Jo-Ann Stores Employer Reviews

audit driven company
not properly run company
need plenty of development in the higher ranks

I was able to learn about new and exciting projects with customers. Assisting each individual to help identify products needed to start and complete projects. Very hands on environment for everyone. Team worked extremely well together. I learned cash managment, strengthening of my customer service skills, store operations such as daily receiving, opening – more... and closing store procedures. – less

Creative place of employment that offers advancement. Helped to set up new stores that opened in the united states.

There don't seem to be much emphasis on continuing training, at least not for part-time people--I can't speak for the full-timers. When I was hired on, I received a few days training in framing department operation, but really none on point-of-purchase and register procedures. For me, it was kind of "learn as you go". About six months ago, a switch – more... was made to new framing software and the only "training" consisted of a 30-minute summary by another framing associate--not someone familiar with the program. There was no sit-down training with the opportunity to practice without distractions and interruptions. There should have been at least 4 full, consecutive days, in my view.

I think the store management team does the best job they can; but they are too often limited/constrained by corporate policies and procedures. Overall, they're good people.

The co-workers I'm in contact with most frequently are interesting and fun. They are enjoyable to work with, and I often depend on their knowledge of procedures and merchandise locations. However, there is little opportunity to converse with any of them at length.

For me personally, the hardest part of the job is having to "switch gears" too frequently. For example: being called away from a frame assembly project just to go run a register at the main checkout area because there happens to be a line. I'd prefer to focus on one task at a time--rather than trying to juggle several at once. It just doesn't work; and there is little sense of accomplishment.

Another aspect which is difficult is the need to filter out what I might call "auditory distractions". These would include ambient store noise, chatter on the employee personal radios, and the rather annoying stream of "canned" music of questionable taste--all of which is unceasingly vocal! A little soft instrumental music (classical, smooth jazz), or nature sounds, might be acceptable; but most of what IS played I wouldn't waste my ears, money, or time on! All this mental filtering can be very fatiguing to me.

The most enjoyable part for me is watching the reaction of customers when they pick up their framing orders; and also helping those who are bringing in new projects to be framed, and working with them to develop a solution that they're pleased with. – less

Great job to have, but couldn't work with my hours available.

Management team does not develop their employees. Company was sold a couple of years ago and everything changed. Required less employees but there was more work.

It is a pleasure to work in a place where I can help people with their projects as I am needed. I have enjoyed getting to know our regular customers and it is satisfying when a customer is happy with our products and the service they received during their time in the store. My co-workers and I work together well and glean from each other's talents and – more... strengths as we assist our customers. The hardest part of the job is when every effort is made to help make a customer happy when we don't carry an item they are looking for and they are still unhappy. The most enjoyable part of my job is taking care of the customers needs and they tell me they are happy and pleased with the service they got from me. – less

It is your typical retail environment: cashiering, merchandising, fronting, go-backs, customers. What is different is fabric, they teach classes and custom framing. The company DOES NOT PAY YOU FOR YOU EXPERTISE! You might get the job for having it, but don't think you will get payed for it! 20% discount for employes.

Jo-Ann is a fun company to work for, I've made good friends there, Only drawback is not enough hours and poor benefits.

The store that I worked for was at first a great place and I thought I found a working family. But as I helped the old store close down and I was told not to worry, that I had a job at the new store. But when it came time for the new store to open, I was stabbed in the back and "laid off". The Store Team Leader lied to me and didn't even have the gumption – more... to call and tell me or any of the staff that closed the old store that we didn't have jobs, I have no use for people or companies that allow this to happen to people that go above and beyond. – less

Provide customer service so the customer could find all the merchandise they need to complete their projects.