largest fabric and craft specialty retailer, serving customers in their pursuit of apparel and craft sewing, crafting, home decorating, and other creative endeavors. Our retail stores (operating as Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts traditional stores and Jo-Ann superstores) feature a variety of competitively priced merchandise from fabrics and notions used in crafting, quilting, apparel sewing, and home decorating projects, to craft components, artificial and dried flowers, and finished seasonal merchandise. As of February 1, 2003, we operated 919 stores in 48 states (847 traditional stores and 72 superstores).

Our traditional stores average 14,400 square feet. Net sales per traditional store were approximately $1.4 million in fiscal 2003. Our superstores offer an expanded and more comprehensive product assortment than our traditional stores. Our superstores average 45,400 square feet and in fiscal 2003, on a per-store basis, averaged $6.0 million in net sales per superstore or generated more than four times the revenue and approximately 30 percent higher sales per square foot than our traditional stores. We believe our superstores, which accounted for 25 percent of total fiscal 2003 net sales, present opportunities for future growth.

Over the past five years, we have invested heavily in our infrastructure, primarily in the areas of superstore growth and systems and logistics. Although this infrastructure spending resulted in higher debt levels and interest expense, it was required in order to improve our operating efficiency and to build the necessary platform for continued store growth. Major capital expenditures during this period included:

	•		implementation of our fully integrated enterprise-wide system (“SAP Retail”) — completed in fiscal 2001;

	•		construction and opening of our Visalia, California distribution center, our second owned distribution center, completed in fiscal 2002; and

	•		the opening of 65 of our 72 superstores.

In fiscal 2001, we experienced significant difficulty with the implementation of SAP Retail, impacting our ability to stay in stock on key basic products while, at the same time, being overstocked on slower selling products. As a result, sales were negatively affected and our operating performance suffered.

As a result of our SAP Retail implementation issues, coupled with the increased debt levels and a decline in our operating margins, our strategy shifted from accelerating the growth of our superstore concept to improving the productivity of our existing asset base and realizing the benefits from our completed infrastructure investments. At the end of fiscal 2001, we announced the implementation of a three-year turnaround plan (the “Turnaround Plan”). A number of charges were taken during fiscal 2001 and 2002 related to the Turnaround Plan.

three-year plan. In fiscal 2003, we achieved record earnings and have reduced debt levels, net of cash, to approximately $100 million, our lowest level in five years, as discussed further in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Business Strategy

As we complete our Turnaround Plan in fiscal 2004, we intend to further improve our operating performance by growing same-store sales, improving gross margins, and reducing interest expense through further debt reduction. Key elements of this business strategy are:

Grow Same-Store Sales. Both our traditional stores and superstores present opportunities to improve same-store sales. Our focus in this effort is maintaining improved inventory in-stocks, improved retail advertising, merchandise driven initiatives and store optimization. SAP Retail, together with our improved distribution network structure, is providing excellent tools to accomplish these goals. The past year demonstrated that as in-stocks improve, we are able to consistently supply the desired merchandise and our customers respond favorably. We have significant opportunity to continue to leverage improvements as we refine our operations going forward. The superstore, in particular, has become a more significant component of our business, generating 25 percent of total net sales in fiscal 2003. We believe there is substantial same-store sales growth opportunities to be achieved as we market and merchandise the superstore concept more effectively.

Superstore Growth. Our strategy is to roll out our refined superstore format across the nation. Based on our research, we believe that our superstore is a “breakthrough” concept. Our research has demonstrated that our customers actually have a better perception of the quality and pricing of our products when they are presented in our superstore format. We believe that our 35,000 square foot superstore will give us a competitive advantage in the industry. Our superstores provide a unique shopping experience by offering a full creative selection — of sewing, crafting, framing, seasonal, floral and home accessories — all under one roof. In locations where we close a traditional store and replace it with a superstore, we generate an average sales increase in the first year of more than 300 percent. We have planned approximately 20 store openings for fiscal 2004, the majority of which will be superstores.

Improve Gross Margins. We believe we can improve gross margins by refining supply chain management and merchandising in our stores. We continually examine our product sourcing opportunities to improve our partnerships with our vendors or source through different channels. Further, SAP Retail has provided substantial flexibility in assessing product performance and we measure all of our product utilizing gross margin return on investment (“GMROI”). This process enables us to improve our product selection in our store inventory mix and allows us to reduce the level of non-performing product. SAP Retail also provides the flexibility to target specific SKU item performance and placement in the locations where maximum results can be obtained. We also believe we have further opportunities to reduce store shrink expense.

Reduce Interest Expense Through Debt Reduction. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio at February 1, 2003 was 36.0 percent. Debt, net of cash, to capitalization ratio at February 1, 2003 was 22.0 percent. This is significantly lower than our debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of fiscal 2002 of 49.0 percent. We are focused on operational performance improvements and the generation of cash flow for continued debt reduction as we return to new store growth. We have set a debt-to-capitalization ratio goal of approximately 20 percent for fiscal 2004 and we believe that level can be maintained while growing our store base. Improved inventory productivity contributed to the debt reduction we achieved in fiscal 2003, and we believe additional opportunity exists to improve inventory turns and grow our sales base without necessarily increasing our inventory investment.

Stores

The following table shows our stores by type and state at February 1, 2003:


	Traditional		Superstore		Total

Alabama		2		—		2
Alaska		5		—		5
Arizona		14		4		18
Arkansas		3		—		3
California		97		6		103
Colorado		14		—		14
Connecticut		15		2		17
Delaware		3		—		3
Florida		51		6		57
Georgia		9		6		15
Idaho		9		—		9
Illinois		42		—		42
Indiana		27		2		29
Iowa		11		—		11
Kansas		8		1		9
Kentucky		5		—		5
Louisiana		7		—		7
Maine		5		—		5
Maryland		20		3		23
Massachusetts		24		—		24
Michigan		46		10		56
Minnesota		17		5		22
Missouri		12		1		13
Montana		7		—		7
Nebraska		6		—		6
Nevada		4		2		6
New Hampshire		8		—		8
New Jersey		16		—		16
New Mexico		6		—		6
New York		38		7		45
North Carolina		9		—		9
North Dakota		4		—		4
Ohio		58		10		68
Oklahoma		5		—		5
Oregon		26		—		26
Pennsylvania		51		1		52
Rhode Island		2		—		2
South Carolina		2		—		2
South Dakota		2		—		2
Tennessee		2		3		5
Texas		54		—		54
Utah		13		—		13
Vermont		4		—		4
Virginia		22		—		22
Washington		34		3		37
West Virginia		5		—		5
Wisconsin		22		—		22
Wyoming		1		—		1

Total		847		72		919

The following table reflects the number of stores opened, expanded or relocated, closed and acquired during each of the past five fiscal years (square footage in thousands):


											Stores in
Fiscal	Stores		Expanded or		Stores			Stores			Operation at		Square
Year	Opened		Relocated		Closed			Acquired			Year-end		Footage

1999		31		26		(47	)		171	⁽¹⁾		1,058		15,270
2000		29		22		(61	)		—			1,026		15,642
2001		18		9		(37	)		—			1,007		16,068
2002		12		10		(60	)		—			959		15,897
2003		3		6		(43	)		—			919		15,435

⁽¹⁾

In April 1998, we completed a merger with House of Fabrics, Inc., a chain of 261 fabric and craft stores located primarily on the West Coast. Of the 261 stores acquired, 90 stores were consolidated with existing traditional stores. As a result, 171 net new units were added to the store base.

Our new store opening costs depend on the building type, store size and general cost levels in the geographical area. During fiscal 2003, we opened one superstore. Our average net opening cost of a superstore is $2.1 million, which includes leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, inventory (net of payable support) and pre-opening expenses. Also during fiscal 2003,

we opened two traditional stores, with an average square footage of approximately 20,000 square feet. Our average net opening cost of a traditional store is $1.0 million, which includes leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, inventory (net of payable support) and pre-opening expenses.

During fiscal 2004, we expect to open 20 new stores, the majority of which will be superstores, relocate five traditional stores to the new superstore format, and close approximately 40 traditional stores, approximately half of which are related to the superstore openings. We have committed to leases for 21 of the 25 planned projects.

Product Selection

The following table shows our net sales by principal product line as a percentage of total net sales:


			Fiscal Year Ended

			February 1,			February 2,			February 3,
			2003			2002			2001

Principal product lines:
	Softlines			63	%		64	%		63	%
	Hardlines and seasonal			37	%		36	%		37	%

		Total		100	%		100	%		100	%

Softlines

We offer a broad and comprehensive assortment of fabrics in both our traditional and superstore formats. These fabrics are merchandised by end use much like a department store and are sourced from throughout the world to offer our customer a combination of unique design, fashion forward trends, and value. Our assortments feature a combination of national brands, designer labels, as well as several proprietary brands such as our “signature series”. Our stores are organized in the following categories for the convenience of the sewer:

•

fashion and sportswear fabrics, used primarily in the construction of garments for the customer seeking a unique, fashion forward look;

•

special occasion fabrics used to construct evening wear, bridal and special occasion outfits;

•

craft fabrics, used primarily in the construction of quilts, craft and seasonal projects for the home;

•

juvenile designs for the construction of garments as well as blankets and decor accessories;

•

special-buy or fabrics representing extreme values for our customer;

•

home decorating fabrics and accessories used in home related projects such as window treatments, furniture and bed coverings. In addition to the in-store assortment, we offer a special order capability for additional designs;

•

a wide array of notions, which represent items incidental to sewing-related projects — including cutting implements, threads, zippers, trims, tapes, pins, elastics, buttons and ribbons as well as the patterns necessary for most sewing projects; and

•

sewing-related accessories including lighting, organizers, and sewing machines. Our high volume stores offer a wider selection of sewing machines through leased departments with third parties from whom we receive sublease income.

Hardlines and Seasonal

Our company offers a broad assortment of hardlines merchandise for the creative enthusiast. Our superstores offer the complete array of categories while our traditional stores, due to their smaller size, merchandise edited assortments, and in some cases, stock only those assortments necessary to serve our core customer. We offer the following hardline selections:

•

papercrafting components, such as albums, papers, stickers, stamps, and books used in the popular home based activities of scrapbooking and card making;

•

craft materials, including items used for stenciling, jewelry making, woodworking, wall decor, and kids crafting;

•

brand-name fine art materials, including items such as pastels, water colors, oil paints, acrylics, easels, brushes, paper and canvas;

•

yarn and accessories as well as needlecraft kits and supplies;

•

a comprehensive assortment of books and magazines to provide inspiration for our customer;

•

framed art, photo albums and ready-made frames and, in superstores, full service framing departments with picture framing materials, including custom frames, mat boards, glass, backing materials and related supplies;

•

floral products, including artificial flowers, dried flowers, artificial plants sold separately or in ready-made and custom floral arrangements and a broad selection of accessories essential for floral arranging and wreath making; and

•

home decor accessories including baskets, candles and accent collections designed to complement our home decor fashions.

In addition to the basic categories described above, our stores regularly feature seasonal products, which complement our core merchandising strategy. Our seasonal offering spans all product lines and includes decorations, gifts and supplies that focus on holidays including Easter, Halloween and Christmas, as well as seasonal categories such as patio/garden. We own several private label seasonal brands including the “Cottontale Collection,” “Spooky Hollow” and “Santa’s Workbench.” A large percentage of our seasonal assortments represent product designed exclusively for us.

During the Christmas selling season, a significant portion of floor and shelf space is devoted to seasonal crafts, decorating and gift-making merchandise. Due to the project-oriented nature of these items, our peak selling season extends longer than that of other retailers and generally runs from September through December. Accordingly, a fully developed seasonal merchandising program, including inventory, merchandise layout and instructional ideas, is implemented in every store during our third quarter of each fiscal year. This program includes increasing inventory levels so that each store is fully stocked during our peak-selling season.

During fiscal 2003, 49 percent of superstore net sales were derived from softlines and 51 percent from hardlines. Conversely, during fiscal 2003, 68 percent of traditional store net sales were derived from softlines and 32 percent from hardlines.

Marketing

Our proprietary mailing list includes more than three million preferred customers who have shopped with us in the past year. This allows us to efficiently segment and reach our target market. Through our national advertising campaign and proprietary mailing list, we believe that we are able to create high impact, low cost marketing campaigns. We focus our advertising on direct mail circulars for our traditional stores. For our superstores, we supplement our direct mail

advertising program with newspaper insert advertising. Our circulars and newspaper inserts feature numerous products offered at competitive prices and emphasize the wide selection of merchandise available in our stores.

In our efforts to market the Jo-Ann Stores concept we also focus on developing long-term relationships with our customers. These efforts include providing knowledge and inspiration in-store through classes, demonstrations and project sheets. This inspiration is also reinforced in our magazine and other collateral marketing tactics.

We also reach our customers through our relationship with IdeaForest, an on-line site for arts and crafts merchandise, creative ideas, advice and supplies. As part of the strategic relationship, IdeaForest, which operates as an independent entity, is responsible for all content and technology support to the joann.com website. We provide product to the site, with customer fulfillment and service being handled by IdeaForest.

Purchasing

We have numerous domestic and international sources of supply available for each category of product that we sell. During fiscal 2003, approximately 73 percent of our purchases were sourced domestically and 27 percent were sourced internationally. Although we have no long-term purchase commitments with any of our suppliers, we strive to maintain continuity with them. All purchases are centralized through our store support center, allowing store team leaders and store team members to focus on customer sales and service and enabling us to negotiate volume discounts, control product mix and ensure quality. Currently, none of our suppliers represent more than three percent of our annual purchase volume and the top ten suppliers represent less than 20 percent of our total annual purchase volume. We currently utilize approximately 900 merchandise suppliers, with the top 200 representing more than 80 percent of our purchasing volume.

Logistics

At the end of fiscal 2003, we operated two owned distribution centers which ship products to all of our stores on a weekly basis. Based on purchase dollars, approximately 82 percent of the products in our stores are shipped through our distribution center network, with the remaining 18 percent of our purchases shipped directly from our suppliers to our stores. Our primary distribution center facility is located in Hudson, Ohio and supplies product to approximately two-thirds of our store base and our Visalia, California distribution center, which opened in April 2001, services the remaining one-third of our store base.

We transport product from our distribution centers to our stores utilizing contract carriers. Merchandise is shipped directly from our distribution centers to our stores using dedicated core carriers for approximately 90 percent of our store base. For the remaining 10 percent of our chain, we transport product to the stores using less than truckload carriers or through 3 regional “hubs” where it is crossdocked for local delivery. We do not own either the regional hubs or the local delivery vehicles.

Store Operations

Site Selection.We believe that our store locations are integral to our success. Sites are selected through a coordinated effort of our real estate and operations management teams. In evaluating the desirability of a potential store site, we consider both market demographics and site-specific criteria. Market demographic criteria that we consider important include total population, number of households, median household income, percentage of home ownership versus rental, and historical and projected population growth over a ten-year period. Site-specific criteria that we consider important include rental terms, our position within the strip shopping

center, size of the location, age of the shopping center, co-tenants, proximity to highway access, traffic patterns and ease of entry from the major roadways framing the strip location.

Our expansion strategy is to give priority to adding stores in existing markets in order to create economies of scale associated with advertising, distribution, field supervision, and other regional expenses. We believe that there are attractive opportunities in most of our existing markets and numerous new markets.

Costs of Opening Stores.We employ standard operating procedures that allow us to efficiently open new stores and integrate them into our information and distribution systems. We develop a standardized floor plan, inventory layout, and marketing program for each new store we open. We typically open new stores during the period from February through October to minimize disruption to our business and maximize sales during our peak Christmas selling season.

Store Management.Traditional stores generally have four full-time team members and 10 to 15 part-time team members, while superstores typically have approximately 15 full-time team members and 35 to 40 part-time team members. Store team leaders are compensated with a base salary plus a bonus which is tied to quarterly store sales, customer satisfaction survey results, store shrink rates and annual store profit.

Traditional store team leaders are typically promoted from a group of top performing sales team members, some of whom started as our customers. This continuity serves to solidify long-standing relationships between our stores and our customers. When a traditional store is closed due to the opening of a superstore, we generally retain its team members to staff the new superstore. Superstore team leaders have primarily been staffed with individuals from outside the Company who have previous experience in managing “big-box” retail concepts.

Each store is under the supervision of a district team leader who reports to a regional vice president. Our human resource and field training departments are responsible for recruiting and training new store team leaders. Our prospective store team leaders are assigned to one of our existing stores as management-trainees for several weeks where they receive in-depth on-the-job training. In addition, quarterly training seminars are conducted for existing store team leaders and orientation and training programs are conducted for new sales team members.

Information Technology

We believe we employ industry leading information technology in our stores. Our point of sale register transactions are polled nightly and our point of sale system interfaces with both our financial and merchandising systems. We utilize point of sale registers and scanning devices to record the sale of product at a SKU level at the stores. We also utilize handheld radio frequency terminals for a variety of store tasks including price look-up, perpetual inventory exception counting, merchandise receiving, vendor returns and fabric sales processing. In the past year, we installed broadband communication and new store controllers in all of our traditional stores. The entire chain has now been upgraded with this technology, resulting in a greatly enhanced customer checkout experience and a better platform to further automate internal store communications.

Information obtained from item-level scanning through our point of sale system enables us to identify important trends to assist in managing inventory by facilitating the elimination of less profitable SKUs, increasing the in-stock level of more popular SKUs, analyzing product margins and generating data for advertising cost/benefit evaluations. We also believe that our point of sale system allows us to provide better customer service by increasing the speed and accuracy of register check out, enabling us to more rapidly re-stock merchandise and efficiently re-price sale items.

In March 2000, we went live on SAP Retail. The completion of the retail portion of this project merged all of our financial, merchandise, and retail systems and linked business processes on a single software platform. The total cost of SAP Retail was approximately $33.0 million and is being

amortized over five years. We experienced operating difficulties stemming from the implementation of SAP Retail, as discussed further inManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.During fiscal year 2002, we stabilized operations under SAP Retail and the system is now being used to fine tune our processes. In-stock positions and inventory turns have significantly improved, primarily driven by our auto-replenishment and the improved inventory management capabilities.

Status of Product or Line of Business

During fiscal 2003, there was no public announcement nor is there a public announcement anticipated, about either a new product line or line of business involving the investment of a material portion of our assets.

Trademarks

We do business under the federally registered trademarks “Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts” and “Jo-Ann etc.” We believe that these names are significant to our business.

Seasonal Business

Our business exhibits seasonality which is typical for most retail companies, with much stronger sales in the second half of the year than in the first half of the year. Net earnings are highest during the months of September through December when sales volumes provide significant operating leverage. Capital requirements needed to finance our operations fluctuate during the year and reach their highest levels during the second and third fiscal quarters as we increase our inventory in preparation for our peak selling season.

Customer Base

We are engaged in the retail sale of merchandise to the general public and, accordingly, no part of our business is dependent upon a single customer or a few customers. During fiscal 2003, no one store accounted for more than one percent of our total net sales.

Backlog of Orders

We sell merchandise to the general public on a cash and carry basis and, accordingly, we have no significant backlog of orders.

Competitive Conditions

We are the largest national category-dominant specialty retailer serving the retail sewing and crafting industry. Our stores compete with other specialty fabric and craft retailers and selected mass merchants, including Wal-Mart, that dedicate a portion of their selling space to a limited selection of fabrics and craft supply items. We compete on the basis of product assortment, price, convenience and customer service. We believe the combination of our product assortment, customer service emphasis, systems technology and frequent advertising provides us with a competitive advantage.

We have two national competitors in the fabric and craft specialty retail industry, one in the fabric segment and one in the craft segment of the industry, with the balance of the competitors being regional and local operators. We believe that there are only a few competitors with fabric or crafts sales exceeding $200 million annually. We believe that we have several advantages over most of our smaller competitors, including:

•

purchasing power;

•

ability to support efficient nationwide distribution; and

•

the financial resources to execute our strategy and capital investment needs going forward.

Research and Development

During the three fiscal years ended February 1, 2003, we have not incurred any material expense on research activities relating to the development of new products or services or the improvement of existing products or services.

Environmental Disclosure

We are not engaged in manufacturing. Accordingly, we do not believe that compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of material into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment will have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, income or competitive position.

Employees

As of February 1, 2003, we had approximately 21,200 full and part-time employees, of which 19,700 worked in our stores, 400 were employed in our Hudson distribution center, 200 were employed in our Visalia distribution center and the balance were located at our store support center. The number of part-time employees is substantially higher during the Christmas selling season. We believe our employee turnover is below average for retailers primarily because our stores are staffed with sewing and crafting enthusiasts. In addition, we provide an attractive work environment, employee discounts, flexible hours and competitive compensation packages within the local labor markets. Our ability to offer flexible scheduling is important in attracting and retaining these employees since over 70 percent of our employees work part-time.

The United Steelworkers of America, Upholstery and Allied Industries Division currently represents employees who work in our Hudson, Ohio distribution center. Our current contract expires in May 2004. We believe that our relations with our employees and the union are good.

Foreign Operations and Export Sales

In fiscal 2003, we purchased approximately 27 percent of our products directly from manufacturers located in foreign countries. These foreign suppliers are located primarily in Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. In addition, many of our domestic suppliers purchase a portion of their products from foreign suppliers. Because a large percentage of our products are manufactured or sourced abroad, we are required to order these products further in advance than would be the case if the products were manufactured domestically. If we underestimate consumer demand, we may not be able to fully satisfy our customers on a timely basis. If we overestimate consumer demand, we may be required to hold goods in inventory for a longer period of time or to reduce selling prices in order to clear excess inventory at the end of a selling season. We do not have long-term contracts with any manufacturers.

Foreign manufacturing is also subject to a number of other risks, including work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political instability, economic disruptions, the imposition of tariffs and import and export controls, changes in governmental policies and other events. If any of these events occur, it could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, reductions in the value of the U.S. dollar could ultimately increase the prices that we pay for our products.

Other Available Information

We also make available, free of charge, on our Internet website at www.joann.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 2. Properties

Our store support center and Hudson distribution center are located in a 1.4 million square foot facility on 105 acres in Hudson, Ohio. We own both the facility and the real estate. The distribution center occupies 1.0 million square feet and the remainder is used as our store support center, a superstore, and office space we lease to another tenant. In addition, we own 77 acres of land adjacent to our Hudson, Ohio facility.

During January 2001, we completed construction of a 630,000 square foot distribution center located on an 80-acre site in Visalia, California. We own both the facility and the real estate.

The remaining properties that we occupy are leased retail store facilities, located primarily in high-traffic shopping centers. All store leases are operating leases. Traditional store leases generally have initial terms of five to ten years and renewal options for up to 20 years. Superstore leases generally have initial terms of 10-15 years and renewal options generally ranging from 5- 20 years. Certain store leases contain escalation clauses and contingent rents based on a percent of net sales in excess of defined minimums. During the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003, we incurred $143.0 million of rental expense, including common area maintenance, taxes and insurance for store locations.

As of February 1, 2003, the current terms of our store leases, assuming we exercise all lease renewal options, were as follows:


		Number of
Year Lease Terms Expire		Store Leases

Month-to-month			11
2004			20
2005			29
2006			24
2007			31
2008			29
Thereafter			774

	Total		918

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in any litigation which we expect, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders during our fourth quarter.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following information is set forth pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.

Our executive officers are as follows:


Name	Age		Position

Alan Rosskamm		53	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Dave Bolen		51	Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Marketing and Logistics
Brian Carney		42	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Michael Edwards		42	Executive Vice President, Operations
Valerie Gentile Sachs		47	Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Rosalind Thompson		53	Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Alan Rosskammhas been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company for more than five years. He is a member of one of the two founding families of our Company and has been employed by us since 1978. Mr. Rosskamm is the son of Betty Rosskamm. Mr. Rosskamm is also a Director of Charming Shoppes Inc., a women’s apparel retailer.

Dave Bolenhas been Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Marketing and Logistics of our Company since March 2001. He was Executive Vice President, Stores and Business Development from August 1997 to March 2001 and Senior Vice President, General Manager Jo-Ann etc from March 1997 to August 1997. Prior to joining our Company, he was Executive Vice President-Operations of Michaels Stores, Inc., a national craft retailer, from July 1994 to August 1996.

Brian Carneyhas been Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of our Company for more than five years. Prior to joining our Company, he was Senior Vice President-Finance from May 1996 to August 1997, and Vice President and Controller from June 1992 to May 1996, of Revco D.S., Inc., a retail drugstore chain (acquired by CVS Corporation in 1997).

Michael Edwardshas been Executive Vice President, Operations of our Company since April 2001. Prior to joining our Company, he was Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Chief Marketing Officer of West Marine, Inc., a specialty retailer of boating supplies from June 1999 to March 2001. He was Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Golfsmith LP, a retailer of golf equipment from September 1998 to May 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Edwards was with CompUSA, a retailer of computer-related products, from 1990 to 1998 where he served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Operations during his tenure. Mr. Edwards was also a Director and Chairman of the Board of iGo Corporation, a mobile technology products parts provider, from October 1999 to January 2001.

Valerie Gentile Sachshas been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of our Company since January 2003. Prior to joining our Company she was the General Counsel of Marconi plc, of London, England, global company serving the communications industry, from March 2002. Previously she was Executive Vice President and General Counsel from April 2001 to March 2002, and Vice President and General Counsel from November 2000 to April 2001 of Marconi Communications, Inc., the operating company for Marconi in the Americas. From December 1997 to November 2000 she was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for

RELTEC Corporation, a network equipment and network services provider, RELTEC Corporation went public in March 1998 and was acquired by Marconi in April 1999.

Rosalind Thompsonhas been Executive Vice President, Human Resources of our Company since December 1999. She was previously Senior Vice President, Human Resources from March 1992 to December 1999.

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The Company’s Class A and Class B common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols JAS.a and JAS.b, respectively. The number of Class A and Class B common shareholders of record as of April 11, 2003 were 675 and 584, respectively.

The quarterly high and low closing stock prices for fiscal 2003 and 2002 are presented in the table below:


	Class A				Class B
	Common Stock				Common Stock

	High		Low		High		Low

Fiscal 2003:
February 1, 2003	$	26.85	$	21.81	$	22.85	$	18.19
November 2, 2002		33.75		23.35		26.69		18.32
August 3, 2002		29.25		19.15		21.50		14.50
May 4, 2002		20.34		10.70		17.30		9.15
Fiscal 2002:
February 2, 2002	$	11.10	$	3.90	$	9.30	$	2.25
November 3, 2001		5.81		4.25		3.80		2.50
August 4, 2001		4.95		3.95		3.25		2.25
May 5, 2001		5.60		3.90		4.75		2.83

The Company did not pay dividends on its common stock during fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002. The Company’s dividend policy has been to retain earnings for the operation and growth of its business. Payments of dividends, if any, in the future will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of appropriate business conditions.

See Part III, Item 12 for a description of our equity compensation plans.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents our selected financial data for each of the ten years ending February 1, 2003. The selected financial data was derived from the audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and other financial data that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company presents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) because management believes that EBITDA could be useful for investors in assessing our operating performance and our performance relative to our financial obligations. Additionally, EBITDA is a measure commonly used and referred to by financial analysts because of its usefulness in evaluating operating performance. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measurement and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance. Additionally, EBITDA may not be comparable to financial data as defined or used by other companies. We have included a reconciliation of our reported net income to EBITDA at the bottom of the table.


	Fiscal Year Ended

	Feb 1,			Feb 2,			Feb 3,			Jan 29,			Jan 30,			Jan 31,			Feb 1,			Jan 27,			Jan 28,			Jan 29,
	2003			2002			2001^(a)			2000			1999			1998			1997^(a)			1996			1995			1994

	(Dollars in millions, except earnings per share data)
Operating Results:
Net sales	$	1,682.0		$	1,570.3		$	1,483.3		$	1,381.5		$	1,242.9		$	975.0		$	929.0		$	834.6		$	677.3		$	582.1
Total net sales percentage Increase		7.1	%		5.9	%		7.4	%		11.2	%		27.5	%		5.0	%		11.3	%		23.2	%		16.4	%		1.4	%
Same-store sales percentage increase (b)		8.4	%		5.9	%		1.3	%		4.5	%		3.5	%		3.8	%		7.5	%		3.0	%		1.0	%		(4.4	)%
Gross margin		777.5			693.1			645.1			633.2			564.0			441.5			412.1			378.5			299.3			251.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses		642.9			644.2			589.2			533.8			476.7			363.1			340.9			319.9			257.2			223.4
Depreciation and amortization		36.1			39.3			38.3			32.0			27.7			21.7			21.2			18.2			14.0			12.0

Operating profit		98.5			9.6			17.6			67.4			34.5			56.7			50.0			40.4			28.1			16.2
Operating profit percent of net sales		5.9	%		0.6	%		1.2	%		4.9	%		2.8	%		5.8	%		5.4	%		4.8	%		4.1	%		2.8	%
Net income (loss)	$	44.9		$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)	$	25.6		$	13.4		$	30.6		$	24.6		$	17.8		$	12.1		$	1.9
Net income percent of net sales		2.7	%		(0.9	)%		(0.9	)%		1.9	%		1.1	%		3.1	%		2.6	%		2.1	%		1.8	%		0.3	%
EBITDA	$	134.6		$	48.9		$	55.9		$	99.4		$	62.2		$	78.4		$	71.2		$	58.6		$	42.1		$	28.2
EBITDA percent of net sales		8.0	%		3.1	%		3.8	%		7.2	%		5.0	%		8.0	%		7.7	%		7.0	%		6.2	%		4.8	%
Per Share Data ^(c):
Net income (loss) - - diluted	$	2.23		$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)	$	1.38		$	0.67		$	1.59		$	1.26		$	0.91		$	0.65		$	0.35
Average shares outstanding - diluted (000’s)		20,106			18,444			18,041			18,583			19,904			20,592			21,216			19,293			18,749			18,877

Financial Position:											��
Cash	$	63.2		$	21.1		$	17.5		$	21.4		$	20.4		$	14.8		$	12.6		$	11.6		$	21.9		$	7.7
Inventories		363.1			369.0			451.0			442.5			404.0			278.9			280.6			322.6			274.7			223.8
Current assets		471.7			438.2			505.8			497.9			480.1			312.3			308.7			351.8			315.8			247.1
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		190.3			210.1			190.2			194.7			164.0			110.0			94.6			102.0			84.1			75.6
Current liabilities		205.8			205.4			223.5			208.1			209.2			164.8			141.2			129.2			127.5			80.2
Long-term debt		162.9			223.7			240.0			245.2			182.5			24.7			72.1			155.5			127.0			102.5
Shareholders’ equity		289.4			232.8			248.8			259.4			249.0			231.1			189.8			171.4			151.8			148.4
Per Share Data ^(c):
Book value (d)	$	14.81		$	12.49		$	13.67		$	14.54		$	13.10		$	12.31		$	10.59		$	9.27		$	8.25		$	8.16
Shares outstanding, net of treasury shares (000’s)		19,543			18,632			18,207			17,845			19,012			18,767			17,921			18,486			18,398			18,194

Item 6. Selected Financial Data (Continued)


	Fiscal Year Ended

	Feb 1,			Feb 2,			Feb 3,			Jan 29,			Jan 30,			Jan 31,			Feb 1,			Jan 27,			Jan 28,			Jan 29,
	2003			2002			2001^(a)			2000			1999			1998			1997^(a)			1996			1995			1994

	(Dollars in millions, except earnings per share data)
Other Financial Information:
Return on average equity ^(e)		17.2	%		(6.2	)%		(5.4	)%		10.1	%		5.6	%		14.5	%		13.6	%		11.0	%		8.1	%		1.3	%
Capital expenditures	$	22.7		$	66.5		$	35.9		$	67.4		$	75.1		$	36.6		$	13.2		$	34.7		$	11.7		$	8.5
Long-term debt to total capitalization		36.0	%		49.0	%		49.1	%		48.6	%		42.3	%		9.7	%		27.5	%		47.6	%		45.6	%		40.9	%

Store Count:
Traditional stores		847			889			949			984			1,034			896			913			935			964			655
Superstores		72			70			58			42			24			7			1			1			—			—

Total		919			959			1,007			1,026			1,058			903			914			936			964			655

Store Square Footage (000’s)
Traditional stores		12,165			12,684			13,381			13,685			14,144			11,794			11,566			11,476			11,424			7,481
Superstores		3,270			3,213			2,687			1,957			1,126			325			46			46			—			—

Total		15,435			15,897			16,068			15,642			15,270			12,119			11,612			11,522			11,424			7,481

EBITDA Reconciliation:
Net income (loss)	$	44.9		$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)	$	25.6		$	13.4		$	30.6		$	24.6		$	17.8		$	12.1		$	1.9
Income tax provision (benefit)		27.6			(8.8	)		(4.3	)		15.6			8.6			19.1			14.8			10.6			7.6			3.9
Depreciation and amortization		36.1			39.3			38.3			32.0			27.7			21.7			21.2			18.2			14.0			12.0
Interest expense, net		26.0			32.7			29.0			26.2			12.5			5.9			10.6			12.0			8.4			5.6
Losses from extraordinary items/discontinued operations		—			0.6			—			—			—			1.1			—			—			—			4.8
Equity and asset impairment losses of minority investment		—			—			6.5			—			—			—			—			—			—			—

EBITDA	$	134.6		$	48.9		$	55.9		$	99.4		$	62.2		$	78.4		$	71.2		$	58.6		$	42.1		$	28.2

^(a)

53-week year.

^(b)

Same-store sales are defined as net sales from stores that have been open one year or more. Net sales are included in the same-store sales calculation on the first day of the first month following the one-year anniversary of a store’s opening. In conjunction with the expansion or relocation of our stores, we exclude the net sales results from these stores in our same-store sales calculation until the first day of the first month following the one year anniversary of its expansion or relocation. Further, in a 53 week year, net sales are compared to the comparable 53 weeks of the prior period.

^(c)

The number of shares and per share data have been restated to give effect to changes required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”, and the Recapitalization Amendment, effective August 2, 1995, which has been accounted for as if it were a two-for-one stock split.

^(d)

Book value is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity by shares outstanding, net of treasury shares.

^(e)

Return on average equity is calculated by dividing net income by the average of the Company shareholders’ equity as of the beginning and end of its current fiscal year.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements presented in this Form 10-K/A.

We are the nation’s largest fabric and craft specialty retailer, serving customers in their pursuit of apparel and craft sewing, crafting, home decorating, and other creative endeavors. Our retail stores (operating asJo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts traditional stores andJo-Ann superstores) feature a variety of competitively priced merchandise from fabrics and notions used in crafting, quilting, apparel sewing, and home decorating projects, to craft components, artificial and dried flowers, and finished seasonal merchandise. As of February 1, 2003, we operated 919 stores in 48 states (847 traditional stores and 72 superstores).

Our traditional stores average 14,400 square feet. Net sales per traditional store average $1.4 million. Our superstores offer an expanded and more comprehensive product assortment than our traditional stores. Our superstores average 45,400 square feet and in fiscal 2003, on a per-store basis, averaged $6.0 million in net sales per superstore or generated more than four times the revenue and approximately 30% higher sales per square foot than our traditional stores. We believe our superstores, which accounted for 25% of fiscal 2003 net sales, present opportunities for future growth.

Over the past five years, we have invested heavily in our infrastructure, primarily in the areas of superstore growth and systems and logistics. Although this infrastructure spending resulted in higher debt levels and interest expense, it was required in order to improve our operating efficiency and to build the necessary platform for continued growth. Major capital expenditures during this period included:

•

implementation of our fully integrated enterprise-wide system (“SAP Retail”) — completed in fiscal 2001;

•

construction and opening of our Visalia, California distribution center, our second owned distribution center, completed in fiscal 2002; and

•

the opening of 65 of our 72 superstores.

In fiscal 2001, we experienced significant difficulty with the implementation of SAP Retail, negatively impacting our ability to stay in stock on key basic products while, at the same time, being overstocked on slower selling products. As a result, sales were negatively affected and our operating performance suffered.

As a result of the SAP Retail implementation issues, coupled with the increased debt levels and a decline in our operating margins, our strategy shifted from accelerating the growth of our superstore concept to improving the productivity of our existing asset base and realizing the benefits from our completed infrastructure investments. At the end of fiscal 2001, we announced the implementation of our turnaround plan (the “Turnaround Plan”). A number of charges (the “Turnaround Charges”) were taken during fiscal 2002 and 2001 related to the Turnaround Plan. See the discussion below under “Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement.”

During fiscal 2002 and 2003, the Company made significant strides in executing its Turnaround Plan and improving its operations. In fact, in the two years since the announcement of the Turnaround Plan, we have exceeded all of our financial goals we had established for the original three-year plan. In fiscal 2003, we achieved record earnings and have reduced debt levels, net of cash, to less than $100 million, our lowest level in five years.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the financial information through operating profit, expressed as a percentage of net sales. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.


		Percentage of Net Sales

		Fiscal Year Ended

		Feb 1, 2003			Feb 2, 2002			Feb 3, 2001

Net sales			100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Gross margin			46.2	%		44.1	%		43.5	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			38.2	%		41.0	%		39.7	%
Depreciation and amortization			2.1	%		2.5	%		2.6	%

	Operating profit		5.9	%		0.6	%		1.2	%

Comparison of the 52 Weeks Ended February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002

Net sales.Net sales for fiscal 2003 were $1.682 billion compared with $1.570 billion in fiscal 2002, an increase of $112.0 million, or 7.1%. Same-store sales increased 8.4% for fiscal 2003 compared with a same-store sales increase of 5.9% for the prior year. Same-store sales generated all of the overall net sales increase, as we operated 40 fewer stores at the end of fiscal 2003 than a year ago. Store square footage decreased 2.9% during the year.

By store format, our same-store sales for traditional stores increased 8.5% for fiscal 2003 compared with a 5.1% same-store sales increase in fiscal 2002. Approximately 75% of the increase is attributable to an increase in average ticket, with the remaining 25% attributable to increased customer traffic. Same-store sales for superstores, which accounted for 25% of total revenues, increased 7.8% for fiscal 2003 compared with a 9.4% same-store sales increase in fiscal 2002. Approximately 60% of the increase is attributable to increased customer traffic, with the remainder attributable to an increase in average ticket. We attribute the improvement in same-store sales to strong industry fundamentals, improved merchandising initiatives as well as an improved inventory in-stock position on key basic items and advertised items in our stores.

Gross margin.As you review our gross margin performance, we believe you should consider the following important information related to charges recorded in fiscal 2002 (which are discussed in further detail below under“Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement"):

•

During fiscal 2002, sales related to the SKU Reduction Initiative totaled $34 million, recorded at zero gross margin. This negatively impacted the fiscal 2002 gross margin rate by approximately 100 basis points (100 basis points equal one percent).

•

During fiscal 2002, $2.6 million of the $19.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in cost of sales. This negatively impacted the fiscal 2002 gross margin rate by approximately 20 basis points.

Gross margin for fiscal 2003 was $777.5 million compared with $693.1 million in fiscal 2002. As a percentage of net sales, fiscal 2003 gross margin was 46.2% compared with 44.1% in the prior year, an increase of 210 basis points. Turnaround Charges recorded in fiscal 2002 accounted for approximately 20 basis points of the improvement, while the absence of the SKU Reduction Initiative sales accounted for another 100 basis points of the improvement. The remaining margin rate improvement was largely driven by improvement in the store shrink expense rate of approximately 150 basis points. Partially offsetting this improvement were lower selling margins caused by the more challenging retail environment in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2003, which necessitated promotional pricing, particularly on seasonal goods, to be more aggressive versus the year earlier period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses include store and administrative payroll, employee benefits, distribution costs, store occupancy costs, advertising expenses and administrative expenses. As you review our SG&A performance, we believe you should consider the following important information related to charges recorded in fiscal 2002 (which is discussed in further detail below under “Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement”):

•

During fiscal 2002, $17.1 million of the $19.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in SG&A. This negatively impacted the SG&A rate by approximately 110 basis points.

•

During fiscal 2002, the settlement of certain California wage litigation resulted in a charge of $6.5 million. This negatively impacted the SG&A rate by approximately 40 basis points.

SG&A expenses were $642.9 million for fiscal 2003 versus $644.2 million in fiscal 2002. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased 280 basis points to 38.2% of net sales versus 41.0% of net sales for fiscal 2002. The Turnaround Charges recorded in fiscal 2002 discussed above accounted for 150 basis points of the improvement. The remaining rate improvement was due to positive expense leverage realized primarily in store expenses, with strong cost controls complementing the favorable impact of improved same-store sales growth.

Depreciation and amortization.Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2003 decreased $3.2 million to $36.1 million from $39.3 million in fiscal 2002. This decrease is attributable to discontinuing goodwill amortization, pursuant to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which lowered amortization expense by $0.7 million, and a slowdown in our capital expenditures.

Operating profit.Operating profit for fiscal 2003 was $98.5 million, compared with $9.6 million for fiscal 2002. The fiscal 2002 operating profit was impacted by the Turnaround Charges recorded. See the “Gross margin” and “Selling, general and administrative expenses” discussions above.

Interest expense.Interest expense for fiscal 2003 was $26.0 million, compared with $32.7 million in fiscal 2002, a decrease of $6.7 million. Substantially all of this decrease is attributable to a decrease in average debt levels. Our average debt levels during fiscal 2003 were $239 million compared with $319 million during fiscal 2002. During fiscal 2003 we repurchased, in the open market, $27.1 million of our 10 3/8% subordinated notes at a purchase price of $28.3 million or 4.3% over par. The premium we paid on the purchase plus a pro-rata portion of the capitalized deferred finance charges totaling $1.9 million pre-tax were written off and recorded in SG&A expense, as discussed under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Income taxes.Our effective income tax rate was 38.0% for both fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002.

Extraordinary item.In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we entered into a new $365.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). Deferred finance charges written-off under the prior senior credit facility totaled $0.6 million after-tax, or $0.03 per diluted share, and were recorded as an extraordinary item.

Comparison of the 52 Weeks Ended February 2, 2002 and the 53 Weeks Ended February 3, 2001

Our results for fiscal 2002 demonstrated strong progress on our Turnaround Plan initiatives.

Net sales.Net sales for fiscal 2002 were $1.570 billion compared with $1.483 billion in fiscal 2001, an increase of $87.0 million, or 5.9%. Fiscal 2001 was a 53-week year. Excluding the 53rd week, sales increased 7.5% over fiscal 2001. Same-store sales increased $82.8 million, or 5.9%, for fiscal 2002 over fiscal 2001. Same-store sales increased 1.3% for fiscal 2001 over fiscal 2000. The remainder of the net sales increase was due to the increase in the number of superstores in operation. We operated 70 superstores at February 2, 2002 compared to 58 superstores at February 3, 2001.

By store format, our same-store sales performance for traditional stores increased 5.1%. Approximately 70% of the increase was attributable to a higher average ticket, with the remainder attributable to an increase in customer traffic. Same-store sales for superstores increased 9.4%, approximately 65% of which was attributable to an increase in customer traffic, with the remainder attributable to a higher average ticket. Each of our major product categories experienced positive same-store sales growth for the year.

We believe the improvement in same-store sales year over year is primarily due to an improved inventory in-stock position in our stores. Sales performance was particularly strong in our hardlines and home decor categories. Clearance sales associated with the SKU Reduction Initiative contributed approximately $34 million in sales for the year, but were recorded at a zero gross margin. At the end of fiscal 2002, we had completed our SKU Reduction Initiative.

Gross margin.As you review our gross margin performance, we believe you should consider the following important information (which is discussed in further detail below under“Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement"):

•

Fiscal 2002 charges:

•

Sales related to the SKU Reduction Initiative totaled $34 million, recorded at zero gross margin. This negatively impacted the gross margin rate by approximately 100 basis points.

•

$2.6 million of the $19.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in cost of sales. This negatively impacted the gross margin rate by approximately 20 basis points.

•

During fiscal 2001, $23.0 million of the $29.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in cost of sales. This negatively impacted the gross margin rate by approximately 160 basis points.

Gross margin for fiscal 2002 was $693.1 million compared with $645.1 million in fiscal 2001. As a percentage of net sales, fiscal 2002 gross margin was 44.1% compared with 43.5% in the prior year, an increase of 60 basis points. The SKU Reduction Initiative and Turnaround Charges recorded in fiscal 2002 and 2001, discussed above, accounted for 40 basis points of improvement. Higher shrink expense incurred during fiscal year 2002 was more than offset by higher realized store margin rates. Shrink expense, as a percentage of sales, deteriorated 100 basis points from our shrink rates in fiscal 2001.

The shrink expense increase resulted from a deterioration in our shrink rate versus the prior year, consistent with the trend identified in the first half of the year and disclosed in our quarterly Form 10-Q filings throughout fiscal 2002. Our store shrink accrual rates are adjusted based upon the performance of annual physical inventories taken throughout the year. Physical inventories are concentrated in the nine months between January and September. At the end of the fourth quarter, we had inventoried, reconciled and recorded the inventory results of all our stores.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.SG&A expenses include store and administrative payroll, employee benefits, distribution costs, store occupancy costs, advertising expenses and administrative expenses. As you review our SG&A performance, we believe you should consider the following important information (which is discussed in further detail below under“Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement"):

•

Fiscal 2002 charges:

•

$17.1 million of the $19.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in SG&A. This negatively impacted the fiscal 2002 SG&A rate by approximately 110 basis points.

•

We recorded $6.5 million for the settlement of certain California litigation. This negatively impacted the fiscal 2002 SG&A rate by approximately 40 basis points.

•

During fiscal 2001, $6.7 million of the $29.7 million in Turnaround Charges were recorded in SG&A. This negatively impacted the fiscal 2001 SG&A rate by approximately 45 basis points.

SG&A expenses were $644.2 million for fiscal 2002 versus $589.2 million in fiscal 2001. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased 130 basis points to 41.0% of net sales in fiscal 2002 versus 39.7% of net sales for fiscal 2001. Approximately 110 basis points of the deterioration in the SG&A rate to sales was due to the Turnaround Charges and litigation settlement discussed above. In addition, SG&A expense leverage was negatively impacted primarily by higher distribution expenses due to the opening of our second distribution center in Visalia, California. The opening of this distribution center necessitated operating a three distribution center network for approximately the first eight months of fiscal 2002 until our contract facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California was closed in September. The start-up costs of our Visalia distribution center, coupled with the duplicative cost of running a three distribution center network for eight months, added approximately $3.0 million in distribution expenses in fiscal 2002.

Depreciation and amortization.Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2002 was $39.3 million compared with $38.3 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $1.0 million. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to two additional months of depreciation related to SAP Retail, which we began depreciating in April 2000.

Operating profit.Operating profit for fiscal 2002 was $9.6 million, compared with $17.6 million in fiscal 2001, a decrease of $8.0 million. Operating profit for both fiscal 2002 and 2001 was impacted by the Turnaround Charges and the litigation settlement. See the “Gross margin” and “Selling, general and administrative expenses” discussions above.

Interest expense.Interest expense for fiscal 2002 was $32.7 million, compared with $29.0 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $3.7 million. The increase is primarily due to the impact of higher average borrowings partially offset by a lower average interest rate. Our average debt levels during fiscal 2002 were $319 million compared with $269 million during fiscal 2001. The increase in average borrowings is due primarily to the unwind of a synthetic lease facility used to finance our Visalia distribution center and a change in import letters of credit terms from 120 days to “sight”, as discussed under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Income taxes.Our effective income tax rate was 38.0% for both fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001.

Equity and asset impairment losses of minority investment.On June 6, 2000, we announced the formation of a strategic relationship with IdeaForest, an on-line destination site for arts and crafts merchandise, creative ideas, advice and supplies. As part of the strategic relationship, IdeaForest, which operates as an independent entity, is responsible for all content and technology support to the joann.com website. We provide product to the site, with customer fulfillment and service being handled by IdeaForest. We invested $6.5 million in IdeaForest, which, combined with our contribution of strategic assets, entitled us to a 28.5% ownership interest. During fiscal 2001, we recorded equity losses of $3.2 million related to this minority investment, $2.1 million of which was recorded during the first three quarters of fiscal 2001.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, we reduced the carrying value of our investment in IdeaForest to zero, which resulted in a $3.3 million charge. Our decision to reduce the carrying value of our investment to zero was predicated on operating projections prepared by IdeaForest that resulted in the their cash balance being reduced to near zero before cash flow positive operating status was achieved. Currently, IdeaForest’s operations on an annualized basis are not yet profitable, but the company is approaching a cash flow breakeven level. We remain committed to an online presence and we will continue to evaluate our options with IdeaForest as the company demonstrates continued improvement in its operations.

Extraordinary Item.In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we entered into the Credit Facility, consisting of a $325.0 million revolving credit facility and a $40.0 million term loan facility. The

Credit Facility replaced our prior senior credit and synthetic lease facilities. Deferred finance charges written-off under the prior senior credit facility totaled $0.6 million after-tax, or $0.03 per diluted share, and were recorded as an extraordinary item. See the discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources of Liquidity” below.

Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement

During the three years ended February 1, 2003, we recorded various charges associated with a turnaround plan (the “Turnaround Plan”) that we initiated in fiscal 2001. These charges included store closing costs, inventory markdowns to net realizable value in connection with the SKU Reduction Initiative and store closings, and asset impairment losses for store fixtures and leaseholds. Collectively, we have referred to these charges as the turnaround charges (“Turnaround Charges”). We also recorded a litigation settlement charge of $6.5 million in fiscal 2002.

Store Closing Charges.We review the productivity of our store base on an ongoing basis and actively manage our real estate to preserve maximum flexibility in lease terms. As a result, we have very few stores in operation that are not cash flow positive on a “four-wall” contribution basis. In addition, despite an aggressive store rationalization policy, pursuant to which we have closed approximately 250 stores in the last five years, we are paying rent on just five store locations where we have not yet obtained a sublease tenant or executed a lease termination.

In accordance with the applicable accounting literature (Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring),” Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of” and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 100, “Restructuring and Impairment Charges,”) we recorded pre-tax charges in operating expenses of $17.1 million in fiscal 2002 and $6.7 million in fiscal 2001 for restructuring and asset impairment costs resulting from 148 identified store closings associated with the Turnaround Plan. We also incurred expenses of $0.5 million and $1.2 million, in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively, for store closings unrelated to the Turnaround Plan.

As discussed in Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies, effective December 31, 2002, we are required to account for the costs of store closings under SFAS No. 146. In addition, we have adopted the new accounting requirements related to asset impairment as required by SFAS No. 144, effective February 3, 2002.

Through the end of fiscal 2003, we have closed 120 of the stores identified for closure as part of the Turnaround Plan. All of the remaining stores to be closed, with the exception of eight store locations, are scheduled to close in the next 24 months. These eight store locations will continue to be operated, due to our inability to successfully negotiate an acceptable arrangement to exit the lease. A total of $7.7 million for estimated lease obligations, associated with the stores to be closed as part of the Turnaround Plan, were reversed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The reversal related to stores where estimates were revised, as well as the eight stores we could not close. We also recorded an asset impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 of $6.7 million for these eight stores and other store locations, representing the difference between the asset carrying value and the future net discounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets. The remainder of the store closing charges in fiscal 2003, highlighted in the table below, represents lease obligations and other costs associated with stores identified for closure in fiscal 2004 that were not part of the Turnaround Plan.

The charges to the statement of operations for the three fiscal years ended February 1, 2003 related to store closings are summarized below (dollars in millions), and include charges for both store closings as part of our turnaround initiatives, as well as store closings from normal operating activity.


		Fiscal Year Ended

		2003			2002		2001

Store Closing Charges:
	Non-cancelable lease obligations	$	(5.9	)	$	9.6	$	4.1
	Asset impairment		6.7			5.0		—
	Other costs		0.6			3.0		3.8

Total		$	1.4		$	17.6	$	7.9

Non-cancelable lease obligationsinclude the lesser of the estimated buyout or remaining lease obligations of the stores to be closed. Estimated continuing lease obligations were reduced by anticipated sublease rental income.

Asset impairmentsinclude write-downs of fixed assets to estimated fair value for stores closed, or scheduled to be closed, and certain other store locations where impairment exists. The asset impairment represents the difference between the asset carrying value and our estimate of the future net discounted cash flows to be generated by those assets.

Other costsrepresent other miscellaneous store closing costs, including among other things, costs related to fixtures, signage and register removal.

In accordance with EITF 96-9 “Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with a Restructuring,” we also recorded in cost of goods sold the markdown of certain inventory contained in the stores identified for closing to its net realizable value. Inventory write-downs recorded were $2.4 million in fiscal 2003 and $2.6 million in fiscal 2002. The inventory reserve remaining at February 1, 2003 is $2.4 million.

Summarized below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending store closing reserve balances for the three years ended February 1, 2003 (dollars in millions):


		Non-cancelable
		Lease			Asset			Other
		Obligations			Impairments			Costs			Total

Balance at Jan 29, 2000		$	4.4		$	—		$	—		$	4.4
Amounts charged to income			4.1			—			3.8			7.9
Utilization:
	Cash		(3.0	)		—			—			(3.0	)
	Non-Cash		—			—			—			—

Balance at Feb 3, 2001			5.5			—			3.8			9.3
Amounts charged to income			9.6			5.0			3.0			17.6
Utilization:
	Cash		(3.9	)		—			(5.6	)		(9.5	)
	Non-Cash		—			(5.0	)		—			(5.0	)

Balance at Feb 2, 2002			11.2			—			1.2			12.4
Amounts charged to income			(5.9	)		6.7			0.6			1.4
Utilization:
	Cash		(1.8	)		—			(0.9	)		(2.7	)
	Non-Cash		—			(6.7	)		—			(6.7	)

Balance at Feb 1, 2003		$	3.5		$	—		$	0.9		$	4.4

SKU Reduction Initiative.During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, we commenced the SKU Reduction Initiative which entailed a thorough review of our inventory investment and gross margin

performance by item (or SKU) utilizing analytical capabilities available under SAP Retail. This analysis identified approximately 10,000 active items, totaling more than $50 million at cost, that were under-performing and that we decided to discontinue. In connection with this initiative, we recorded a $23.0 million pre-tax charge to reserve for the portion of this product that we estimated would be sold below cost. However, liquidating this inventory at reduced selling prices put pressure on overall realized gross margins in fiscal 2002, since the sales were recorded at a zero gross margin. The SKU Reduction Initiative was our first step of an ongoing, disciplined, detailed review of our product mix. We began clearance programs in the second quarter of fiscal 2002 designed to eliminate this product. These clearance programs were completed by the end of fiscal 2002.

Litigation Settlement.In August 2000, a former employee of the Company filed a purported class action complaint against the Company, on behalf of the Company’s former and current California store management employees. The complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California and alleged the Company violated certain California laws by erroneously treating its store management employees as “exempt” employees who are not entitled to overtime compensation. This case was consolidated with a similar class action complaint filed in October 2000 in the Superior Court of California. This case was settled in fiscal 2002 for $6.5 million. The settlement was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table provides cash flow related information for the three fiscal years ended February 1, 2003.


	2003			2002			2001

Net cash provided by operating activities	$	119.2		$	88.2		$	39.0
Net cash used for investing activities		(22.7	)		(66.5	)		(40.7	)
Net cash used for financing activities		(54.4	)		(18.1	)		(2.2	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	42.1		$	3.6		$	(3.9	)

Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	63.2		$	21.1		$	17.5

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $119.2 million in fiscal 2003, compared with $88.2 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $31.0 million driven by our strong operating performance. Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities, increased $100.9 million, substantially all of which was driven by the Company’s improved results of operations.

Inventories decreased $5.9 million in fiscal 2003, compared with a decrease of $82.0 million in fiscal 2002. The large decrease in fiscal 2002 was attributable to our successful execution of plans to reduce overall inventory levels through a combination of the SKU Reduction Initiative, store closings, and better utilization of the forecasting and replenishment capabilities aided by the installation of SAP Retail in the prior year. We continued to improve our inventory management in fiscal 2003, as we improved our inventory turns to approximately 2.5 times, compared with 2.1 times in fiscal 2002 and 1.8 times in fiscal 2001.

Accounts payable increased $6.8 million in fiscal 2003 compared with a decrease of $40.9 million in fiscal 2002. The decrease in fiscal 2002 was due to the significant reduction in inventory levels and as a result of payment changes we initiated under our import letter of credit arrangements. We utilize letters of credit in the procurement of imported product for resale, which represented approximately 27% of our total annual purchases in fiscal 2003. Beginning in late fiscal 2001, we changed our dating on import letters of credit to approximately 10 days, or

“sight” terms, from our historic terms of 120 days, in exchange for more favorable discount terms from our vendors. This resulted in an approximately $30.0 million decrease in accounts payable and a corresponding increase in the Company’s debt outstanding.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $88.2 million in fiscal 2002, compared with $39.0 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $49.2 million driven by improvements in working capital. Most notably, inventories, net of payables support, decreased $41.1 million.

Net Cash Used For Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities for fiscal 2003 totaled $22.7 million compared with $66.5 million in fiscal 2002. Capital expenditures were $22.7 million during fiscal 2003 versus $66.5 million in fiscal 2002 and are discussed further below under the caption “Capital Expenditures.”

Net cash used for investing activities for fiscal 2002 totaled $66.5 million compared with $40.7 million in fiscal 2001. Capital expenditures were $66.5 million during fiscal 2002 versus $35.9 million in fiscal 2001.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2003 totaled $22.7 million, our lowest level of capital spending in six years, as we focused on maximizing cash flow to reduce debt. During the year, we opened one superstore and two traditional stores and converted two larger traditional stores to our superstore format. We also relocated four traditional stores and closed 42 smaller or under- performing traditional stores and one superstore.

Capital expenditures of $66.5 million in fiscal 2002 included approximately $40.0 million related to the unwind of a synthetic lease facility which was replaced by our new Credit Facility (discussed further under “Financing” below). The synthetic lease facility was originally used to finance the construction and equipment cost of our distribution center in Visalia, California. During fiscal 2001, construction was completed on this new 630,000 square foot distribution center. This facility was fully operational and shipping product to more than 300 stores, or over 30% of our chain, by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

Excluding the unwind of the synthetic lease, capital expenditures of $26.5 million during fiscal 2002 related primarily to the opening of new superstores and other store related projects. During the year, we opened 12 superstores, relocated or expanded 10 and closed 60 smaller or under-performing traditional stores.

We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal 2004 of approximately $50 million. The bulk of this spending pertains to new store openings and continued improvements in the existing store base. We plan to open approximately 20 stores during fiscal 2004, the majority of them superstores.

Net Cash Used For Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities during fiscal 2003 was $54.4 million, primarily related to a $60.8 million net decrease in debt borrowings resulting from the cash generated by our strong operating performance. During fiscal 2003 we repurchased, in the open market, $27.1 million of our 10 3/8% senior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) at a purchase price of $28.3 million or 4.3% over par.

Net cash used for financing activities during fiscal 2002 was $18.1 million, primarily related to a $16.3 million net decrease in debt borrowings. This debt reduction was achieved despite the unwinding of a $40.0 million synthetic lease, which added $40.0 million to our balance sheet debt levels, and changes to our letter of credit payment terms, which we estimate added $30.0 million

to our debt levels. The debt reduction was achieved primarily through our inventory reduction efforts as described above under “Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities.”

Common Share Repurchases

During fiscal 2003, we purchased a total of 0.2 million of our common shares at an aggregate price of $3.4 million, utilizing proceeds received from stock option exercises. As of February 1, 2003, we are authorized to purchase up to an additional 1.3 million shares of our common stock under previous authorizations from our Board of Directors.

Sources of Liquidity

We have three principal sources of liquidity: cash from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand, and the Credit Facility. Our liquidity is not currently dependent on the use of off-balance sheet transactions other than letters of credit and operating leases, which are typical in a retail environment. We believe that our Credit Facility, coupled with cash on hand and cash from operations, will be sufficient to cover our working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirement needs for the foreseeable future.

In April 2001, we entered into the Credit Facility, which replaced our prior senior credit and synthetic lease facilities. The Credit Facility expires on April 30, 2005. The Credit Facility consists of a $365.0 million credit facility providing for $325.0 million in revolving loans and a $40.0 million term loan, both secured by a first priority perfected security interest in our inventory, accounts receivable, property and other assets. The Credit Facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is calculated at the bank’s base rate or London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75% to 2.25%, depending on the level of excess availability (as defined in the credit agreement) that is maintained. At February 1, 2003, our interest on borrowings under our Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 1.75%. The Credit Facility contains a sub-limit for letters of credit of $150.0 million. Proceeds from the Credit Facility were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under our prior senior credit facility and synthetic lease facility.

The term loan portion of the Credit Facility replaces a $40.0 million synthetic lease facility that we used to finance the construction of our West Coast distribution center. The synthetic lease facility was accounted for as an operating lease, with interest payments capitalized until the facility began operations. As a result of the unwind of the synthetic lease facility, we recorded the appropriate assets and debt obligation of $40.0 million on our balance sheet in the first quarter of fiscal 2002.

Effective May 15, 2001, in connection with our financing under the Credit Facility, the agent bank for the Credit Facility assumed assignment of our two outstanding interest rate swap agreements. On May 16, 2001, the agent bank terminated those interest rate swap agreements and established a new interest rate swap with a fixed LIBOR rate of 6.72 percent and a notional amount of $90.0 million, reducing to $40.0 million on May 1, 2003, until its expiration on April 30, 2005.

As of February 1, 2003, we had borrowings outstanding of $40.0 million under the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 3.5% (which excludes the impact of the interest rate swap referred to above) and $47.7 million of letters of credit outstanding.

The Company’s weighted average interest rate (including the impact of the interest rate swaps referred to above) and weighted average borrowings under the Credit Facility, prior senior credit facility and other lines of credit were 7.9% and $104.7 million during fiscal 2003 and 7.2% and $169.0 million during fiscal 2002. The increase in the average interest rate is due to the decrease in borrowings, that, in turn, caused the current swap arrangement (priced at a fixed LIBOR rate of

6.72% on a notional amount of $90 million) to have a more significant impact on the average interest rate under the credit facility than in the prior year.

On May 5, 1999 we issued the $150.0 million, 10 3/8% Notes, due May 1, 2007. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. We have the option of redeeming the Notes at any time after May 1, 2003, in accordance with certain call provisions. The Notes represent unsecured obligations that are subordinated to the Credit Facility and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries.

During fiscal 2003, we purchased $27.1 million face value of the Notes. The purchases were made at an aggregate premium of 104.3% to par value. The $1.9 million pre-tax ($1.2 million after-tax) of aggregate losses include the premium to par value and the write off of deferred costs and original issue discount and are reflected in SG&A expenses. We have given notice to the indenture trustee that, on May 1, 2003, we intend to redeem $41.5 million face value of the Notes in accordance with the call provisions of the Notes’ indenture.

Our total debt-to-capitalization ratio was 36.0% at February 1, 2003 and 49.0% at February 2, 2002. We have a goal to further reduce debt levels during fiscal 2004 by utilizing cash provided by operating activities and cash on hand.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following tables summarize our future cash outflows resulting from contractual obligations and commitments as of February 1, 2003:


	Payments Due by Period

			Less than
	Total		1 year		1-3 years		4-5 years		After 5 years

Subordinated notes	$	122.9	$	—	$	—	$	122.9	$	—
Credit Facility — revolving facility		—		—		—		—		—
Credit Facility — term loan		40.0		—		40.0		—		—
Letters of credit ⁽¹⁾		47.7		47.7		—		—		—
Operating Leases ⁽²⁾		687.7		116.8		213.1		153.0		204.8

Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$	898.3	$	164.5	$	253.1	$	275.9	$	204.8

⁽¹⁾

Includes commercial letters of credit of $28.6 million and $19.1 million of standby letters of credit.

⁽²⁾

The remaining cash payments include $1.0 million associated with lease obligations for stores closed.

Seasonality and Inflation

Our business exhibits seasonality, which is typical for most retail companies. Our sales are much stronger in the second half of the year than the first half of the year. Net earnings are highest during the months of September through December when sales volumes provide significant operating leverage. Capital requirements needed to finance our operations fluctuate during the year and reach their highest levels during the second and third fiscal quarters as we increase our inventory in preparation for our peak selling season.

We believe that inflation has not had a significant effect on the growth of net sales or on net income over the past three years. There can be no assurance, however, that our operating results will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Market Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations on merchandise that is sourced internationally and the impact of interest rate changes on our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

We believe foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations do not contain significant market risk due to the nature of our relationships with our international vendors. All merchandise contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars and are subject to negotiation prior to our commitment for purchases. As a result, there is not a direct correlation between merchandise prices and fluctuations in the exchange rate. We sourced approximately 27% of our purchases internationally in fiscal 2003.

In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. Our objective in managing the exposure to interest rate changes is to limit the volatility and impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. Interest rate swaps are primarily utilized to achieve this objective. We utilize interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to our debt structure. We estimate that a one-percent increase or decrease in interest rates, based on fiscal 2003 average debt levels, would cause an increase or decrease to interest expense of $0.3 million. This includes the impact resulting from our interest rate swap arrangement, as discussed below.

On March 15, 1998, we entered into a five-year interest rate swap agreement to hedge our interest rate exposure. The notional amount of this interest rate swap was $50.0 million, with a fixed LIBOR of 5.98%. On September 5, 2000, we entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement to further hedge our interest rate exposure. The interest rate swap had a term of five years effective May 1, 2001, with a notional amount of $40.0 million and a fixed LIBOR rate of 6.80%. Effective May 15, 2001, the agent bank for the Credit Facility assumed assignment of our two interest rate swap agreements and on May 16, 2001, terminated those interest rate swap agreements and established a new interest rate swap with a fixed LIBOR rate of 6.72% and notional amount of $90.0 million, reducing to $40.0 million on May 1, 2003, until its expiration on April 30, 2005.

Effective February 4, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, we have reviewed and designated all of our interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges and recognized the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of these agreements are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, unrealized after tax net income (losses) of $0.4 million and ($3.0) million, respectively, were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The comprehensive loss for fiscal 2002 included a $1.7 million cumulative transition adjustment, as of the date of adoption of SFAS No. 133. The pre-tax income (loss) as a result of hedge ineffectiveness (income) expense for fiscal 2003 and 2002 was $(0.3) million and $1.0 million, respectively, and is reflected in interest expense.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions and/or conditions. We continually evaluate the information used to make these estimates as our business and the economic environment changes. The use of estimates is

pervasive throughout our financial statements, but the accounting policies and estimates we consider most critical are as follows:

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory valuation methods require certain management estimates and judgments. These include estimates of shrink, as well as estimates of net realizable value on product designated for clearance, which affects the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the gross margins reported for the year.

Our accrual for shrink is based on the actual historical shrink results of our recent store physical inventories. These estimates are compared to actual results as physical inventory counts are taken and reconciled to the general ledger. Substantially all of our store physical inventory counts are taken in the first three-quarters of each year and the shrink accrual recorded at February 1, 2003 is based on shrink results of prior physical inventories. All of our store locations that have been open one year or more are physically inventoried once a year. We will continue to monitor and adjust our shrink rate estimates based on the results of store physical inventories and shrink trends.

We estimate our reserve for clearance product based on the consideration of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, quantities of slow moving or carryover seasonal merchandise on hand, historical recovery statistics and future merchandising plans. The accuracy of our estimates can be affected by many factors, some of which are outside of our control, including changes in economic conditions and consumer buying trends. Historically, we have not experienced significant differences in our estimates of recovery compared with actual results.

Vendor allowances

The Company receives allowances from its vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including cash discounts, purchase quantity discounts, co-operative advertising and markdown reimbursement programs. Cash and purchase discounts are recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold when the related inventory has been sold. Co-operative advertising allowances are currently reported as a reduction of cost of sales as earned. Markdown reimbursements are credited to cost of goods sold during the period in which the related inventory is sold.

In November 2002, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor”. Among other conclusions reached, EITF 02-16 requires that consideration received from a vendor be presumed to be a reduction of the cost of the vendor’s products or services. This presumption can be overcome if the consideration can be shown to represent either a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor or a reimbursement of costs incurred by the reseller to sell the vendor’s products. Under the transition rules set forth in EITF 02-16 this treatment is required for all agreements entered into or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect that its adoption in fiscal 2004 will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles historically have been reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated by us to be generated by those assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting standards for intangible assets and goodwill. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 on February 3, 2002. The Company performed the first of the required impairment tests of goodwill and based upon the transition impairment test performed on recorded goodwill, no impairment to goodwill exists. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company also performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and determined that no goodwill impairment existed. Application of the non-amortization provision of SFAS No. 142 reduced amortization expense by approximately $0.7 million for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2003. The prior fiscal year included amortization expense of $0.7 million.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”). SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121 to supply a single accounting approach for measuring impairment of long-lived assets, including a segment of a business accounted for as a discontinued operation or those to be sold or disposed of other than by sale. SFAS No. 144 was adopted in fiscal 2003. See the asset impairment discussion contained above in “Turnaround Charges and Litigation Settlement”.

Accrued Store Closing Costs

Prior to December 31, 2002, we accrued costs related to stores closed or identified for closing, which include future rental obligations, carrying costs, and other closing costs. These expenses were accrued when we had committed to closing or relocating a store and were calculated at the lesser of future rental obligations remaining under the lease (less estimated sublease rental income) or the estimated lease termination cost. The determination of the accrual was dependent on our ability to make estimates of costs to be incurred post-closing and of sublease rental income to be received from subleases. Differences in our estimates and assumptions could result in an accrual requirement different from the calculated accrual. The carrying values of long-lived assets for stores identified for closure are reduced to estimated fair value.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No.146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. SFAS No. 146 replaces EITF Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Under Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of our commitment to an exit plan. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing exit and restructuring costs, if any, as well as the amounts recognized.

Accrued Expenses

We estimate certain material expenses in an effort to record those expenses in the period incurred. Our most material estimates relate to compensation, taxes and insurance related expenses, portions of which we are self-insured for. Our workers’ compensation and general liability insurance accruals are recorded based on insurance claims processed as well as historical claims experience for claims incurred, but not yet reported. These estimates are based on historical loss development factors. Our employee medical insurance accruals are recorded based on our medical claims processed as well as historical medical claims experience for claims incurred but not yet reported. Differences in our estimates and assumptions could result in an accrual requirement materially different from the calculated accrual.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In addition to the accounting pronouncements referenced above in our discussion of critical accounting policies, the following accounting pronouncements may have an impact on our results of operations or financial position, as discussed further below.

SFAS No. 145, Recission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Recission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”). SFAS No. 145 concludes that debt extinguishments should not be classified as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 also requires sale-leaseback accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. SFAS No. 145 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position in fiscal 2003.

FASB Interpretation 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees”. The interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made in interim and annual financial statements of a guarantor about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing a guarantee. Initial recognition and measurement provisions of the interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. As of February 1, 2003, we did not have any outstanding guarantees, other than subsidiary guarantees of parent debt as disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure”, SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. It also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. We have adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS 148 in this Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements which reflects the Company’s current views of future events and financial performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the terms “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” and similar expressions as they relate to us or future events or conditional verbs such as “will”, “should”, “would”, “may”, and “could” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance or achievements may materially differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause or contribute to such material differences include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in customer demand, changes in trends in the fabric and craft industry, seasonality, the availability of merchandise,

changes in the competitive pricing for products, the impact of our and our competitors store openings and closings, fuel and energy costs, changes in tariff and freight rates, consumer debt levels, and other capital market and geo-political conditions. Additional discussion of some of these and other risks and uncertainties is contained elsewhere under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which are restricted as to the dates they were made. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is included in the“Derivative Financial Instruments and Market Risk” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements


	Page

Report of Management		32
Report of Independent Auditors		33
Report of Former Independent Public Accountants		34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002		35
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2003		36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2003		37
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2003		38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		39
Report of Former Independent Public Accountants on the Financial Statement Schedule		63
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts		64

Report of Management

We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related information included herein for the years ended February 1, 2003, February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001. The opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent auditors, for the year ended February 1, 2003, on those financial statements is included. The opinion of Arthur Andersen LLP, who have ceased operations, the Company’s former independent public accountants, for the years ended February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001, on those financial statements is included. The primary responsibility for the integrity of the financial information included in this annual report rests with management. This information is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, based on our best estimates and judgments and giving due consideration to materiality.

The Company maintains accounting and control systems which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from loss or unauthorized use, and which produce records adequate for preparation of financial information. There are limits inherent in all systems of internal control based on the recognition that the cost of such systems should not exceed the benefits to be derived. We believe our systems provide this appropriate balance.

The Board of Directors pursues its responsibility for these financial statements through the Audit Committee, composed exclusively of outside directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management, our internal auditors and our independent auditors to discuss the adequacy of financial controls, the quality of financial reporting, and the nature, extent and results of the audit effort. Both the internal auditors and independent auditors have private and confidential access to the Audit Committee at all times.


Alan Rosskamm		Brian P. Carney
Chairman of the Board,		Executive Vice President,
President and Chief Executive Officer		Chief Financial Officer

Report of Independent Auditors

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003 listed in Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit. The consolidated financial statements and schedule of the Company as of February 2, 2002, and for each of the fiscal years in the two year period ended February 2, 2002, were audited by other auditors, who have ceased operations and whose reports dated March 7, 2002 expressed an unqualified opinion.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2003 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries at February 1, 2003 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule for the year ended February 1, 2003, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio,
March 10, 2003.

Report of Former Independent Public Accountants

This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with the Company’s filing on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K/A nor has Arthur Andersen LLP provided a consent to the inclusion of its report in this Form 10-K/A. See Exhibit 23.3 for further discussion.

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. (an Ohio corporation) and Subsidiaries as of February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of February 2, 2002 and February 3, 2001 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 2, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As explained in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, effective February 4, 2001, the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Cleveland, Ohio,
March 7, 2002.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets


			February 1,			February 2,
			2003			2002

			(Dollars in millions,
			except per share data)
Assets
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	63.2		$	21.1
	Inventories			363.1			369.0
	Deferred income taxes			28.2			30.6
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			17.2			17.5

Total current assets				471.7			438.2
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net				190.3			210.1
Goodwill, net				26.5			26.5
Other assets				16.0			18.9

Total assets			$	704.5		$	693.7

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	129.9		$	123.1
	Accrued expenses			75.9			82.3

Total current liabilities				205.8			205.4
Long-term debt				162.9			223.7
Deferred income taxes				37.2			23.6
Other long-term liabilities				9.2			8.2
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
	Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued			—			—
	Common stock:
		Class A, stated value $0.05 per share; 75,000,000 authorized, Issued and outstanding 10,241,884 and 9,825,802, respectively		0.5			0.6
		Class B, stated value $0.05 per share; 75,000,000 authorized, Issued and outstanding 9,300,936 and 8,806,211, respectively		0.5			0.5
	Additional paid-in capital			113.9			99.7
	Unamortized restricted stock awards			(0.4	)		(0.6	)
	Retained earnings			217.8			172.9
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2.6	)		(3.0	)

				329.7			270.1
	Treasury stock, at cost			(40.3	)		(37.3	)

Total shareholders’ equity				289.4			232.8

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity			$	704.5		$	693.7

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations


			Fiscal Year Ended

			February 1,		February 2,			February 3,
			2003		2002			2001

			(Dollars in millions, except
			earnings per share data)
Net sales			$	1,682.0	$	1,570.3		$	1,483.3
Cost of sales				904.5		877.2			838.2

	Gross margin			777.5		693.1			645.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses				642.9		644.2			589.2
Depreciation and amortization				36.1		39.3			38.3

	Operating profit			98.5		9.6			17.6
Interest expense, net				26.0		32.7			29.0

	Income (loss) before income taxes			72.5		(23.1	)		(11.4	)
Income tax provision (benefit)				27.6		(8.8	)		(4.3	)

	Income (loss) before equity loss and extraordinary item			44.9		(14.3	)		(7.1	)
Equity and asset impairment losses of minority investment				—		—			(6.5	)

	Income (loss) before extraordinary item			44.9		(14.3	)		(13.6	)
Extraordinary item, loss related to early retirement of debt, net of tax benefit of $0.4 million				—		(0.6	)		—

Net income (loss)			$	44.9	$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)

Basic net income (loss) per common share:
		Before extraordinary item	$	2.34	$	(0.78	)	$	(0.75	)
		Extraordinary item		—		(0.03	)		—

			$	2.34	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
		Before extraordinary item	$	2.23	$	(0.78	)	$	(0.75	)
		Extraordinary item		—		(0.03	)		—

			$	2.23	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


			Fiscal Year Ended

			February 1,			February 2,			February 3,
			2003			2002			2001

			(Dollars in millions)
Net cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)		$	44.9		$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization		36.1			39.3			38.3
		Deferred income taxes		15.7			(8.3	)		(4.2	)
		Loss on disposal of fixed assets		2.3			1.2			1.7
		Equity and asset impairment losses of minority investment		—			—			6.5
		Extraordinary item, net of tax		—			0.6			—
		Loss associated with purchase of senior subordinated notes		1.9			—			—
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
		Decrease (increase) in inventories		5.9			82.0			(8.5	)
		Increase (decrease) in accounts payable		6.8			(40.9	)		14.4
		(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses		(2.8	)		21.2			3.9
		Settlement of income tax contingency		—			—			(3.5	)
		Other, net		8.4			8.0			4.0

Net cash provided by operating activities				119.2			88.2			39.0
Net cash flows used for investing activities:
	Capital expenditures			(22.7	)		(66.5	)		(35.9	)
	Minority investment			—			—			(6.5	)
	Other, net			—			—			1.7

Net cash used for investing activities				(22.7	)		(66.5	)		(40.7	)
Net cash flows used for financing activities:
	Proceeds from senior secured credit facility, net			—			171.6			—
	Repayment of prior senior credit facility			—			(123.8	)		—
	Net change in revolving credit facility			(33.7	)		(69.1	)		(5.2	)
	Purchase of senior subordinated notes			(28.3	)		—			—
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options			8.5			—			—
	Purchase of common stock			(3.4	)		(0.4	)		(0.1	)
	Other, net			2.5			3.6			3.1

Net cash used for financing activities				(54.4	)		(18.1	)		(2.2	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				42.1			3.6			(3.9	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				21.1			17.5			21.4

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			$	63.2		$	21.1		$	17.5

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
	Cash paid during the year for:
		Interest	$	22.5		$	30.6		$	27.7
		Income taxes, net of refunds		4.9			0.5			3.4

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity


											Unamortized									Accumulated
			Class A			Class B		Additional			Restricted									Other			Total
			Common			Common		Paid-In			Stock			Treasury			Retained			Comprehensive			Shareholders'
			Stock			Stock		Capital			Awards			Stock			Earnings			Loss			Equity

											(Dollars in millions)
Balance, January 29, 2000			$	0.5		$	0.5	$	97.9		$	(2.1	)	$	(38.8	)	$	201.4			—		$	259.4
	Net loss			—			—		—			—			—			(13.6	)		—			(13.6	)

		Total comprehensive loss																						(13.6	)
	Restricted stock awards activity, net			—			—		(0.5	)		0.9			—			—			—			0.4
	Purchase of common stock			—			—		—			—			(0.1	)		—			—			(0.1	)
	Issuance of treasury shares			—			—		0.2			—			0.8			—			—			1.0
	Issuance of common stock — Associate Stock Ownership Plan			0.1			—		1.6			—			—			—			—			1.7

Balance, February 3, 2001				0.6			0.5		99.2			(1.2	)		(38.1	)		187.8			—			248.8
	Net loss			—			—		—			—			—			(14.9	)		—			(14.9	)
	Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivatives, net of tax			—			—		—			—			—			—			(1.7	)		(1.7	)
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax			—			—		—			—			—			—			(1.3	)		(1.3	)

		Total comprehensive loss																						(17.9	)
	Restricted stock awards activity, net			—			—		(0.2	)		0.6			—			—			—			0.4
	Purchase of common stock			—			—		—			—			(0.4	)		—			—			(0.4	)
	Issuance of treasury shares			—			—		(0.3	)		—			1.2			—			—			0.9
	Issuance of common stock — Associate Stock Ownership Plan			—			—		1.0			—			—			—			—			1.0

Balance, February 2, 2002				0.6			0.5		99.7			(0.6	)		(37.3	)		172.9			(3.0	)		232.8
	Net income			—			—		—			—			—			44.9			—			44.9
	Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax			—			—		—			—			—			—			0.4			0.4

		Total comprehensive income																						45.3
	Exercise of stock options			—			—		8.5			—			—			—			—			8.5
	Tax benefit on options exercised			—			—		3.6			—			—			—			—			3.6
	Restricted stock awards activity, net			—			—		—			0.2			—			—			—			0.2
	Purchase of common stock			(0.1	)		—		—			—			(3.3	)		—			—			(3.4	)
	Issuance of treasury shares			—			—		0.6			—			0.3			—			—			0.9
	Issuance of common stock — Associate Stock Ownership Plan			—			—		1.5			—			—			—			—			1.5

Balance, February 1, 2003			$	0.5		$	0.5	$	113.9		$	(0.4	)	$	(40.3	)	$	217.8		$	(2.6	)	$	289.4

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. (the “Company”), an Ohio corporation, is a fabric and craft retailer with 919 retail stores in 48 states at February 1, 2003. The 847 traditional and 72 superstores feature a broad line of apparel, craft and home decorating fabrics, notions, crafts, seasonal and home accessories and floral and framing products.

The significant accounting policies applied in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company are summarized below:

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in the fiscal 2002 and 2001 financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform with the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Since actual results may differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions, as new information becomes available.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years consist of 52 weeks, unless noted otherwise. The fiscal year refers to the year in which the period ends (e.g., fiscal 2003 refers to the year ended February 1, 2003). Fiscal 2001 was a 53-week year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory valuation methods require certain management estimates and judgments, which affect the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the gross margins reported for the year. These valuation methods include estimates of net realizable value on product designated for clearance and estimates of shrink between periods when the Company conducts store physical inventories to substantiate inventory balances.

The Company’s accrual for shrink is based on the actual historical shrink results of recent store physical inventories. These estimates are compared to actual results as physical inventory counts are taken and reconciled to the general ledger. Substantially all of our store physical inventory counts are taken in the first three quarters of each year and the shrink accrual recorded at February 1, 2003 is based on shrink results of prior physical inventories. All store locations that have been open one year or longer are physically inventoried once a year. The Company

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

continually monitors and adjusts the shrink rate estimates based on the results of store physical inventories and shrink trends.

Inventory reserves for clearance product are estimated based on the consideration of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, quantities of slow moving or carryover seasonal merchandise on hand, historical recovery statistics and future merchandising plans. The accuracy of the Company’s estimates can be affected by many factors, some of which are outside of the Company’s control, including changes in economic conditions and consumer buying trends.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, management developed a turnaround plan (the “Turnaround Plan”), which resulted from a thorough analysis of the Company’s business prompted by operating trends that were occurring. As a result of the Company’s decline in earnings, significant increases in debt and inventory levels, and issues surrounding the implementation of SAP Retail, the Company’s strategy shifted from accelerating the growth of its superstore concept to improving the productivity of its existing asset base and realizing the benefits from the completed infrastructure investments.

As part of the Turnaround Plan, the Company commenced a SKU Reduction Initiative, which entailed a thorough review of the Company’s inventory investment and gross margin performance by item or SKU. This analysis identified approximately 10,000 active items, totaling more than $50 million at cost, that were under performing and that the Company decided to discontinue. In accordance with EITF 96-9 “Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with a Restructuring,” the Company recorded a $23.0 million pre-tax charge to cost of goods sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 to reflect the markdown of this inventory to its net realizable value. Clearance programs were begun in the second quarter of fiscal 2002 designed to eliminate this product. These clearance programs were completed by the end of fiscal 2002.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is provided over the estimated useful life of the assets principally by the straight-line method. The major classes of assets and ranges of estimated useful lives are: buildings from 10 to 40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment from 2 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements for 10 years or the remainder of the lease term, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred and improvements and major renewals are capitalized.

Software Development

The Company capitalized $2.7 million and $0.6 million in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively, for internal use software acquired from third parties. The capitalized amounts are included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to five years beginning at the time the software becomes operational.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price and related costs over the fair value assigned to the net tangible assets acquired from House of Fabrics, Inc. (“HOF”). The goodwill recorded at February 1, 2003 was non-deductible for tax purposes.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Effective February 3, 2002, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized but is subject to impairment testing, using fair value-based approaches. Prior to the adoptions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated using life of 40 years. As part of adopting this standard, the Company completed a transitional impairment test as of February 3, 2002 for goodwill and determined that the carrying value of the Company did not exceed its estimated fair value as determined by utilizing various valuation techniques. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company also performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and determined that no goodwill impairment existed. Application of the non-amortization provision of SFAS No. 142 reduced amortization expense by approximately $0.7 million for fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2002 and 2001 included amortization expense of $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are required to continue to be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company did not have other intangible assets at February 1, 2003.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are no longer amortized, but must be reviewed at least annually (see above).

Effective February 3, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144). SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121,Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,to supply a single accounting approach for measuring impairment of long-lived assets, including definite lived intangible assets, businesses accounted for as a discontinued operation, assets to be sold and assets to be disposed of other than by sale. The initial adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. See Note 3 — Store Closings for details related to the results of impairment testing performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

Under SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, except for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

Accrued Store Closing Costs

The Company accrues costs related to stores closed or identified for closing, which include future rental obligations, carrying costs, and other closing costs. Historically, these expenses were accrued when the Company committed to closing or relocating a store. The determination of the accrual was dependent on the Company’s ability to make estimates of costs to be incurred post-closing. Future rental obligations are calculated at the lesser of contractual obligations remaining under the lease (less estimated sublease rental income) or the estimated lease termination cost. Differences in estimates and assumptions could result in an accrual requirement materially different

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

from the calculated accrual. The carrying values of long-lived assets for stores identified for closure are reduced to estimated fair value.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. SFAS No. 146 replaces EITF Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Under Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of our commitment to an exit plan. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing future exit and restructuring costs, if any, as well as the amounts recognized. See Note 3 — Store Closings.

Accrued Expenses

Certain material expenses are estimated in an effort to record those expenses in the period incurred. The most material estimates relate to compensation, taxes and insurance related expenses, portions of which the Company is self-insured for. Workers’ compensation and general liability insurance accruals are recorded based on insurance claims processed as well as historical claims experience for claims incurred, but not yet reported. These estimates are based on historical loss development factors. Employee medical insurance accruals are recorded based on medical claims processed as well as historical medical claims experience for claims incurred but not yet reported. Differences in the Company’s estimates and assumptions could result in an accrual requirement materially different from the calculated accrual. Accrued expenses at fiscal 2003 consists of the following (dollars in millions):


Accrued compensation	$	23.1
Accrued taxes		10.6
Accrued insurance		11.6
Other accrued expenses		30.6

	$	75.9

Financial Instruments

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The price of the 10 3/8 percent senior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) at February 1, 2003 in the high yield debt market was 106.5 percent to par value. Accordingly, the fair value of the 10 3/8 percent Notes was $130.9 million versus their carrying value of $122.9 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company employs established policies and procedures to manage exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company’s objective in managing the exposure to interest rate changes is to limit the volatility and impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows. Interest rate swaps are primarily utilized to achieve this objective. Interest rate swaps are utilized to manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to the Company’s

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

debt structure. The interest rate swap agreements require the Company to pay a fixed interest rate while receiving a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes.

On March 15, 1998, the Company entered into a five-year interest rate swap agreement to hedge its interest rate exposure. The notional amount of this interest rate swap was $50.0 million, with a fixed LIBOR of 5.98 percent. On September 5, 2000, the Company entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement to further hedge its interest rate exposure. The interest rate swap had a term of five years effective May 1, 2001, with a notional amount of $40.0 million and a fixed LIBOR rate of 6.80 percent. Effective May 15, 2001, the agent for the Credit Facility assumed assignment of the Company’s two outstanding interest rate swap agreements and on May 16, 2001, terminated those interest rate swap agreements and established a new interest rate swap with a fixed LIBOR rate of 6.72 percent and a notional amount of $90.0 million, reducing to $40.0 million on May 1, 2003, until its expiration on April 30, 2005.

Effective February 4, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company has reviewed and designated all of its interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges and now recognizes the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of these agreements are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. During fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, unrealized after-tax net gains (losses) of $0.4 million and ($3.0) million, respectively, were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The fiscal 2002 after-tax net loss included a $1.7 million cumulative transition adjustment, as of the date of adoption of SFAS No. 133. The hedge ineffectiveness (income) expense for fiscal 2003 and 2002 was $(0.3) million and $1.0 million, respectively, and is reflected in interest expense.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method. Under that method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rate is recognized in income or expense in the period that the change is effective.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue at the time of sale of merchandise to its customers in compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” The Company allows for merchandise to be returned under most circumstances, however, the Company does not provide a reserve as the amounts of returns have not historically had a material impact on the financial statements.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Store Opening Expenses

Store opening expenses are charged to operations as incurred.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense was $39.7 million, $37.9 million and $39.5 million for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2003 include the effect of the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options under the treasury stock method. Stock options are antidilutive for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001 and therefore are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:


			Fiscal Year Ended

			2003		2002			2001

			(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Income (loss) before extraordinary item			$	44.9	$	(14.3	)	$	(13.6	)
		Extraordinary item		—		(0.6	)		—

Net income (loss)			$	44.9	$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)

Weighted average shares:
	Basic			19,166,337		18,444,141			18,041,192
	Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options			939,926		—			—

	Diluted			20,106,263		18,444,141			18,041,192

Basic net income (loss) per common share:
	Before extraordinary item		$	2.34	$	(0.78	)	$	(0.75	)
	Extraordinary item			—		(0.03	)		—

			$	2.34	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
	Before extraordinary item		$	2.23	$	(0.78	)	$	(0.75	)
	Extraordinary item			—		(0.03	)		—

			$	2.23	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for stock options granted under its stock plans (see Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation Plans).

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for options granted under the Company’s stock plans. If the Company had determined compensation cost for the stock options based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the stock plans consistent with SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown in the table below (dollars in millions, except per share data):


		Fiscal Year Ended

		2003		2002			2001

Net income (loss) as reported		$	44.9	$	(14.9	)	$	(13.6	)
Less: Stock-based compensation determined under the fair value method, net of tax			2.2		2.1			2.5

Pro forma net income		$	42.7	$	(17.0	)	$	(16.1	)

Basic income (loss) per common share:
	As reported	$	2.34	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)
	Pro forma		2.22		(0.92	)		(0.89	)
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
	As reported	$	2.23	$	(0.81	)	$	(0.75	)
	Pro forma		2.14		(0.92	)		(0.89	)

The pro forma disclosures presented are not representative of the future effects on net income and net income per share.

For purposes of computing the pro forma disclosures above, the fair values of the options granted under the stock plans were determined at the date of grant separately for Class A and Class B option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company does not pay dividends, so no dividend rate assumption was made. The significant assumptions used to calculate the fair value of Class A and Class B option grants were as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended

2003

2002

2001

Risk-free interest rates

Class A

4.3

5.2

6.4

Class B

3.0% to 4.9%

4.8% to 4.9%

6.2% to 6.6%

Expected volatility of underlying stock

Class A

.466

.460

.380

Class B

.484 to .555

.460

.380

Expected life

Class A

5 years

10 years

Class B

6 years

Assumptions utilized for the purchase of shares under the employee stock purchase program (Class A shares) are as follows: risk-free interest rates ranging from 1.5 percent to 2.2 percent, expected volatility ranging from .510 to .705, expected lives of six months and no expected dividends.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2 — Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consists of the following (dollars in millions):


	Fiscal Year

	2003			2002

Land and buildings	$	52.9		$	51.9
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		272.9			267.7
Leasehold improvements		70.2			69.3
Construction in progress		7.2			3.7

		403.2			392.6
Less accumulated depreciation		(212.9	)		(182.5	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	190.3		$	210.1

Note 3 — Store Closings

The Company reviews the productivity of its store base on an ongoing basis and actively manages its real estate to preserve maximum flexibility in its lease terms. In accordance with the applicable accounting literature (Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring),” Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of” and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 100, “Restructuring and Impairment Charges,”) the Company recorded a $17.1 million pre-tax charge to operating expenses in fiscal 2002 and a $6.7 million pre-tax charge to operating expenses in fiscal 2001 for restructuring and asset impairment costs resulting from 148 identified store closings associated with the Turnaround Plan. The Company also incurred expenses of $0.5 million and $1.2 million, in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively, for store closings unrelated to the Turnaround Plan.

As discussed earlier under Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies, the Company, effective December 31, 2002, is required to account for costs of store closings under SFAS No. 146. In addition, the Company has adopted the new accounting requirements related to asset impairment as required by SFAS No. 144, effective February 3, 2002.

Through the end of fiscal 2003, the Company has closed 120 of the stores identified for closure as part of the Turnaround Plan. All of the remaining stores to be closed, with the exception of eight store locations, are scheduled to close in the next 24 months. The eight store locations will continue to be operated, due to the Company’s inability to successfully negotiate an acceptable arrangement to exit the lease. A total of $7.7 million for estimated lease obligations of stores to be closed as part of the Turnaround Plan were reversed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The reversal related to stores where estimates were revised, as well as the eight stores we could not close. The Company also recorded an asset impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 of $6.7 million for these eight stores and other store locations, representing the difference between the asset carrying value and the future net discounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets. The remainder of the store closing charges in fiscal 2003, highlighted in the table below, represents lease obligations and other costs associated with stores identified for closure in fiscal 2004 that were not part of the Turnaround Plan.

The charges to the statement of operations for the three fiscal years ended February 1, 2003 related to store closings. The store closing charges are summarized as follows (dollars in millions),

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3 — Store Closings (Continued)

and include charges both as part of our turnaround initiatives, as well as store closings from normal operating activity.


		Fiscal Year Ended

		2003			2002		2001

Store Closing Charges:
	Non-cancelable lease obligations	$	(5.9	)	$	9.6	$	4.1
	Asset impairment		6.7			5.0		—
	Other costs		0.6			3.0		3.8

Total		$	1.4		$	17.6	$	7.9

Asset impairmentsinclude write-downs of fixed assets for stores closed, or scheduled to be closed, and certain other store locations where impairment exists, to estimated fair value. The asset impairment represents the difference between the asset carrying value and the future net discounted cash flows estimated by us to be generated by those assets.

Other costsrepresent other miscellaneous store closing costs, including among other things, costs related to fixtures, signage and register removal.

In accordance with EITF 96-9 “Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with a Restructuring,” the Company also recorded in cost of goods sold the markdown of certain inventory contained in the stores identified for closing to its net realizable value. Inventory write-downs recorded were $2.3 million in fiscal 2003 and $2.6 million in fiscal 2002. The inventory reserve remaining at February 1, 2003 is $2.7 million.

Summarized below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending store closing reserve balances for the three fiscal years ended February 1, 2003 (dollars in millions):


		Non-Cancelable
		Lease			Asset			Other
		Obligations			Impairments			Costs			Total

Balance at Jan 29, 2000		$	4.4		$	—		$	—		$	4.4
Amounts charged to income			4.1			—			3.8			7.9
Utilization:
	Cash		(3.0	)		—			—			(3.0	)
	Non-Cash		—			—			—			—

Balance at Feb 3, 2001			5.5			—			3.8			9.3
Amounts charged to income			9.6			5.0			3.0			17.6
Utilization:
	Cash		(3.9	)		—			(5.6	)		(9.5	)
	Non-Cash		—			(5.0	)		—			(5.0	)

Balance at Feb 2, 2002			11.2			—			1.2			12.4
Amounts charged to income			(5.9	)		6.7			0.6			1.4
Utilization:
	Cash		(1.8	)		—			(0.9	)		(2.7	)
	Non-Cash		—			(6.7	)		—			(6.7	)

Balance at Feb 1, 2003		$	3.5		$	—		$	0.9		$	4.4

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4 — Income Taxes

The significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (dollars in millions):


		Fiscal Year Ended

		2003		2002			2001

Current:
	Federal	$	9.0	$	(0.4	)	$	6.9
	State and local		2.9		(0.1	)		(0.7	)

			11.9		(0.5	)		6.2
Deferred			15.7		(8.3	)		(10.5	)

Income tax provision (benefit)		$	27.6	$	(8.8	)	$	(4.3	)

The reconciliation of income tax at the statutory rate to the income tax provision (benefit) is as follows:


		Fiscal Year Ended

		2003			2002			2001

Federal income tax at the statutory rate		$	25.4		$	(8.1	)	$	(4.0	)
Effect of:
	State and local taxes		2.9			(0.4	)		(0.2	)
	Other, net		(0.7	)		(0.3	)		(0.1	)

Income tax provision (benefit)		$	27.6		$	(8.8	)	$	(4.3	)

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4 — Income Taxes (Continued)

The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:


		Fiscal Year
		Asset/(Liability)

		2003			2002

Current
Deferred tax assets:
	Inventory items	$	15.7		$	17.3
	Employee benefits		2.4			2.9
	Lease obligations		8.0			6.0
	Other		3.5			5.8

			29.6			32.0
Deferred tax liabilities:
	Basis difference in net assets acquired		(1.4	)		(1.4	)

Net current deferred tax asset		$	28.2		$	30.6

Non-current
Deferred tax assets:
	NOL carryforward	$	—		$	8.4
	Equity investment		2.5			2.5
	Other		0.4			2.0
	Valuation allowance		(2.5	)		(2.5	)

			0.4			10.4
Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(36.7	)		(33.5	)
	Basis difference in net assets acquired		(0.6	)		(0.6	)
	Other		(0.3	)		0.1

			(37.6	)		(34.0	)

Net non-current deferred tax liability		$	(37.2	)	$	(23.6	)

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for losses on the minority equity investment which may not be realizable.

Note 5 — Financing

Long-term debt consists of the following (dollars in millions):


	Fiscal Year

	2003		2002

Credit Facility — term loan	$	40.0	$	40.0
Credit Facility — revolver		—		33.7
Senior subordinated notes		122.9		150.0

Long-term debt	$	162.9	$	223.7

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5 — Financing (Continued)

Secured Credit Facilities

In April 2001, the Company entered into a $365.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) which expires on April 30, 2005. The Credit Facility consists of a $325.0 million revolving credit facility and a $40.0 million term loan, both secured by a first priority perfected security interest in the inventory, accounts receivable, property and other assets of the Company. There is no penalty if the Company elects to prepay the term loan principal, which is due on April 30, 2005. The Credit Facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Credit Facility contains a letter of credit sub-limit of $150.0 million. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is calculated at the bank’s base rate or London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent, depending on the level of excess availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) that is maintained. Proceeds from the Credit Facility were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the Company’s prior $300.0 million senior credit facility and a $40.0 million synthetic lease facility that the Company had originally used to finance the construction of a distribution center in Visalia, California.

As of February 1, 2003, the Company had borrowings outstanding of $40.0 million under the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 3.5% (which excludes the impact of the interest rate swap referred to in Financial Instruments of Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies) and $47.7 million of letters of credit outstanding. The Company pays quarterly commitment fees of between 1.25 percent and 2.25 percent per annum on outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility. The Company also pays quarterly fees of 0.375 percent per annum on the unused portion of the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility does not contain any financial covenant tests as long as excess availability, as defined, is greater than $35.0 million. A minimum net worth financial covenant test exists if excess availability is less than $35.0 million. In addition, capital expenditures under the Credit Facility are limited to $50.0 million per year, with any unused portion carried forward and available for use. The Credit Facility permits the repurchase of common shares of the Company, the repurchase of senior subordinated notes, and the payment of cash dividends (up to $5.0 million) in any fiscal year, subject to maintaining certain levels of excess availability. Excess availability under the Credit Facility was $155.0 million on February 1, 2003.

The Company’s weighted average interest rate (including the impact of the interest rate swaps referred to in Financial Instruments of Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies) under the Credit Facility, prior senior credit facility and other lines of credit were 7.9 percent during fiscal 2003, 7.2 percent during fiscal 2002, and 7.9 percent during fiscal 2001.

Senior Subordinated Notes

On May 5, 1999, the Company issued $150.0 million of 10 3/8 percent Notes due May 1, 2007. Interest on the Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Deferred charges and the original issue discount (the Notes were issued at 98.5 percent of face value) recorded at issuance in the amounts of $4.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, are reflected in other long-term assets and are being amortized as interest expense over the term of the notes utilizing the effective interest method. The Company has the option of redeeming the Notes at any time on or after May 1, 2003, in accordance with certain call provisions of the Notes Indenture. The Notes represent unsecured obligations that are subordinated to the Credit Facility and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company’s subsidiaries.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5 — Financing (Continued)

During fiscal 2003, the Company purchased $27.1 million face value of the Notes. The purchases were made at an aggregate price of 104.3 percent to par value. The $1.9 million of aggregate pre-tax loss includes the premium to par value ($1.2 million) and the write off of deferred costs and original issue discount ($0.7 million) are reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is not currently involved in any litigation, which it expects, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

On August 16, 2000, Sandy Lortz, a former employee of the Company, filed a purported class action complaint (the “Lortz Complaint”) against the Company, on behalf of the Company’s former and current California store management employees. The Lortz Complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California and alleged the Company violated certain California laws by erroneously treating its store management employees as “exempt” employees who are not entitled to overtime compensation. This case was consolidated with a similar class action complaint filed on behalf of Regina Salas, filed on October 24, 2000 in the Superior Court of California. A settlement in this case was reached and a pre-tax charge of $6.5 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002. The settlement was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

Note 7 — Capital Stock

The following table details the common stock ($0.05 stated value) activity for fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002:


		Common Shares Outstanding—
		Net of Treasury

											Shares
		Class A			Class B			Total			in Treasury

Balance at February 3, 2001			9,364,896			8,842,123			18,207,019			3,578,673
Issuance of restricted stock awards			20,000			500			20,500			—
Issuance of common stock -
	Associate Stock Ownership Plan		296,483			—			296,483			—
	Deferred stock		406			467			873			—
Cancellation of restricted stock awards			(17,000	)		—			(17,000	)		—
Purchase of common stock			(37,881	)		(36,879	)		(74,760	)		74,760
Issuance of treasury shares			198,898			—			198,898			(198,898	)

Balance at February 2, 2002			9,825,802			8,806,211			18,632,013			3,454,535
Options exercised			221,789			589,827			811,616			—
Issuance of restricted stock awards			9,000			—			9,000			—
Issuance of common stock -
	Associate Stock Ownership Plan		218,275			—			218,275			—
Cancellation of restricted stock awards			(13,500	)		—			(13,500	)		—
Purchase of common stock			(60,604	)		(95,102	)		(155,706	)		155,706
Issuance of treasury shares			41,122			—			41,122			(41,122	)

Balance at February 1, 2003			10,241,884			9,300,936			19,542,820			3,569,119

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7 — Capital Stock (Continued)

The Company’s Class A common shares have voting rights while Class B common shares have no voting rights.

Shareholders’ Rights Plan

On October 31, 2000, the Company amended and restated its Shareholders’ Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”). Under the Rights Plan, as amended and restated, one right is issued for each Class A and Class B common share outstanding. The rights are exercisable only if a person or group buys or announces a tender offer for 15 percent or more of the outstanding Class A common shares as defined in the Rights Plan. When exercisable, each right initially entitles a holder of Class A and Class B common shares to purchase one Class A common share for $60.00, or under certain circumstances, one Class A common share for $0.50. The rights, which do not have voting privileges, expire in October 2010, but may be redeemed by the Board of Directors prior to that time, under certain circumstances, for $0.005 per right. Until the rights become exercisable, they have no effect on earnings per share.

Right to Acquire Shares

The Company is a party to an agreement with certain members of the two founding families of the Company, whereby the Company has a right of first refusal to acquire, at market prices, common shares disposed of by either of the families. The total number of both Class A and Class B common shares, subject to this agreement, was approximately 4.3 million shares as of February 1, 2003.

Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation Plans

1998 Incentive Compensation Plan

The 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “1998 Plan”) includes a stock option program, a restricted stock program and an employee stock purchase program for employees, and a stock option program, a restricted stock and deferred stock program for non-employee directors. Shares subject to awards under the 1998 Plan may be Class A or Class B common shares. The total number of shares subject to awards, other than those granted under the employee stock purchase program, are limited in any fiscal year to (1) four percent of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year, plus (2) for each of the two prior fiscal years, the excess of four percent of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning of each such fiscal year over the number of shares subject to awards actually granted in each such fiscal year.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Continued)

The following table summarizes award activity and the number of shares available for future awards under the 1998 Plan at February 1, 2003:


		Stock			Restricted
		Options			Stock			Total

Available at January 29, 2000									560,079
	Fiscal year 2001 calculated available								713,796
	Granted		(1,552,250	)		(15,375	)		(1,567,625	)
	Cancellations		344,300			4,875			349,175

Available at February 3, 2001									55,425
	Fiscal year 2002 calculated available								672,856
	Granted		(426,700	)		(18,000	)		(444,700	)
	Cancellations		264,381			16,000			280,381

Available at February 2, 2002									563,962
	Fiscal year 2003 calculated available								745,280
	Granted		(202,250	)		—			(202,250	)
	Cancellations		163,189			3,000			166,189

Available at February 1, 2003									1,273,181

Employee Stock Option Program

The employee stock options granted under the 1998 Plan generally become exercisable to the extent of one-fourth of the optioned shares for each full year of continuous employment following the date of grant and generally expire seven to ten years after the date of the grant. Stock options granted under the Plan may become exercisable or expire under different terms as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Restricted Stock Program

The vesting periods for the restricted shares granted under the 1998 Plan are up to five years for employee restricted shares and up to six years for non-employee director restricted shares. All restrictions to such restricted shares terminate if the grantee remains in the continuous service of the Company throughout the vesting period. Unearned compensation resulting from the issuance of restricted shares is being amortized over the vesting periods, and the unamortized portion has been reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

The following table summarizes the restricted shares granted and weighted average grant price under the 1998 Plan:


	Class A Common Shares				Class B Common Shares

			Weighted				Weighted
	Restricted		Average		Restricted		Average
	Shares		Grant		Shares		Grant
Fiscal Year	Granted		Price		Granted		Price

2003		—	$	—		—	$	—
2002		18,000		4.49		—		—
2001		15,000		6.74		375		7.92

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8 — Stock-based Compensation Plans (Continued)

Employee Stock Purchase Program

The employee stock purchase program (the Associate Stock Ownership Plan or “ASOP”) was established in April 1999, and enables employees to subscribe to purchase shares of common stock on offering dates at six-month intervals, at a purchase price equal to the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or last day of the offering period. The ASOP meets the requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The total number of shares subject to stock purchase rights granted in any fiscal year for the ASOP may not exceed 1,000,000 shares. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, stock purchase rights of 218,275 shares, 296,483 shares and 248,476 shares, respectively, were granted and exercised under the ASOP.

Non-Employee Directors Deferred Stock Program

On March 9, 2000, the Company established a deferred stock program for non-employee directors. This program allows non-employee directors to elect to convert the retainer and meeting fee portion of their cash compensation into deferred stock units. Under this feature, non-employee directors make an irrevocable election prior to the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting whereby they can elect to convert a percentage (0 percent to 100 percent in 25 percent increments) of their cash compensation for the following year to deferred stock units. One-half of the cash compensation deferred is converted into Class A stock units and one-half into Class B stock units. The conversion of cash compensation to deferred stock units is based on the closing market price of Class A and Class B common shares on the date the cash compensation would have been payable if it were paid in cash. These deferred stock units are credited to an account of each non-employee director, although no stock is issued until the earlier of an elected distribution date, as selected by the non-employee director, or retirement. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, 487 Class A units, 3,410 Class A units and 3,552 Class A units, respectively, and 579 Class B units, 5,036 Class B units and 3,997 Class B units, respectively, were deferred under the deferred stock program.

Non-employee Directors Stock Option Plan

Under the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Directors Stock Option Plan”), the Company had granted stock options to each non-employee director upon the completion of each year of service at prices not less than the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the grant. The options become exercisable to the extent of one-fourth of the optioned shares for each full year of continuous service following the date of grant and generally expire ten years after the date of the grant. The Directors Stock Option Plan is no longer used to grant stock options to non-employee directors of the Company.

Other Plans

In addition to the 1998 Plan, nonqualified stock options have been granted to certain officers and key employees under the 1990 Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “1990 Plan”) at prices not less than fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Vesting and expiration periods are identical to options issued under the 1998 Plan. The 1990 Plan terminated on March 14, 2000. The termination of the plan does not affect stock options outstanding granted prior to the termination.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8 — Stock-based Compensation Plans (Continued)

In addition to the 1998 Plan, restricted shares of the Company’s common stock are available for, and have been awarded to, executive officers, senior management and other key employees under the 1994 Executive Incentive Plan (the “Executive Plan”). At February 1, 2003, 11,000 Class A restricted shares were outstanding under the Executive Plan and 360,000 Class A and 451,000 Class B common shares are available for future awards.

In March 2000, the Board of Directors authorized for issuance and subsequently granted 319,000 Class B common shares for stock options. Stock options granted under this authorization became exercisable and expire in accordance with the provisions of the 1998 Plan.

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 1998 Plan, the 1990 Plan and the Directors Stock Option Plan (collectively the “Plans”):


		Class A Options					Class B Options

												Total
					Weighted					Weighted		Class A
					Average					Average		and
		Number of			Exercise		Number of			Exercise		Class B
		Options			Price		Options			Price		Options

Outstanding at January 29, 2000			624,789		$	11.99		2,216,769		$	13.87		2,841,558
	Granted		10,000			8.75		1,921,250			7.67		1,931,250
	Exercised		(7,838	)		7.76		(2,588	)		6.47		(10,426	)
	Canceled		(150,562	)		10.66		(703,337	)		11.40		(853,899	)

Outstanding at February 3, 2001			476,389			12.41		3,432,094			10.91		3,908,483
	Granted		18,283			4.84		408,417			3.16		426,700
	Exercised		—			—		—			—		—
	Canceled		(116,892	)		15.24		(457,201	)		11.08		(574,093	)

Outstanding at February 2, 2002			377,780			11.17		3,383,310			9.92		3,761,090
	Granted		12,500			23.23		189,750			18.20		202,250
	Exercised		(221,789	)		10.64		(589,827	)		10.47		(811,616	)
	Canceled		(25,600	)		17.52		(266,139	)		9.97		(291,739	)

Outstanding at February 1, 2003			142,891		$	11.91		2,717,094		$	10.37		2,859,985


		Class A Options				Class B Options

										Total
				Weighted				Weighted		Class A
				Average				Average		and
		Number of		Exercise		Number of		Exercise		Class B
		Options		Price		Options		Price		Options

Exercisable at:
	February 1, 2003		114,916	$	11.33		1,041,950	$	13.14		1,156,866
	February 2, 2002		353,814		11.33		1,282,589		14.01		1,636,403
	February 3, 2001		444,889		12.05		1,194,538		14.13		1,639,427
Weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal:
	2003	$	10.73			$	9.92
	2002		2.91				1.37
	2001		5.44				3.76

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8 — Stock-based Compensation Plans (Continued)

The following table summarizes the status of stock options outstanding and exercisable at February 1, 2003:


Class A							Class A
Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average			Weighted
		Range of		Average		Remaining			Average
Number		Exercise		Exercise		Contractual	Number		Exercise
Outstanding		Prices		Price		Life	Exercisable		Price

	55,491	$	4.40 to $7.75	$	6.94	3.1 years		46,516	$	7.41
	38,900		8.06 to 15.06		8.97	2.6 years		33,900		9.01
	48,500		15.19 to 29.06		19.95	5.6 years		34,500		18.91

	142,891	$	4.40 to $29.06	$	11.91	3.8 years		114,916	$	11.33


Class B								Class B
Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable

							Weighted
					Weighted		Average			Weighted
			Range of		Average		Remaining			Average
Number			Exercise		Exercise		Contractual	Number		Exercise
Outstanding			Prices		Price		Life	Exercisable		Price

		625,644	$	2.40 to $7.75	$	5.18	6.9 years		205,473	$	3.47
	1,226,650			7.75 to 10.94		8.34	7.0 years		168,177		10.66
		864,800		11.38 to 26.66		17.02	5.8 years		668,300		16.74

	2,717,094		$	2.40 to $26.66	$	10.37	6.6 years		1,041,950	$	13.14

Note 9 — Savings Plan and Postretirement Benefits

The Company sponsors the Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. Savings Plan 401(k) (the “Savings Plan”), which is a tax deferred savings plan whereby eligible employees may elect quarterly to contribute up to the lesser of 15 percent of annual compensation or the statutory maximum. The Company makes a 50 percent matching contribution in the form of the Company’s common stock, up to a maximum employee contribution of four percent of the employee’s annual compensation. Employer contributions of the Company’s common stock have been made through the issuance of shares out of treasury or by purchasing shares on the open market. The amount of the Company’s matching contributions during fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Plan assets included 742,825 shares of Class A common shares and 223,847 shares of Class B common shares at February 1, 2003. Holders of the Class A common shares are entitled to vote their respective shares.

The Company does not provide post-retirement health care benefits for its employees.

Note 10 — Leases

With the exception of one superstore, all of the Company’s retail stores operate out of leased facilities. Traditional store leases generally have initial terms of five to ten years and renewal options for up to 20 years. Superstore leases generally have initial terms of 10-15 years and renewal options generally ranging from 5-20 years. Certain leases contain escalation clauses and provide for contingent rents based on a percent of sales in excess of defined minimums. In certain instances, the Company is required to pay its pro rata share of real estate taxes and common area

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10 — Leases

maintenance expenses. The Company also leases certain computer and store equipment, generally under five-year or less lease terms.

The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases:


	Minimum
Fiscal Year Ended	Rentals

(Dollars in millions)
2004	$	116.8
2005		111.5
2006		101.6
2007		84.5
2008		68.5
Thereafter		204.8

	$	687.7

Rent expense was as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended	2003			2002			2001

(Dollars in millions)
Minimum rentals	$	122.6		$	122.6		$	124.6
Contingent rentals		4.1			2.7			2.3
Sublease rentals		(7.5	)		(6.0	)		(4.8	)

	$	119.2		$	119.3		$	122.1

Note 11 — Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

Summarized below are the unaudited results of operations by quarter for fiscal 2003 and 2002:


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
Fiscal 2003		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Net sales		$	372.4	$	353.7	$	430.1	$	525.8
Gross margin			180.8		171.6		197.4		227.7
Net income			8.7		2.0		8.9		25.3
Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.46	$	0.11	$	0.46	$	1.30
	Diluted		0.43		0.10		0.44		1.24

Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 was increased $2.2 million, net-of-tax, due to certain year-end adjustments. Gross margin increased by $4.3 million pre-tax as a result of adjustments to the shrink reserve, net of an increase in the closed store inventory reserves. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million as a result of adjustments made to the closed store reserves for asset impairment and non-cancelable lease obligations.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11 — Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Continued)


		First			Second			Third			Fourth
Fiscal 2002		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Net sales		$	328.9		$	330.2		$	413.0		$	498.2
Gross margin			151.1			139.2			182.6			220.2
Net income (loss)			(6.4	)		(16.1	)		(11.3	)		18.9
Net income (loss) per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.88	)	$	(0.61	)	$	1.02
	Diluted		(0.35	)		(0.88	)		(0.61	)		1.01

Net income in the fourth quarter was decreased by $4.0 million, net-of-tax, due to the settlement of certain litigation. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.5 million due to this settlement. See Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies.

Note 12 — Minority Investment

On June 6, 2000, the Company announced that it had entered into a strategic relationship with IdeaForest.com, Inc. (“IdeaForest”), an on-line destination site for arts and crafts merchandise, creative ideas, advice and supplies. As part of the strategic relationship, IdeaForest, which operates as an independent entity, is responsible for all content and technology support to the joann.com website. The Company provides product to the site, with customer fulfillment and service being handled by IdeaForest. The Company invested $6.5 million in IdeaForest, which, combined with the Company’s contribution of strategic assets, entitled the Company to a 28.5 percent ownership interest. The investment in IdeaForest is accounted for using the equity method. During fiscal 2001, the Company recorded equity losses of $3.2 million related to this minority investment.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company reduced the carrying value of the its investment in IdeaForest to zero, which resulted in a $3.3 million charge. The decision to reduce the carrying value of the investment to zero was predicated on operating projections prepared by IdeaForest that resulted in its cash balance being reduced to near zero before cash flow positive operating status was achieved. Currently, IdeaForest’s operations on an annualized basis are not yet profitable, but the company is approaching a cash flow breakeven level. The Company remains committed to an online presence and will continue to evaluate its options with IdeaForest as the company demonstrates continued improvement in its operations.

The other 71.5% of IdeaForest.com, Inc. is owned by a variety of investors, none of which are related to Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. or are affiliated with the Company. While the Company has no obligation to provide further funding to IdeaForest.com, Inc., the Company has entered into a written letter of understanding that provides the Company the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any future rounds of equity funding that IdeaForest.com may enter into to raise capital, at a level no less than 20% of the total round of financing. IdeaForest.com currently has no plans to raise additional capital.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13 — Consolidating Financial Statements

The Company’s 10 3/8 percent senior subordinated notes and Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The senior subordinated notes are subordinated to the Company’s Credit Facility. Summarized consolidating financial information of the Company (excluding its subsidiaries) and the guarantor subsidiaries as of and for the years ended February 1, 2003 is as follows:


		February 1, 2003												February 2, 2002

Consolidating					Guarantor												Guarantor
Balance Sheets		Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated			Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

		(Dollars in millions)
Assets
Current assets:
	Cash and temporary cash investments	$	60.2		$	3.0		$	—		$	63.2		$	17.5		$	3.6		$	—		$	21.1
	Inventories		132.9			230.2			—			363.1			152.8			216.2			—			369.0
	Deferred income taxes		21.5			6.7			—			28.2			25.4			5.2			—			30.6
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		11.2			6.0			—			17.2			10.4			7.1			—			17.5

Total current assets			225.8			245.9			—			471.7			206.1			232.1			—			438.2
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net			65.8			124.5			—			190.3			64.7			145.4			—			210.1
Goodwill, net			—			26.5			—			26.5			—			26.5			—			26.5
Other assets			14.6			1.4			—			16.0			17.3			1.6			—			18.9
Investment in subsidiaries			22.6			—			(22.6	)		—			3.6			—			(3.6	)		—
Intercompany receivable			371.4			—			(371.4	)		—			418.0			—			(418.0	)		—

Total assets		$	700.2		$	398.3		$	(394.0	)	$	704.5		$	709.7		$	405.6		$	(421.6	)	$	693.7

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	130.3		$	(0.4	)	$	—		$	129.9		$	122.7		$	0.4		$	—		$	123.1
	Accrued expenses		94.7			(18.8	)		—			75.9			111.2			(28.9	)		—			82.3

Total current liabilities			225.0			(19.2	)		—			205.8			233.9			(28.5	)		—			205.4
Long-term debt			162.9			—			—			162.9			223.7			—			—			223.7
Deferred income taxes			17.6			19.6			—			37.2			14.6			9.0			—			23.6
Other long-term liabilities			5.3			3.9			—			9.2			4.7			3.5			—			8.2
Intercompany payable			—			371.4			(371.4	)		—			—			418.0			(418.0	)		—
Shareholders’ equity:
	Common stock		1.0			—			—			1.0			1.1			—			—			1.1
	Additional paid-in capital		113.9			—			—			113.9			99.7			—			—			99.7
	Unamortized restricted stock awards		(0.4	)		—			—			(0.4	)		(0.6	)		—			—			(0.6	)
	Retained earnings		217.8			22.6			(22.6	)		217.8			172.9			3.6			(3.6	)		172.9
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2.6	)		—			—			(2.6	)		(3.0	)		—			—			(3.0	)

			329.7			22.6			(22.6	)		329.7			270.1			3.6			(3.6	)		270.1
	Treasury stock, at cost		(40.3	)		—			—			(40.3	)		(37.3	)		—			—			(37.3	)

Total shareholders’ equity			289.4			22.6			(22.6	)		289.4			232.8			3.6			(3.6	)		232.8

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	700.2		$	398.3		$	(394.0	)	$	704.5		$	709.7		$	405.6		$	(421.6	)	$	693.7

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13 — Consolidating Financial Statements (Continued)


		Fiscal Year Ended

		February 1, 2003									February 2, 2002

Consolidating
Statements				Guarantor										Guarantor
of Operations		Parent		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated		Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated

		(Dollars in millions)
Net sales		$	924.7	$	1,525.6	$	(768.3	)	$	1,682.0	$	862.6		$	1,614.7		$	(907.0	)	$	1,570.3
Cost of sales			562.1		1,110.7		(768.3	)		904.5		528.2			1,256.0			(907.0	)		877.2

	Gross margin		362.6		414.9		—			777.5		334.4			358.7			—			693.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses			320.0		322.9		—			642.9		326.1			318.1			—			644.2
Depreciation and amortization			13.0		23.1		—			36.1		15.3			24.0			—			39.3

	Operating profit (loss)		29.6		68.9		—			98.5		(7.0	)		16.6			—			9.6
Interest expense, net			9.8		16.2		—			26.0		14.5			18.2			—			32.7

	Income (loss) before income taxes		19.8		52.7		—			72.5		(21.5	)		(1.6	)		—			(23.1	)
Income tax provision (benefit)			8.9		18.7		—			27.6		(8.5	)		(0.3	)		—			(8.8	)

	Income (loss) before equity loss and extraordinary item		10.9		34.0		—			44.9		(13.0	)		(1.3	)		—			(14.3	)
Equity income (loss) from subsidiaries			34.0		—		(34.0	)		—		(1.3	)		—			1.3			—

	Income (loss) before extraordinary item		44.9		34.0		(34.0	)		44.9		(14.3	)		(1.3	)		1.3			(14.3	)
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit			—		—		—			—		(0.6	)		—			—			(0.6	)

Net income (loss)		$	44.9	$	34.0	$	(34.0	)	$	44.9	$	(14.9	)	$	(1.3	)	$	1.3		$	(14.9	)


		Fiscal Year Ended February 3, 2001

					Guarantor
Consolidating Statements of Operations		Parent			Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated

		(Dollars in millions)
Net sales		$	815.7		$	1,436.9	$	(769.3	)	$	1,483.3
Cost of sales			511.1			1,096.4		(769.3	)		838.2

	Gross margin		304.6			340.5		—			645.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses			293.7			295.5		—			589.2
Depreciation and amortization			17.1			21.2		—			38.3

	Operating profit (loss)		(6.2	)		23.8		—			17.6
Interest expense, net			13.5			15.5		—			29.0

	Income (loss) before income taxes		(19.7	)		8.3		—			(11.4	)
Income tax provision (benefit)			(7.6	)		3.3		—			(4.3	)

	Income (loss) before equity loss and extraordinary item		(12.1	)		5.0		—			(7.1	)
Equity and asset impairment losses of minority investment			(6.5	)		—		—			(6.5	)
Equity income (loss) from subsidiaries			5.0			—		(5.0	)		—

	Income (loss) before extraordinary item		(13.6	)		5.0		(5.0	)		(13.6	)
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit			—			—		—			—

Net income (loss)		$	(13.6	)	$	5.0	$	(5.0	)	$	(13.6	)

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13 — Consolidating Financial Statements (Continued)


		Fiscal Year Ended

		February 1, 2003											February 2, 2002

Consolidating
Statements of					Guarantor											Guarantor
Cash Flows		Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Consolidated			Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Consolidated

										(Dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	107.6		$	11.6		$	—	$	119.2		$	31.4		$	56.8		$	—	$	88.2
Net cash flows used for investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		(10.5	)		(12.2	)		—		(22.7	)		(9.6	)		(56.9	)		—		(66.5	)

Net cash used for investing activities			(10.5	)		(12.2	)		—		(22.7	)		(9.6	)		(56.9	)		—		(66.5	)
Net cash flows used for financing activities:
	Proceeds from senior secured credit facility, net		—			—			—		—			171.6			—			—		171.6
	Repayment of prior senior credit facility		—			—			—		—			(123.8	)		—			—		(123.8	)
	Net change in revolving credit facility		(33.7	)		—			—		(33.7	)		(69.1	)		—			—		(69.1	)
	Repurchase of senior subordinated notes		(28.3	)		—			—		(28.3	)		—			—			—		—
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		8.5			—			—		8.5			—			—			—		—
	Purchase of common stock		(3.4	)		—			—		(3.4	)		(0.4	)		—			—		(0.4	)
	Other, net		2.5			—			—		2.5			3.6			—			—		3.6

Net cash used for financing activities			(54.4	)		—			—		(54.4	)		(18.1	)		—			—		(18.1	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash			42.7			(0.6	)		—		42.1			3.7			(0.1	)		—		3.6
Cash and temporary cash investments at beginning of year			17.5			3.6			—		21.1			13.8			3.7			—		17.5

Cash and temporary cash investments at end of year		$	60.2		$	3.0		$	—	$	63.2		$	17.5		$	3.6		$	—	$	21.1

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


		Fiscal Year Ended February 3, 2001

					Guarantor
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows		Parent			Subsidiaries			Eliminations		Consolidated

		(Dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	19.0		$	20.0		$	—	$	39.0
Net cash flows used for investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		(13.4	)		(22.5	)		—		(35.9	)
	Minority investment		(6.5	)		—			—		(6.5	)
	Other, net		—			1.7			—		1.7

Net cash used for investing activities			(19.9	)		(20.8	)		—		(40.7	)
Net cash flows used for financing activities:
	Net change in revolving credit facility		(5.2	)		—			—		(5.2	)
	Purchase of common stock		(0.1	)		—			—		(0.1	)
	Other, net		3.1			—			—		3.1

Net cash used for financing activities			(2.2	)		—			—		(2.2	)

Net decrease in cash			(3.1	)		(0.8	)		—		(3.9	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			16.9			4.5			—		21.4

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	13.8		$	3.7		$	—	$	17.5

Report of Former Independent Public Accountants On the Financial Statement Schedule

This is a copy of the report on the financial schedule previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with the Company’s filing on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002. This report on the financial statement schedule has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K/A nor has Arthur Andersen LLP provided a consent to the inclusion of its report on the financial statement schedule included on page 64 in this Form 10-K/A. For further discussion, see Exhibit 23.3.

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.:

We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated financial statements of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated March 7, 2002. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule on page 57 is the responsibility of the Company’s management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Cleveland, Ohio,
March 7, 2002.

Schedule II

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Fiscal Year Ended 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Dollars in millions)


	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to					Balance at
	Beginning		Costs and		Other					End of
	of Period		Expenses		Accounts		Deductions			Period

February 1, 2003 Closed store reserve	$	12.4	$	1.4	$	—	$	(9.4	)	$	4.4
February 2, 2002 Closed store reserve		9.3		17.6		—		(14.5	)		12.4
February 3, 2001 Closed store reserve		4.4		7.9		—		(3.0	)		9.3

Item 9. Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Our financial statements for 2001 and 2002 were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. As a result of Arthur Andersen ceasing its operations, we changed our auditors to Ernst & Young LLP on May 29, 2002. This change was reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 29, 2002. The Company had no disagreements with Arthur Andersen during fiscal 2001 or fiscal 2002.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information required by this Item 10 as to the Directors of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Nominees to and Current Members of the Board of Directors” in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 10, 2003 (the “Proxy Statement”), which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year. Information required by this Item 10 as to the Executive Officers of the Registrant is included under Item 4 of Part I of this Form 10-K/A as permitted by Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K. Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”.

Information required by this Item 10 as to Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings is included under Item 3, Legal Proceedings contained in this document.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Compensation of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Principal Shareholders” in the Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of securities

remaining available

Number of securities

for future issuance

to be issued upon

under equity

exercise of

Weighted-average

compensation plans

outstanding options,

exercise price of

(excluding

warrants

outstanding options,

securities reflected

and rights

warrants and rights

in column (a))

Plan category

(a)

(b)

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

2,634,985

10.68

1,774,939

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(1)

225,000

7.75

Total

2,859,985

10.45

1,774,939

(1)

On February 9, 2001, the Company registered 319,000 Class B common shares to be issued in connection with options to purchase Class B common shares pursuant to award agreements with certain employees. The options were granted under the rules provided for in the 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan. As of February 1, 2003, 225,000 of the 319,000 securities registered remain to be issued.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Ira Gumberg, one of our Directors, is President and Chief Executive Officer and a principal shareholder of J.J. Gumberg Co., which manages numerous shopping centers. Twelve of these shopping centers contain stores of our Company. Two of the leases were entered into after Mr. Gumberg became a Director of our Company, and we believe such leases are on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from an unrelated party. The aggregate rent and related occupancy charges paid during fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 on these stores amounted to $1.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Betty Rosskamm, Alma Zimmerman and the Company have entered into an agreement, dated September 26, 1997, relating to their Jo-Ann Stores Class A and Class B common shares. Under this agreement, Betty Rosskamm and her lineal descendants and permitted holders, and Alma Zimmerman and her lineal descendants and permitted holders, may each sell up to 200,000 Class A common shares in any calendar year and may not sell more than 100,000 of those shares in any 180-day period. Mrs. Rosskamm and Mrs. Zimmerman collectively, may each sell up to 100,000 of their Class B common shares in any 60-day period. If either Mrs. Rosskamm or Mrs. Zimmerman plan to sell a number of their Class A common shares in excess of the number permitted under the agreement, they must first offer to sell those shares to the other family party to the agreement, and then with the other family’s permission, to the Company. If either Mrs. Rosskamm or Mrs. Zimmerman plan to sell a number of their Class B common shares in excess of the number permitted under the agreement, each family must first offer to sell those shares to the Company.

Item 14. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Within the 90 days prior to the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer (Chief Accounting Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries required to be included in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out the evaluation.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1) and (2)Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

		The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule filed as part of this Form 10-K/A are located as set forth in the index on page 31 of this report.

		The IdeaForest.com financial statements filed as part of this Form 10-K/A are located as set forth in Exhibit 99 of this report.

(3) Exhibits


Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

3.1		Amended Articles of Incorporation of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. (filed as an Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
3.1.1		Certificate of Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation (filed as an Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 16, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference)
3.2		Regulations of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., as amended (filed as an Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
4.1		Form of Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated October 31 2000, between the Registrant and National City Bank, as Rights Agent (filed as an Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 4, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference)
4.2		Indenture between the Registrant and FCA Financial, Inc., Fabri-Centers of South Dakota, Inc., Fabri-Centers of California, Inc., FCA of Ohio, Inc., and House of Fabrics, Inc., as guarantors, and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee relating to the 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (filed as an Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-4 filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference)
4.3		Form of Certificate of the 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (filed as an Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form S-4 filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999 and incorporated herein by Reference)
4.4		Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant, FCA Financial, Inc., Fabri-Centers of South Dakota, Inc., Fabri-Centers of California, Inc., FCA of Ohio, Inc., and House of Fabrics, Inc., and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. relating to the 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (filed as an Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Form S-4 filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.1		Form of Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement between the Registrant and certain of its officers (filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.2		List of Executive Officers who are parties to the Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement with the Registrant (filed as an Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.2.1		Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement and Assignment with New York Life Insurance Company between the Registrant and Alan Rosskamm dated May 27, 1994 (filed as an Exhibit 10.2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.2.2		Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement and Assignment with The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company between the Registrant and Alan Rosskamm dated May 27, 1994 (filed as an Exhibit 10.2.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.3		Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement and Assignment between the Registrant and Alma Zimmerman dated September 22, 1984 (filed as an Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.4		Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements and Assignments between the Registrant and Betty Rosskamm dated October 19, 1984 (filed as an Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.5		Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended (filed as an Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.6		List of Executive Officers who participate in the Registrant’s Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended (filed as an Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)


Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

10.7		Employment Agreement dated July 30, 2001 between the Registrant and Alan Rosskamm (filed as an Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.7.1		Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and certain Executive Officers (filed as an Exhibit 10.7.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.7.2		List of Executive Officers who are parties to an Employment Agreement with the Registrant (filed as an Exhibit 10.7.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.8		Fabri-Centers of America, Inc. 1990 Employees Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended (filed as an Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.9		Fabri-Centers of America, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as an Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting held on June 4, 1998 filed with the Commission on Schedule 14A on May 8, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.10		Amended and Restated Agreement dated September 26, 1997 among Fabri-Centers of America, Inc., Betty Rosskamm and Justin Zimmerman and Alma Zimmerman (filed as an Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 16, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.11		Credit Agreement dated as of April 24, 2001 among the Registrant, as borrower, Fleet National Bank, as Issuing Bank, Fleet Retail Finance Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Congress Financial Corporation, as Documentation Agent, GMAC Commercial Credit, LLC, National City Commercial Finance, Inc. and The Group / Business Credit, Inc. as Co-Agents and Fleet Securities Inc. as Arranger and Syndication Agent (filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 19, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.12		Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of April 24, 2001 (filed as an Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 19, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.13		Fabri-Centers of America, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan (filed as an Exhibit 11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)*
12		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed as an Exhibit 12 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
21		Subsidiaries of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. (filed as an Exhibit 21 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 2, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference)
23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
23.2		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors (IdeaForest.com)
23.3		Notice regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
24		Power of Attorney
31.1		Certification by Chief Executive Officer (Section 302)
31.2		Certification by Chief Financial Officer (Section 302)
32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Section 906)
32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Section 906)
99		Financial statements for IdeaForest.com

* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Not Applicable

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

JO-ANN STORES, INC.


By: /s/ ALAN ROSSKAMM		September 9, 2003

Alan Rosskamm
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:


Signature		Title

/s/ ALAN ROSSKAMM Alan Rosskamm		Chairman of the Board and Director (Chief Executive Officer)

/s/ BRIAN P. CARNEY* Brian P. Carney		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Chief Accounting Officer)

/s/ SCOTT COWEN* Scott Cowen		Director

/s/ IRA GUMBERG* Ira Gumberg		Director

/s/ FRANK NEWMAN* Frank Newman		Director

/s/ BERYL RAFF* Beryl Raff		Director

/s/ GREGG SEARLE* Gregg Searle		Director

/s/ TRACEY THOMAS TRAVIS* Tracey Thomas Travis		Director

The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Form 10-K/A Annual Report on behalf of the above-named officers and directors of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., pursuant to powers of attorney executed on behalf of each of such officers and directors.


*By: /s/ ALAN ROSSKAMM		September 9, 2003

Alan Rosskamm, Attorney-in-Fact

Exhibit Index


Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description

23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
23.2		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors (IdeaForest.com)
23.3		Notice regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
24		Power of Attorney
31.1		Certification by Chief Executive Officer (Section 302)
31.2		Certification by Chief Financial Officer (Section 302)
32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Section 906)
32.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Section 906)
99		Financial statements for IdeaForest.com

Jo-Ann Stores (JAS) Inactive 10-K/A2003 FY Annual report (amended)