/C O R R E C T I O N - Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores/

HUDSON, Ohio, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading national fabric and craft retailer, today announced partnerships with both American Greetings Corporation and 3 Day Blinds. "We are thrilled to partner with such well-established, respected and trusted brands," said Travis Smith, Jo-Ann executive vice president, merchandising and marketing. "These partnerships will allow us to further enhance and add value to our customers shopping experience."

The American Greetings partnership will enable Jo-Ann to carry an array of social expressions products in its stores. Up to 120' of seasonal and everyday greeting cards, everyday gift wrap and everyday party goods will be available in all Jo-Ann superstores across the country in early May.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and American Greetings Corporation were both started and are still headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and both have a very similar customer base. "The majority of projects that our customers craft are given as gifts," said Smith. "It is only natural for us to provide them with the resources they need to create and give a gift all under the same roof."

"We're thrilled to partner with Jo-Ann to help their customers connect and celebrate during life's special occasions and milestones," said Bill DeWitt, vice president of sales, American Greetings. "Jo-Ann customers are a perfect fit for our category targeted at the female consumer. We believe the inclusion of American Greetings card departments will enhance the overall shopping experience. Jo-Ann superstore customers will find something fresh and new every time they visit the new American Greetings card departments."

Partnering with 3 Day Blinds will allow Jo-Ann to offer customized blinds, draperies, bedding and furniture beginning in April. Initially there will be a 3 Day Blinds "store within a store" in one Cleveland, Ohio, and in four Atlanta, Georgia, Jo-Ann superstores. Trained sales representatives will staff each of the five stores and also provide in-home consultation. In addition, five Jo-Ann traditional stores in Atlanta will feature a kiosk with 3 Day Blinds brochures and contact information.

"Home decor is a form of self expression," said Smith. "By partnering with 3 Day Blinds, we are providing our customers with a convenient way to express themselves and their individuality." Customers will be able to choose from over 3,000 fabrics and 1,000 trims from nationally recognized brands such as Christopher Lowell, Waverly, Tommy Bahama Home, Liz Claiborne Home, Nautica, Croscill Home and Better Homes and Gardens.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to bring to the Jo-Ann customer a 'we'll do it for you' turnkey decor solution encompassing coordinated hard and soft window treatments, bedding, and furniture," said James Buch, President and CEO, 3 Day Blinds. "The overlap of premium brands between our two companies will simplify the decision process and result in rewarding, affordable results for each room."

About Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. , the leading national fabric and craft retailer with locations in 47 states, currently operates 641 Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft traditional stores and 173 Jo-Ann superstores. For more information on the company, visit ( http://www.joann.com/ ).

About American Greetings Corporation

American Greetings Corporation is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, candles, stationery, calendars, educational products, ornaments and electronic greetings. American Greetings is also the creator and owner of many celebrated character properties, including Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.8 billion. For more information on the Corporation, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com/ .

About 3 Day Blinds

Headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, 3 Day Blinds, Inc. ( http://www.3dayblinds.com/ ) is the largest vertically integrated retailer of custom window coverings in the United States. The Company operates a system of 194 company-owned showrooms in 20 states. Its product offerings include all major categories of hard window treatments such as mini-blinds, vertical blinds, wood and faux wood blinds, woven wood blinds, sheer horizontal blinds, roman shades, cellular shades, roller shades, and custom interior shutters. Custom draperies and other soft treatments are also available through many of the company's showrooms.