Create and Craft TV announces strategic partnership with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Nov. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- Create and Craft, the world’s only 24hr crafts TV network announces strategic partnership with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Grand Rapids, MI – (November 24, 2014) – Craft Retail Group, part of UK-based Ideal Shopping Direct, and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading speciality retailer of fabric and craft supplies in the United States, have today announced a partnership ahead of the launch of CRG’s Create and Craft TV shopping format in the US.

Craft Retail Group Managing Director, Tony Sheridan, commented, "I'm delighted to announce Create and Craft's ground-breaking partnership with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. With Jo-Ann on board, this exciting venture will introduce US craft consumers to a truly unique retail experience.”

Sheridan continued, “Create and Craft will host daily Jo-Ann shows on the Network starting December 29 2014, bringing leading offers in sewing, fabrics, quilting, home decor amongst others for crafters and makers of all ages, and I’m sure that it will quickly become a must-watch hour for those seeking great product, education, inspiration and entertainment. Jo-Ann is truly a great addition to the network.”

Create and Craft's 24hr TV Shopping network will launch early December 2014. The broadcast will be available online via createandcraft.com on smart devices and via an App. In addition, from December 29, 2014, several hours per day will be broadcast on television seven days a week initially into approximately 40million US homes. Specific details on broadcasts distribution will be released in due course.

Ideal Shopping Direct CEO, Mike Hancox commented, "Launching our new dedicated craft network into the US craft market with such a large and well-known partner as Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is a fantastic testament to our vision of creating a new dimension in the marketplace. Jo-Ann was the natural choice for us, and I’m thrilled they will be partnering with us in the creation of daily shows.

“Jo-Ann is proud to join the Craft Retail Group as their exclusive retail partner to present Create and Craft, an all-new shopping experience for creative enthusiasts in the United States,” said Riddi Kline, executive vice president, marketing and merchandising at Jo-Ann. “The partnership of our two brands is the perfect next step in the Jo-Ann Omni-Channel offering, as we strive to simplify shopping and curate inspiration for all makers.”

For more information please contact Clive Briscoe at Craft Retail via email: clive.briscoe@idealshoppingdirect.co.uk

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About Craft Retail Group:

CRG operates craft specific retail and sourcing businesses. TV Channels, Create and Craft TV and Craft Extra TV broadcast 24hrs a day in the UK on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat platforms. The division operates several eCommerce platforms including createandcraft.tv,  deramores.com, sew.co.uk . In addition, with offices in Shanghai and UK and partnerships in the US, CRGs in-house product development company Ideal Sourcing creates proprietary propositions for the group’s channels and 3rd party partners.

About Ideal Shopping Direct:

ISD is a leading Multi-Channel shopping retail group in the U.K. and operates a number of specialist TV and eCommerce companies. In addition to Craft Retail Group the company also operates general merchandise TV shopping channels Ideal World and Ideal Extra as well as specialist garden retailer leadthegoodlife.com. Ideal Shopping Direct was bought by Inflexion Private Equity in 2011.

About Jo-Ann Stores, LLC

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft retailer with locations in 49 states, was founded in 1943 as a single retail store. Today, approximately 850 Jo-Ann stores across the country provide consumers all the fabrics, craft supplies and inspiration they need, conveniently under one roof. For additional information, visit Joann.com. To make creative connections, visit Joann.com/community.