Jo-Ann Stores launches Ellen DeGeneres' fabric collection, acquires Creativebug (photos)

HUDSON, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, headquartered in Hudson, announced a partnership with comedian, actress and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres for an exclusive fabric collection sold both in stores and online.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the partnership is with ED, the lifestyle brand by Ellen DeGeneres, in collaboration with P/K Lifestyles. The fabric line is reminiscent of an American country style.

DeGeneres said in a written statement that she's excited about the partnership.

"Jo-Ann represents everything I love about my line - quality, creativity, uniqueness, fun. Plus, let's be honest. Have you ever met a Jo-Ann you didn't like?," she said in press release from the company.

The fabric collection consists of 30 designs in an array of neutral and vibrant colors. The artisanal patterns combine modern and traditional designs for window treatments, upholstery, bedding and other home decor applications. Patterns per yard range in price from $19.99 - $59.99.

The announcement comes just a day after the Northeast Ohio-based crafts retailer acquired Creativebug, a leading content provider of inspirational and educational arts and crafts videos. Terms of the deal were not disclosed for the San Francisco-based five-year-old company.

offers a subscription service for crafting enthusiasts to get access to more than 1,000 high-definition video classes where they can learn how to paint, draw, sew, quilt, knit, crochet, throw a DIY party among the offerings. The classes are taught by top designers and artists.

"The retail industry is very challenging, yet we see our network of over 860 stores as an asset," said Jill Soltau, president and CEO of Jo-Ann.

"Our customers begin their creative journey in many ways and the hands on experience they get in our store is an important step. They have the opportunity to interact with the product as well as get expert assistance from our store team members who can answer questions and help solve problems."

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, a major rival of

, now operates more than 860 stores in 49 states, as well as e-commerce site Joann.com, and three distribution centers in Hudson, Visalia, California, and Opelika, Alabama. Jo-Ann employs more than 23,000 nationwide.

That acquisition came nearly five years after Hudson-based Jo-Ann Stores, the fabrics and crafts retailer started by two Cleveland families in 1943, was acquired by Leonard Green & Partners LP, a Los Angeles private equity firm, in a cash deal valued at $61 per share, or about $1.6 billion. As of January 2017, the company owned and operated 1,367 stores in 49 states and Canada under the brands Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and Pat Catan's.

"The key to being relevant with our customers is to be where they are when they want us to be there." Soltau said. "Through continually offering new products, new services, new experiences and new brands, we are able to meet their needs."

"Creativebug allows us to introduce a new experience through online project inspiration and education.  We have just completed rolling out a new service that is important to busy customers today, buy online, pickup in store," she said. "Now, with launching an exclusive line of fabric with the ED by Ellen DeGeneres, we will bring great new product and a new brand into our stores that resonates with customers across retail."

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