New VP of Stores for Jo-Ann Crafts

Chad Buscho, an industry veteran with experience at Michaels Stores Inc. (Irving, Texas) and Kmart Corp. (Troy, Mich.), has been named vp, store operations and support, at Jo-Ann Stores Inc. (Hudson, Ohio).

“Chad Buscho's extensive craft retail experience and outstanding merchandising and inventory management skills have positioned him well for this promotion,” said Mike Edwards, executive vp, operations. “In his new role, reporting to me, Chad will develop and implement programs that drive customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, and ensure that our stores receive world-class support.”

Buscho joined Jo-Ann Stores in 1998 and had become divisional merchandise manager, crafts. Prior to Jo- Ann Stores, Buscho held a variety of management positions with progressive experience at Michaels Stores, culminating as director, custom framing. He began his career at Kmart, where he served as fashions manager.

Jo-Ann Stores also named Becky Jones vp, gmm. as vice president, general merchandise manager. She had been vp, divisional merchandise manager, at Wal-Mart (Bentonville, Ark.), where she helped drive the sales of basic and fashion products for ladies socks, hosiery, small accessories, handbags and backpacks, and was instrumental in instituting category management within her area of responsibility. Prior to that, she had been vp, divisional merchandise manager, at the Fred Meyer Stores Inc. (Portland, Ore.) division of The Kroger Co. (Cincinnati).

Jo-Ann Stores operates 868 Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts traditional stores and 71 Jo-Ann etc superstores.