Sep. 3--Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store is coming to Southaven Towne Center to fill one of several vacancies left by tough economic times.

The Hudson, Ohio-based craft and fabric store expects to open late this year or early next year in the 18,000-square-foot space left vacant when Cost Plus World Market closed early this year.

Jo-Ann Fabric has more than 750 craft and fabric stores across the country and recently celebrated its 66th year in business. The chain employs more than 20,000.

It will join hhgregg and Bed Bath & Beyond as new tenants.

"We are excited to announce these tremendous additions to Southaven Towne Center, which underscore the strength of the center in all economic cycles," said Howard Grody, senior vice president of leasing for owner CBL & Associates Properties.

The strength of the center, with 40-plus stores and arguably the centerpiece of Southaven's retail development, has been tested by challenging economic conditions nationwide.

In addition to losing World Market earlier this year, the center at Airways and Interstate 55 lost electronics retailer Circuit City and Linens 'N Things.

Circuit City, the nation's second-largest big box electronics retailer behind Best Buy, closed its Southaven store in June after the company filed bankruptcy and closed all its stores.

Indianapolis-based electronics and appliance retailer hhgregg is slated to move into the Circuit City building, while Bed Bath & Beyond should be open by the end of the year in the former Linens 'N Things location.

Southaven officials, dependent on sales tax revenue generated by the center, expressed relief that new businesses are filling the void left by this year's closings.

"During these tough economic times, it is nice to know that another major retailer has chosen to come to Southaven," Mayor Greg Davis said. "It shows how strong our market is."

-- Yolanda Jones: (662) 996-1474

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