Lease Department

An inside view of Jo-Ann Stores
Jo-Ann has been doing business for nearly 60 years with yearly sales in excess of $1 billion. Join forces with us by opening a Leased Sewing Machine Department inside a Jo-Ann Store near you! We are the nation's largest specialty fabric & craft retailer, operating over 900 retail stores in virtually every state. Specialty retailing of fabrics and related products is our core business. Major categories include: apparel & quilting fabrics, home décor, seasonal accents, floral, craft products & notions.

Contact the following addresses regarding lease department opportunities in all Jo-Ann Stores:

	Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. Mgr. Of Leased Departments 5555 Darrow Rd. Hudson, OH 44236 email: christinamoretti@jo-annstores.com
	VSM Sewing, Inc. 31000 Viking Parkway Westlake, OH 44145 tel: 440-808-6550 tel: 800-358-0001 web site: www.husqvarnaviking.com
	Pfaff Sewing Machines P.O. Box 458012 Westlake, OH 44145 tel: (440) 808-6550 fax: (440) 847-0001 web site: www.pfaffusa.com

What's our business outlook?

Business is great! According to the Home Sewing Association, one in five Americans pursues sewing as a hobby despite the decline in leisure time due to the demands of home and work.

The reasons people carve out time for sewing are significant. According to a Home Sewing Association survey, 39% of the respondents cited a sense of accomplishment as the main reason for sewing. Also, sewing hobbyists are more likely than non-sewers to describe themselves as creative, energetic and optimistic. A percentage of sewers pursue their hobby to save money, but the majority of enthusiasts truly enjoy sewing and the way it makes them feel about themselves.

Benefits to a dealer:

1. Set up and maintenance costs are substantially lower than opening a freestanding location.
2. Well defined target customers.
3. Stores with high sales volume & high customer count.
4. Ability to coordinate your advertising efforts with our successful direct mail advertising program.
5. Highly effective in-store promotion of seminars & classes.
6. A high customer traffic location in our store.
7. Customer referrals from Team Members.
8. Credibility of established store locations.
9. Reasonable monthly rental rates that include utilities and common area maintenance.

What dealers say about getting a new lease on business

"A lease department (inside Jo-Ann) is the best source for targeting the sewing customer. You reach a different set of people who also want the education we offer and the services we can provide for them. Built-in traffic means more business for me and expands the area of people to more than in a specialty store. It allows people access to the finest sewing machines and sergers that they may not get without going to a specialty store.

For me, the asset of the Jo-Ann's team support is invaluable. Because of them, we have immediate rapport with the regular Jo-Ann customers. They are an invaluable asset to my business.

A lease department helps us think outside the box of our comfort zone and has expanded the way in which I conduct business. It is infusing new energies into our sales effort and teaching role."

Donna's Sew 'n Quilt
North Little Rock, AR



"The sewing machine industry has changed so much over the last 5 years. People can buy a sewing machine in a drug store today. It makes it more difficult for a dealer to reach its customers. And the cost of advertising, buying mailing lists, printing and postage have made it almost impossible to meet. Jo-Ann is like a dealers dream come true. Your customers are built in. And to be part of Jo-Ann's family we feel we are part of the most well run company."

Woodhaven Sewing Machines
Westbury, NY

You can do it! Own your own business and take advantage of this money-making opportunity. Join forces with Jo-Ann Stores, an industry leader, and experience the opportunity to make money while encouraging people to get creative and make it themselves!