<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   FORM 10 - Q

               QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   For the Quarter Ended July 31, 1999            Commission File No. 1-6695
-----------------------------------------       -------------------------------


                               JO-ANN STORES, INC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



               Ohio                                     34-0720629
----------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  incorporation or organization)

       5555 Darrow Road
          Hudson, Ohio                                    44236
----------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)

          (330) 656 - 2600
----------------------------------------
    (Registrant's telephone number)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                           Yes       X             No
                                                  -------             --------

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

         Shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding at September 8, 1999:
                                    9,019,034

         Shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding at September 8, 1999:
                                   8,941,390


<PAGE>   2


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


JO-ANN STORES, INC.
Form 10-Q Index
For the quarter ended July 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

         Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)                           Page Numbers

<S>                 <C>                                                             <C>
                    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 1999 and
                    January 30, 1999                                                 3

                    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen and
                    Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 31, 1999 and August 1, 1998          4

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-Six
                    Weeks Ended July 31, 1999 and August 1, 1998                     5

                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                       6-7

         Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                    and Results of Operations                                        8-11

         Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk       11

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

         Item 1.    Legal Proceedings                                                12

         Item 2.    Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds                        12

         Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities                                  12

         Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders              12

         Item 5.    Other Information                                                12

         Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                 12

         Signatures                                                                  13
</TABLE>




                                     Page 2

<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
(Millions of dollars)

                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                        JULY 31,          JANUARY 30,
                                                                                          1999               1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>               <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and temporary cash investments                                                  $   19.2          $   20.4
   Inventories                                                                             537.6             420.2
   Deferred income taxes                                                                    24.8              24.8
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                15.6              24.7
                                                                                        --------          --------
Total current assets                                                                       597.2             490.1

Property and equipment, net                                                                176.7             164.0
Goodwill, net                                                                               36.8              37.2
Other assets                                                                                18.4              10.1
                                                                                        --------          --------
Total assets                                                                            $  829.1          $  701.4
                                                                                        ========          ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                                                                     $  214.4          $  150.4
   Other current liabilities                                                                52.7              58.8
                                                                                        --------          --------

Total current liabilities                                                                  267.1             209.2

Long-term debt                                                                             280.4             182.5
Deferred income taxes                                                                       25.2              25.2
Other long-term liabilities                                                                 13.5              25.5

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock
     Class A, par value $0.05 per share; issued and outstanding 9,095,321
          and 9,530,330, respectively                                                        0.5               0.5
     Class B, par value $0.05 per share; issued and outstanding 8,928,540
          and 9,481,244, respectively                                                        0.5               0.5
   Additional paid-in capital                                                               95.6              94.4
   Unamortized restricted stock awards                                                      (2.4)             (2.9)
   Retained earnings                                                                       182.6             185.8
                                                                                        --------          --------
                                                                                           276.8             278.3
   Treasury stock, at cost                                                                 (33.9)            (19.3)
                                                                                        --------          --------
Total shareholders' equity                                                                 242.9             259.0
                                                                                        --------          --------

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                              $  829.1          $  701.4
                                                                                        ========          ========

See notes to consolidated financial statements

</TABLE>


                                     Page 3

<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

                                                           THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED              TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                                           --------------------              ----------------------
                                                        JULY 31,         AUGUST 1,         JULY 31,         AUGUST 1,
                                                          1999             1998              1999              1998
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Net sales                                               $   282.4        $   251.6        $   578.1        $   504.5
Cost of sales                                               151.9            137.3            309.6            274.1
                                                        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

   Gross margin                                             130.5            114.3            268.5            230.4

Selling, general and administrative expenses                124.9            110.6            247.2            213.8
Depreciation and amortization                                 7.6              7.1             15.3             13.5
Non-recurring charge                                           --              4.5               --             16.7
                                                        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

   Operating profit (loss)                                   (2.0)            (7.9)             6.0            (13.6)
Interest expense, net                                         6.8              2.8             11.1              4.3
                                                        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

   Loss before income taxes                                  (8.8)           (10.7)            (5.1)           (17.9)
Income tax provision (benefit)                               (3.3)            (4.2)            (1.9)            (7.0)
                                                        ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

Net loss                                                $    (5.5)       $    (6.5)       $    (3.2)       $   (10.9)
                                                        ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========


Net loss per common share
      Basic and diluted                                 $    (0.30)      $    (0.34)      $    (0.17)      $    (0.58)
                                                        ==========       ==========       ==========       ==========

See notes to consolidated financial statements
</TABLE>














                                    Page 4
<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

                                                                                        TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                      JULY 31,          AUGUST 1,
                                                                                        1999               1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                               <C>                 <C>
Net cash flows from operating activities:
      Net loss                                                                    $   (3.2)           $ (10.9)
      Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for
      operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                                                  15.3               13.5
       Non-cash portion of non-recurring charge                                       --                  9.7
       Deferred income taxes                                                          --                (10.1)
       Other                                                                           0.7                1.6
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Increase in inventories                                                      (117.4)             (77.7)
       Increase in accounts payable                                                   64.0               36.3
       Other, net                                                                      3.0               (5.2)
                                                                                  --------            -------

Net cash used for operating activities                                               (37.6)             (42.8)

Net cash flows from investing activities:
       Capital expenditures                                                          (28.7)             (29.5)
       House of Fabrics acquisition, net of cash acquired                             --                (23.5)
       Other, net                                                                      0.6                3.1
                                                                                  --------            -------

Net cash used for investing activities                                               (28.1)             (49.9)

Net cash flow from financing activities:
      (Repayment) proceeds from long-term debt                                       (52.1)              93.2
      Net proceeds from issuance of senior subordinated notes                        142.9               --
      Decrease in other long-term liabilities                                        (12.0)              --
      Purchase of common stock for treasury                                          (14.8)              (0.4)
      Other, net                                                                       0.5                2.5
                                                                                  --------            -------

Net cash provided by financing activities                                             64.5               95.3
                                                                                  --------            -------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary cash investments                        (1.2)               2.6
Cash and temporary cash investments at beginning of period                            20.4               14.8
                                                                                  --------            -------

Cash and temporary cash investments at end of period                              $   19.2            $  17.4
                                                                                  ========            =======

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   Cash paid (received) during the period for:
       Interest                                                                   $    6.0            $   3.0
       Income taxes                                                                   (5.2)              10.9

See notes to consolidated financial statements
</TABLE>



                                    Page 5
<PAGE>   6


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
July 31, 1999, January 30, 1999 and August 1, 1998


      Note 1  -  Basis of Presentation

        Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. (the "Company"), an Ohio corporation, is the largest
        national category-dominant retailer serving the retail fabric and craft
        industry, with 1,051 retail stores in 49 states at July 31, 1999. The
        1,021 traditional and 30 superstores feature a broad line of apparel,
        quilting and craft fabrics and sewing-related products, home decorating
        fabrics, floral, craft and seasonal products.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
        Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared without audit,
        pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
        information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
        statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
        principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and
        regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures herein
        are adequate to make the information not misleading. The statements
        should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
        and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
        for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999.

        The Company's business is highly seasonal with the majority of the
        Company's revenues and operating profits generated in the second half of
        its fiscal year; therefore, earnings or losses for a particular interim
        period are not indicative of full year results. In the opinion of
        management, the consolidated financial statements contain all
        adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for
        a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.

      Note 2  - Earnings Per Share

        Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by
        the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
        Diluted earnings per share include the effect of the assumed exercise of
        dilutive stock options under the treasury stock method. The impact of
        stock options is not included in the earnings per common share
        calculation for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 31, 1999
        and August 1, 1998, as it is anti-dilutive.

        The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic
        and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented (shares
        in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED            TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                                                    --------------------            ----------------------
                                                                   JULY 31,       AUGUST 1,        JULY 31,       AUGUST 1,
                                                                     1999            1998            1999           1998
               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>

               BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
               Weighted average shares outstanding                   18.2           19.0             18.5           18.9
                                                                ============    ===========      ===========   =============
</TABLE>

      Note 3  -  Acquisition of House of Fabrics, Inc.

        On March 9, 1998, the Company acquired, through a cash tender offer,
        77.2% of the outstanding common stock of House of Fabrics, Inc. ("HOF")
        for $4.25 per share (the "Acquisition"). On April 21, 1998, the merger
        of HOF with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company was approved at a
        special meeting of the shareholders of HOF. As a result, HOF became a
        wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and all shares of HOF common
        stock not already owned by the Company were canceled and converted into
        the right to receive $4.25 in cash.




                                    Page 6
<PAGE>   7

        Operating results of the continuing HOF stores have been included in the
        Company's results of operations since the date of the Acquisition
        (twenty-one of the twenty-six weeks in the first half of fiscal 1999).

        In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability
        Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to
        Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring),"
        the Company recorded a non-recurring charge of $25.1 million during
        fiscal 1999, $16.7 million during the first half of fiscal 1999, for
        merger-related costs pertaining to the Acquisition.

      Note 4 - Financing

        On May 5, 1999, the Company entered into a $300.0 million five-year
        unsecured senior revolving credit agreement (the "Senior Credit
        Facility") that expires on April 30, 2004, and issued $150.0 million of
        10 3/8% senior subordinated notes due May 1, 2007. The net proceeds from
        the senior subordinated notes, coupled with borrowings under the Senior
        Credit Facility, were used to refinance the Company's former credit
        facility.

        The Company may borrow up to a maximum of $330.0 million under the
        Senior Credit Facility by utilizing funds available under the Senior
        Credit Facility and other lines of credit. Interest on borrowings under
        the Senior Credit Facility is calculated at an applicable margin over
        the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). The applicable margin, as
        well as the facility fee on the commitment amount, is based on the
        achievement of specified ranges of certain financial covenants.
        Currently, the Company's interest on borrowings is equal to LIBOR plus
        110 basis points, and the facility fee is equal to 40 basis points.

        The Senior Credit Facility contains financial covenants which require
        the Company to, among other things, maintain a minimum consolidated net
        worth, fixed charge coverage and current funded indebtedness ratios, as
        well as limit the Company's maximum leverage ratios. The Company is in
        compliance with all financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit
        Facility.

        Interest on the senior subordinated notes is payable on May 1 and
        November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 1999. The Company has the
        option of redeeming the notes at any time after May 1, 2003, in
        accordance with certain call provisions. The notes are unsecured
        obligations and are subordinated to the Senior Credit Facility. The
        notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company's
        subsidiaries.





                                    Page 7
<PAGE>   8

Item 2.

                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                       CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED JULY 31, 1999 VS. AUGUST 1, 1998

        Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 increased 12.2%, or
$30.8 million, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 1999. Comparable store
sales increased $14.5 million or 7.7% for the second quarter compared to a
comparable store sales increase of 1.2% for the prior year second quarter. The
remaining sales increase was primarily attributable to a greater number of
superstores in operation. During the second quarter of fiscal 2000, we operated
30 superstores versus 16 superstores in the year ago period.

        Gross margin increased $16.2 million compared to the year earlier
period. As a percent of net sales, gross margin was 46.2%, an increase of 0.8
percentage points from the same quarter a year earlier. The margin rate
improvement resulted primarily from improvements in point of sale margin and
shrink, partially offset by an increase in freight costs. The improvement in
point of sale margin is the result of earlier sell-through on seasonal products
and improved margin in the House of Fabrics stores, which were in the process of
stock reduction a year ago. The increase in freight expense was due to the
inventory flow acceleration in the current year versus a year ago.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were 44.2% of net sales, an
increase of 0.2 percentage points from the same quarter of fiscal 1999,
excluding non-recurring charges. The increase, as a percent of sales, consisted
of an increase in distribution service center expenses, due to a higher level of
inventory received and shipped to store locations between quarters.

        Depreciation and amortization expense for the second quarter of fiscal
2000 increased $0.5 million to $7.6 million from $7.1 million for the same
period of fiscal 1999 due to higher capital expenditure levels in the current
and prior year.

        Interest expense increased $4.0 million to $6.8 million from $2.8
million in the second quarter of fiscal 1999 due primarily to higher average
debt levels associated with the House of Fabrics acquisition and related capital
and working capital expenditures. Average borrowings were $262.9 million for the
second quarter of fiscal 2000 versus $150.7 million in the second quarter of
fiscal 1999. The balance of the increase in interest expense is attributable to
a higher effective borrowing rate between years.

        Our effective income tax rate was 38.0% for the second quarter of fiscal
2000 compared to 39.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 reflecting a lower
effective state tax rate and federal tax credits related to our participation in
various government hiring programs.

        The net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2000 was $5.5 million, or
$0.30 per share compared to the net loss, excluding the after-tax effect of the
House of Fabrics non-recurring charge, of $3.7 million, or $0.20 per share for
the same quarter a year earlier.

TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED JULY 31, 1999 VS. AUGUST 1, 1998

        Net sales for the first half of fiscal 2000 increased 14.6%, or $73.6
million, compared to the first half of fiscal 1999. House of Fabrics stores,
which were included in our results for only twenty-one of the twenty-six weeks
in the first half of fiscal 1999, contributed $18.1 million of the sales
increase. Comparable store sales increased $18.4 million or 4.6% for the first
half of fiscal 2000 compared to a comparable store sales increase of 1.3% for
the first half of fiscal 1999. The remaining sales increase was primarily
attributable to a greater number of superstores in operation.




                                    Page 8
<PAGE>   9

        Gross margin increased $38.1 million compared to the year earlier
period. As a percent of net sales, gross margin was 46.4%, an increase of 0.7
percentage points from the same prior year period. The margin rate
improvement resulted primarily from improvements in point of sale margin and
shrink, partially offset by an increase in freight costs. The improvement in
point of sale margin is the result of earlier sell-through on seasonal products
and improved margin in the House of Fabrics stores, which were in the process of
stock reduction a year ago. The increase in freight expense was due to the
inventory flow acceleration in the current year versus a year ago.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses were 42.8% of net sales, an
increase of 0.4 percentage points from the same period of fiscal 1999, excluding
non-recurring charges. The increase, as a percent of sales, consisted primarily
of increases in store expenses, due to the inclusion of House of Fabrics stores
for all of fiscal 2000 compared to twenty-one weeks in fiscal 1999, and
distribution service center expenses, due to the higher level of inventory
received and shipped to store locations between years.

        Depreciation and amortization expense for the first half of fiscal 2000
increased $1.8 million to $15.3 million from $13.5 million for the same period
of fiscal 1999 due to higher capital expenditure levels in the current and prior
year.

        Interest expense for the first half of fiscal 2000 increased $6.8
million to $11.1 million from $4.3 million in the first half of fiscal 1999 due
primarily to higher average debt levels associated with the House of Fabrics
acquisition and related capital and working capital expenditures. Average
borrowings were $242.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2000 versus $112.4
million in the first half of fiscal 1999. The balance of the increase in
interest expense is attributable to a higher effective borrowing rate between
years.

        Our effective income tax rate was 38.0% for the first half of fiscal
2000 compared to 39.0% for the first half of fiscal 1999 reflecting a lower
effective state tax rate and federal tax credits related to our participation in
various government hiring programs.

        The net loss for the first half of fiscal 2000 was $3.2 million, or
$0.17 per share compared to the net loss, excluding the after-tax effect of the
House of Fabrics non-recurring charge, of $0.7 million, or $0.04 per share for
the same period a year earlier.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         We used $37.6 million of cash for operating activities in the first
half of fiscal 2000 compared to $42.8 million of cash used by operating
activities in the first half of the prior year. Inventories, net of payables
support, increased $53.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2000 due to an
increase in the inventory flow to stores and six additional superstores since
the beginning of the fiscal year.

        Capital expenditures were $28.7 million for the first half of fiscal
2000, of which $16.1 million represented investment in new stores and upgrades
through relocation of our existing store base and $8.6 million represented
capitalizable systems technology related to the installation of enterprise-wide
systems. Fiscal 2000 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $70.0
million as compared to $75.1 million in the prior year and include investments
in stores, logistics and systems. We have no material commitments in connection
with these planned capital expenditures. Funds for these expenditures are
expected to be provided from cash generated internally and borrowings under our
Senior Credit Facility.

        During the first half of fiscal 2000, we opened 14 stores including six
superstores, relocated seven traditional stores, and closed 21 smaller or
underperforming traditional stores. For the balance of fiscal 2000, we expect to
open 13 superstores and five traditional stores, and to relocate nine
traditional stores.

        We purchased approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock during
the first half of fiscal 2000 at an aggregate price of $14.8 million, under
previous authorization from our board of directors. As of July 31, 1999, we were
authorized to purchase up to an additional 2.0 million shares.




                                    Page 9
<PAGE>   10

        On May 5, 1999, we entered into the $300.0 million five-year Senior
Credit Facility that expires on April 30, 2004 and issued $150.0 million of 10
3/8% senior subordinated notes due May 1, 2007. The net proceeds from the senior
subordinated notes, coupled with borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility
were used to refinance our former credit facility.

        We may borrow up to a maximum of $330.0 million under the Senior Credit
Facility by utilizing funds available under the Senior Credit Facility and other
lines of credit. Interest on borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility is
calculated at an applicable margin over the London Interbank Offered Rate
("LIBOR"). The applicable margin, as well as the facility fee on the commitment
amount, is based on the achievement of specified ranges of certain financial
covenants. Currently, our interest on borrowings is equal to LIBOR plus 110
basis points, and the facility fee is equal to 40 basis points. As of July 31,
1999, we had $130.4 million of debt outstanding under the Senior Credit
Facility, not including $70.5 million of letters of credit.

        The Senior Credit Facility contains financial covenants which require us
to, among other things, maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, fixed charge
coverage and current funded indebtedness ratios, as well as limit our maximum
leverage ratios. We are in compliance with all financial covenants contained in
the Senior Credit Facility.

        Interest on the senior subordinated notes is payable on May 1 and
November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 1999. We have the option of
redeeming the notes at any time after May 1, 2003, in accordance with certain
call provisions. The notes are unsecured obligations and are subordinated to the
Senior Credit Facility. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
each of our subsidiaries.

        We believe that our Senior Credit Facility, coupled with cash on hand
and from operations, will be sufficient to cover our working capital, capital
expenditure and debt service requirement needs for the foreseeable future.

SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

        Our business exhibits seasonality that is typical for most retail
companies, with much stronger sales in the second half of the year than the
first half of the year. Net earnings are highest during the months of
September through December when sales volumes provide significant operating
leverage. Capital requirements needed to finance our operations fluctuate
during the year and reach their highest levels during the second and third
fiscal quarters as we increase our inventory in preparation for our peak
selling season.

        We believe that inflation has not had a significant effect on the
growth of net sales or on net income for the past two years.

YEAR 2000

        The "Year 2000 issue" refers to the inability of computers and related
software to correctly interpret and process Year 2000 dated transactions. The
software problem results from a memory-saving practice of using two digits
instead of four to denote years in a program. Computer systems that are not Year
2000 compliant may not be able to be relied upon to process data accurately for
transactions dated after the year 1999.

        We have developed and are executing plans to address possible exposures
related to the impact on our computer systems of the Year 2000 issue. Our
planned modification of our existing systems was complete as of January 30,
1999, and testing and certification of these completed modifications is in
process and was 48% complete at August 31, 1999 and is expected to be completed
by December, 1999. Expenditures for modifying existing software to address Year
2000 issues are estimated to total $4.0 million to $4.2 million, of which $2.9
million has been spent to date, $0.8 million during the current year and $2.1
million in previous fiscal years. All expenditures are being expensed as
incurred. We expect that we will be able to test and certify the affected
systems that we have modified in time to avoid any material disruption to
operations; however, unforeseen developments or delays could cause this
expectation to change.




                                   Page 10
<PAGE>   11

        We are also engaged in a significantly larger project of implementing an
enterprise-wide system that began in fiscal 1999 and will continue during the
next fiscal year at a total cost of approximately $30.0 million. The project is
expected to fully integrate financial and operations systems, creating increased
reliability and usefulness of our data. Our financial systems became operational
under this enterprise-wide system implementation in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1999 and we believe those systems are Year 2000 compliant. The merchandise and
human resource operating systems are expected to become operational in fiscal
2001.

        Although we have not finalized our contingency plans for possible Year
2000 issues, initial analysis and planning is underway. Where needed, we will
establish contingency plans based on the assessment of our areas of greatest
risk. These plans will address the accessibility and functionality of our
facilities, and focus on reducing any disruption that might be created by any
product suppliers or companies with whom we do business being Year 2000
noncompliant.

        We have communicated with our key suppliers to identify the nature and
potential impact of the Year 2000 issue on the business of such suppliers. None
of our suppliers in fiscal 1999 provided more than 2% of our products. We are
not presently aware of any product supplier-related issue presented by the year
2000 that is likely to have a material impact on us.

        We anticipate minimal business disruption will occur as a result of Year
2000 issues. However, possible consequences include, but are not limited to,
temporary disruption of our normal business operations, loss of communications
links with store locations, loss of electric power, inability to process
transactions, problems with ordering and receiving merchandise and problems with
banks and other financial institutions. We believe that our worst case scenario
involves the inability of electric utility companies to service our various
stores due to Year 2000 problems. If the electric utility companies cannot
provide power to a significant number of our stores, our business and operations
could be materially disrupted.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        In June 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," was
issued. Our traditional stores and superstores are considered one business
segment as they generally serve the same customer and have the same type of
merchandise and services offered.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Certain statements contained in this report that are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties. When used herein, the terms "anticipates," "plans," "estimates,"
"expects," "believes," and similar expressions as they relate to us are intended
to identify such forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance or
achievements may materially differ from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause or
contribute to such material differences include, but are not limited to, general
economic conditions, changes in customer demand, changes in trends in the fabric
and craft industry, seasonality, our failure to manage our growth, loss of key
management, the availability of merchandise, changes in the competitive pricing
for products, the impact of competitor store openings and closings, and the
ability to address internal and external Year 2000 issues.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
         ----------------------------------------------------------

          Not Applicable.








                                   Page 11
<PAGE>   12

                            PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
         -----------------

          Not Applicable.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
         -----------------------------------------

          Not Applicable.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
         -------------------------------

          Not Applicable.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
         ---------------------------------------------------

         a)       An Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held
                  June 4, 1999.

         b)       Frank Newman, Betty Rosskamm and Debra Walker were elected
                  to the Board of Directors in the class whose term of office
                  expires in 2002. Ira Gumberg and Alma Zimmerman continued as
                  Directors in the class whose term of office expires in 2001.
                  Alan Rosskamm, Scott Cowen and Gregg Searle continued as
                  Directors in the class whose term of office expires in 2000.

         c)       The nominees for Directors as listed in the proxy statement
                  were elected with the following vote:

                         Nominee                Votes For        Votes Withheld
                         -------                ---------        --------------

                         Frank Newman           8,547,598            53,009
                         Betty Rosskamm         8,547,449            53,158
                         Debra Walker           8,546,735            53,872

Item 5.  Other Information
         -----------------

          Not Applicable.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         --------------------------------

         a)    Exhibits
               --------

               No exhibits are filed with this report.

         b)    Reports on Form 8-K
               -------------------

               No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the 13-week period ended
               July 31, 1999.





                                   Page 12
<PAGE>   13



                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                       JO-ANN STORES, INC.


DATE:  September 14, 1999              /s/ Alan Rosskamm
                                       -----------------
                                       By:   Alan Rosskamm
                                             Chairman, President and Chief
                                               Executive Officer


                                       /s/ Brian P. Carney
                                       ----------------------
                                       By:   Brian P. Carney
                                             Executive Vice President and
                                               Chief Financial Officer







                                   Page 13