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                                                                      Exhibit 23

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report on the financial statements of the Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. Savings Plan
(401(k)) dated June 13, 2001, included in this Form 11-K into the Company's
previously filed Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Jo-Ann
Stores, Inc. Savings Plan 401(k) (#33-32809).


                                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Cleveland, Ohio,
June 28, 2001.