EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. listed below of our report dated March 10, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 1, 2003. FORM REGISTRATION NO. - ---- ---------------- S-4 333-80763 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated notes Due 2007 S-8 333-10093 1994 Executive Incentive Plan S-8 33-72445 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan S-8 33-32809 Employee Savings and Profit Sharing Plan S-8 33-37355 1990 Employees Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan S-8 33-49690 1990 Employees Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan S-8 333-10087 1990 Employees Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan S-8 333-10091 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors S-8 333-55278 Nonqualified Stock Option Awards to Certain Employees S-8 333-55280 Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. Savings Plan 401(k) /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio, April 28, 2003.