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Retailer Announces 18.1% Increase in Seasonal Hires

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation's largest fabric and craft retailer, has announced an 18.1% increase in seasonal hires over last year.

According to Travis Smith, chief operations officer for Jo-Ann, the company has hired 2779 seasonal employees, which currently account for 13.4% of its total workforce. Last year at this time, seasonal employees accounted for 11%. "Obviously, we are very pleased to be able to offer employment to more people in these challenging economic times. This increase is a result of our recent sales trend and expectations for holiday traffic in our stores," Smith explained. "By hiring these additional employees we hope to ensure excellent customer service during the holiday season."

On Thursday, November 5, Jo-Ann announced same-store sales increased 4.3% in the third quarter, driven largely by a 4.9% increase in customer traffic. Smith cites the growing trend in handmade holiday gifts as a contributing factor. "Our customers tell us they enjoy making personalized gifts and that the recipients enjoy the uniqueness and meaning in these gifts," he said.

SOURCE Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

If you're in one of the 62 million American households that engage in crafting projects ranging from scrapbooking to needlework to gift wrapping, there's a new creative resource on the horizon to enhance your pastime.

Hooker Furniture (NASDAQ-GS: HOFT), one of the nation's top publicly traded furniture companies, has invented a new type of furniture called a hobby cabinet that the company will introduce at the upcoming international trade show in High Point, N.C. October 17 - 22.

Offered in an upscale light or dark cherry finish and a sophisticated casual design, the hobby cabinet consists of a credenza and hutch combination that is slightly under eight feet tall. The credenza has a file drawer, cubby drawers for storing beads, stickers, buttons, threads or needles; a pull out drawer for a printer, two map-sized drawers for storing large sheets of paper and a drop down drawer and two-prong electrical outlet so a laptop computer can be used. On top of the credenza is a fold-out work surface that is about 30 inches deep and 38 inches wide that is at counter height so you can stand to work on crafts or wrap gifts. The fold-down surface even offers a pencil tray edge perfect for running scissors across to cut paper or fabric.

The hutch has doors that open to reveal eight large dowels for hanging rolls of paper or fabric, smaller dowels for organizing ribbons, cork boards for posting photos, crafting ideas, patterns and the like, along with storage shelves and drawers.

"As the passion for crafting has grown, we wanted to provide hobbyists with a special space of their own to enjoy working on their crafts and to organize all the elements that go into their projects," said Mike Spece, executive vice president of merchandising and design at Hooker Furniture.

Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. households have a crafting project going on at least once during the year, and 42 million households will craft gifts of some sort between November and December of this year alone, according to the Craft & Hobby Assn. Led by scrapbooking, craft and hobby activities have grown to become a nearly $30 billion industry. Scrapbooking alone is a $2.5 billion industry.

Why the growing passion for hobbies and crafts? Some craft for practical reasons because they can make it cheaper than they can buy it; others for the social aspect of spending time with friends and family as they knit or create scrapbooks together. Evolving from the quilting bees and sewing circles from hundreds of years ago, today there are modern crafting communities online, according to the Craft & Hobby Assn. Creating something with one's own hands enhances self esteem and even has therapeutic and medicinal value. Doctors even prescribe craft therapy, and studies show that hand-crafting leads to stress reduction.

With their hobby cabinet, Hooker Furniture hopes to enhance the stress-reduction qualities of crafting even further by providing a central station for organizing paper, glue, scissors, tape and the like so they are easy to find. The fold-out work surface also allows people to stand and work comfortably, rather than kneeling down to work on crafts spread on the floor or cluttering up the kitchen table.

The hobby cabinet will be available in retail stores early in 2010.

SOURCE Hooker Furniture

It's great to post your home-made cards with unique stamps.  The postal service has just released some for Holiday 2009!

The Postal Service started delivering the 2009 holiday season by issuing the Winter Holidays stamps yesterday and the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stamps today at the American Stamp Dealers Association Mega Stamp Show in New York City. The 2009 Christmas: Madonna and Sleeping Child by Sassoferrato stamp will be dedicated Oct. 20, 2009, at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA, where the original painting is located.

"We hope Americans will use these stamps to spread the joy of the Holidays on cards and letters across the nation this holiday season," said David Failor, U.S. Postal Service executive director of Stamp Services.

Winter Holidays

The Winter Holidays stamps feature a reindeer, snowman, gingerbread man and toy soldier. A merry reindeer dangles a red bulb ornament from his antler. Flurries of large flakes dust a snowman sporting a top hat, coal buttons and a carrot nose. The gingerbread man is decorated for the season with green, red and white icing. The toy soldier smiles while standing at attention. Borders of evergreens, stars, wreaths and holly add another holiday touch to the stamps.

These popular figures are seen throughout the holidays, decorating homes, schools, and stores from Thanksgiving to New Year's. They also appear in gift wrap designs and are the subjects of several favorite songs and stories. As stamp art, they will add a festive touch to letters and cards sent to friends and family.

This is the first Postal Service stamp project for artist Joseph Cudd. His company, Brushworks Studio, in Greensboro, NC, is primarily a gift wrap and print design firm. To create these stamps under the direction of Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, Cudd first sketched the designs by hand and then finished them on the computer using a graphics tablet. More than 1.5 billion 44-cent First-Class stamps are available in booklets of 20 and ATM booklets of 18.

Hanukkah

The new 2009 Hanukkah design features a photograph of a menorah with nine lit candles. The menorah was designed by Lisa Regan of the Garden Deva Sculpture Company in Tulsa, OK, and photographed by Ira Wexler of Braddock Heights, MD. Carl T. Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV, was the art director. All 35 million 44 cent First-Class stamps, available in sheets of 20, go on sale tomorrow.

The 2009 Hanukkah stamp is the third U.S. issuance to commemorate the holiday. The Postal Service issued its first Hanukkah stamp, which featured a stylized illustration of a menorah, in 1996. A design featuring an ornate dreidel followed in 2004.

Kwanzaa

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates Kwanzaa, a non-religious holiday that takes place over seven days from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa draws on African traditions and takes its name from the phrase for "first fruits" in Swahili, a widely spoken African language. Stamp artist Lloyd McNeill of New York City, under the direction of Carl T. Herrman, created this new, festive, highly symbolic design to celebrate the holiday.

The bold colors in the stamp art are complemented in the top right corner by the colors of the Kwanzaa flag -- green for growth, red for blood and black for the African people -- which are the same colors as the Pan-African flag. The field of green around the borders symbolizes growth and a bountiful harvest. In the hoop that the girl holds in her hands, as well as in the family grouping of mother, father and child, McNeill symbolized unity. This is the third stamp design issued by the U.S. Postal Service in celebration of Kwanzaa. The first Kwanzaa commemorative stamp was issued in 1997. Thirty million 44-cent First-Class stamps, available in sheets of 20, go on sale tomorrow.

First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

(Winter Holidays) (Hanukkah) (Kwanzaa) Stamp(s)

Postmaster

421 Eighth Ave., Rm. 2029B

New York, NY 10199-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Dec. 9, 2009, for the Winter Holidays stamps and Dec. 10, 2009, for the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stamps.

First-Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day-covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog.

Philatelic Products

Winter Holidays stamps:

• 573763, ATM Booklet First-Day Cover Set of 4, $3.28.
• 678563, Booklet First-Day Cover Set of 4, $3.28.
• 678568, Booklet Digital Color Postmark Set of 4, $6.
• 678591, Ceremony Program w/4 stamps, $6.95.
• 678599, Cancellation Keepsake (4 Digital Color Postmark covers with sheet), $14.80.

Hanukkah stamp:

• 573561, First-Day Cover, $0.82.
• 573591, Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 573593, Cancellation Keepsake (First-Day Cover w/pane), $9.62.

Kwanzaa stamp:

• 573461, First-Day Cover, $0.82.
• 573491, Ceremony Program, $6.95.
• 573493, Cancellation Keepsake (w/pane), $9.62.

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Teachers, administrators, and students, time to put your creativity caps on! Just in time for back-to-school, MEGA Brands (TSX: MB) has launched the "RoseArt Design your Dream Classroom" contest, inviting K-8 classrooms across the U.S and Canada to submit their dream classroom designs for a chance to win loads of RoseArt school supplies.

"It is really inspiring to see young minds come together, and direct their creativity toward designing and creating a work of art colored by their imagination" said Vic Bertrand, Chief Innovation Officer of MEGA Brands. "We continue to offer family-friendly value through our RoseArt brand, and this contest is a great way to encourage students to become designers and architects by creating their ultimate classroom."

The contest invites participants to create and digitally submit a creative design of their dream classroom through the new RoseArt website at www.roseart.com. The website features an online gallery where kids and classrooms can upload and share their pictures.

The grand prizes will be awarded to the top three creative classrooms, one in each of the following grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, who will win RoseArt school supplies for the remaining 2009/2010 school term. Each prize is valued at approximately $1,700. Secondary prizes will be awarded to 12 classrooms, three in each of the following grade groupings: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, who will receive a basket full of RoseArt supplies for their classroom, valued at approximately $150 each.

Entrants can digitally submit any artwork such as drawings, mock-ups, photographs etc. A judging panel will select the top 30 submissions, 10 in each grade category, and final winners will be selected through a public online voting process that will begin once the contest closes. Voting will be based on the most creative, original and innovative entry. All entries must be received by 5:00 pm EDT on October 22, 2009. Winners will be formally announced on November 18.

For complete contest details, submission requirements and more information on RoseArt, please visit www.roseart.com.

SOURCE MEGA Brands Inc.

From locally grown fruits and vegetables to freshly-baked breads to artisanal made cheeses, Chicago will finally have a year-round, European-inspired fresh market to call its own. To be comprised of more than two dozen individual vendors, Chicago French Market is poised to become Chicago's newest and most enticing culinary destination, featuring Pastoral, Espression by Lavazza, Sweet Miss Giving's, Flip Crepes and the award-winning Vanille Patisserie, among many others.

Chicago French Market is the heart of MetraMarket, a new vibrant, street-level restaurant and retail complex developed by U.S. Equities Realty, a full-service real estate firm based in Chicago. Connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center's suburban commuter concourse, MetraMarket will enliven two underutilized city blocks bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton Streets in Chicago's West Loop. Six days a week, alluring aromas from fresh baked goods and other delectable items will fill Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton Street, making it an exciting fresh food destination for local residents, downtown office workers, commuters, tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Managed and operated by the Bensidoun family, the largest market operator in and around Paris, Chicago French Market is the latest in a growing number of Bensidoun French Markets throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, the family manages eleven weekly outdoor markets throughout Chicagoland during the summer.

The combined passion and vision for Chicago French Market has enabled the Bensidoun family and U.S. Equities to assemble a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions, high-quality products and competitive prices. Bringing together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market will be largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors, including:

• Albano's Deli: Recently voted as "Favorite Deli" by West Suburban Living Magazine readers, Albano's Deli, an authentic Italian specialty store, will provide Chicago French Market customers with imported and domestic meats, tomato products and other Italian favorites. It will also offer an assortment of freshly made sub sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as deli tray catering.
• Canady Le Chocolatier: Professional chocolatier, Michael Canady, who attended Richemonte School in Lucerne, Switzerland and studied in Antwerp, Belgium, will be offering his broad selection of delicious rich dark, milk and white chocolate creations. Headquartered in Chicago's South Loop, Canady Le Chocolatier will boast mouth-watering specialties such as truffles, chocolate-coated orange slices, marzipan, nougat, ginger slices and a variety of ganache.
• Chicago Organics: An organization dedicated to the expanded production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced products, Chicago Organics will offer an exceptional array of fresh and certified organic produce, meats, dairy and other local delicacies.
• Completely Nuts: Completely Nuts began as a small roaster at a local fair back in 1991 and evolved into one of Chicago's most renowned nut shops. It will offer a variety of roasted almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts, as well as scrumptious candied options.
• Espression by Lavazza: In addition to its 2,045-square-foot space within MetraMarket, the 114 year old, family-owned Italian cafe will also offer its award-winning espresso and coffee drinks, as well as authentic gelato, at its French Market location.
• Flip Crepes: For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the tastes of authentic France can be found in Flip Crepes, a creperie offering a variety of healthy and original recipes wrapped in an all-natural wheat crepe. It's traditional French food at its best: chocolate, dulce de leche, fresh fruits, goat cheese, roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions are among the palette of flavors that will please food connoisseurs at Chicago French Market.
• Fraternite Notre Dame: The nuns of the Fraternite Notre Dame have created a loyal following for their sweets and baked goods. A large selection of handmade items will be available, including fresh breads, creme brulees, quiches and beignets, among dozens of other sweet and savory baked goods. Additionally, a portion of their profits will fund the Fraternite Norte Dame's charitable work with families in need throughout Chicago.
• Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine: Chicagoans Ken Miller and Greg O'Neill own and operate this European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop, offering the highest quality fine and artisan cheeses from America and around the world, select small production wines and freshly baked breads, along with a full complement of related items such as charcuterie and olives. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral operates successful locations in Lakeview and in the Loop and is known for its approachable and knowledgeable staff.
• Sweet Miss Giving's: Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: more than 50 percent of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women and children of Chicago House. Opened in November 2008, this new bakery with a great story has garnered attention from local foundations and news outlets as an innovative business with a social mission.
• Vanille Patisserie: Owned by Dimitri Fayard, the World Pastry Champion of 2008, and Keli Fayard, an accomplished cake designer, this husband and wife team has built an award-winning French pastry shop that melds classic European traditions with modern flavors. Appealing to the contemporary palette, Vanille Patisserie specializes in wedding and special occasion cakes, handmade chocolates and candies, mousse cakes and luscious tarts.
• Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Headquartered in Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Cheese Mart is a 70 year old tradition. Offering a wide collection of Wisconsin-produced sheep, cow and goats milk varieties, Wisconsin Cheese Mart's hand-crafted offerings will appeal to cheese lovers in search of the Midwest's finest cheeses.
  

"Chicago French Market has assembled the area's best vendors to create a dynamic market experience that boasts a range of local and international flavors," said Sebastien Bensidoun, executive vice president of Bensidoun Investment LLC and a fourth generation Bensidoun market expert. "With its collection of vendors and a public space for cooking demonstrations, events, mingling and dining, we're certain that Chicago French Market will be solidified in the minds of Chicagoans as a culinary and shopping destination unlike anything else in the city."

"Chicagoans will finally have a true marketplace right in the heart of downtown offering the exciting experience of a farmers' market six days a week, 52 weeks a year, rain or shine," said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities. "From a Metra commuter or nearby worker looking to pick up a healthy, fresh meal on-the-go to a city resident looking to pick up ingredients for a tasty, home cooked dinner, Chicago French Market will appeal to a broad range of consumers looking for a unique shopping experience and high-quality products."

Set to open this fall, Chicago French Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information on joining Chicago French Market, please contact Katherine Loring, leasing associate for U.S. Equities' MetraMarket and Chicago French Market leasing team, at 312-456-7061. To stay up-to-date on the latest news on Chicago French Market, join the e-mail list to receive details on opening festivities and additional vendor information at www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

SOURCE U.S. Equities Realty

Founded in 1943, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, has been the destination for creative enthusiasts to sew, craft and grow for 66 years.

Sixty six of the best Jo-Ann customers across the country will be celebrating this anniversary with Jo-Ann when they receive special recognition for their loyalty to the company. These 66 lucky customers will receive $100 Jo-Ann gift cards from their local stores.

"Generations of sewers and crafters have been coming to Jo-Ann for more than six decades, and we think that's a great reason to celebrate," said Travis Smith, Chief Operating Officer. "We appreciate our customers' creativity and we strive to serve their needs with a wide array of fabrics and sewing items, plus an extensive selection of crafting supplies, all under one roof. The gift cards are just our way of saying a special thank you to those 66 customers."

Looking back on the past 66 years, below are key Jo-Ann milestones:

• From one 1,400 square foot store in 1943 to more than 750 locations across the United States employing more than 20,000 team members, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. has not only witnessed a creative explosion in sewing and crafts, it has helped inspire it
• The first Jo-Ann store was named the Cleveland Fabric Shop; expansion in the 1950s and 1960s led to a new name, Jo-Ann Fabrics, which the two founding families chose by combining the names of their daughters
• In 1976, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. joined the New York Stock Exchange
• During the 1980s and 1990s, Jo-Ann Stores began opening larger stores in strip shopping centers, adding crafts and floral products
• The chain grew in 1994 with the acquisition of Clothworld, a 342-store chain operating in the southern U.S.
• Joann.com launched in 1997, giving customers 24-hour-a-day access to creative projects and products
  

Today, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, (NYSE: JAS) the nation's largest fabric and craft retailer with locations in 47 states, operates more than 750 Jo-Ann stores across the country providing consumers with creative inspiration. For additional information, visit www.Joann.com.

SOURCE Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.