Jo-Ann fabrics and crafts enters Columbus market

A popular specialty retailer catering to crafters and those who like to sew and decorate is entering the Columbus market.

Jo-Ann, a fabric and crafts store, should open Thursday at 5555 Whittlesey Blvd., in space formerly occupied by A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts, which closed in early July. The store is located near Sears at Columbus Park Crossing.

Hudson, Ohio-based Jo-Ann Stores Inc. was started in 1943 by German immigrants and has grown through the years to nearly 1,000 locations and more than 20,000 employees nationwide.

As Jo-Ann opens, however, another retailer at Columbus Park Crossing is preparing to close. S&K menswear, located near Kohl's, is one of 18 stores companywide shutting its doors. The Columbus store is now conducting a liquidation sale and is expected to close by Oct. 27.