First Look: Michaels' next-gen stores lean into hands-on experiences, creativity
Michaels has overhauled its store model with an experiential format that includes a Pinterest trends bar, candy, favors and charms stations, 10-minute custom framing of digital photos, customization services and more.
The arts-and-crafts giant has expanded the new format, which made its debut in Easton, Ohio, and Irving, Texas, to Rogers, Ark. The stores pilot key elements that will eventually roll out to shoppers at all stores.
The three locations provide an opportunity to continuously refine and scale several features across all stores, Michaels said. The retailer plans to open additional concept stores and bring enhanced elements to its existing locations throughout 2026.
The upgraded model has distinct shopping departments (“worlds”), creating a more modern, experiential and visually appealing customer experience. Each area features lifestyle vignettes to provide inspiration by highlighting key products, creative projects and step-by-step styling instructions.
The departments include a Knit & Sew Shop, which is prominently located at the front of the store. It features Michaels’ largest-ever assortment of fabric and textiles. The space includes a “Cut Bar,” with an “industry first” Swatch Bar, invented by Michaels to bring 1,000 online samples directly into the store, the company said.
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(Image courtesy of Michaels) -
(Image courtesy of Michaels) -
(Image courtesy of Michaels) -
(Image courtesy of Michaels)
Shoppers can physically touch every swatch to find their favorites, scan the QR code on any sample to shop and order on their mobile device. They can also receive one-on-one assistance from a Michaels employees to place the order and have it shipped right to their door.
•Floral & Greenery: Unifying the floral department into one dedicated space, the area elevates the assortment with trendsetting real-touch and outdoor-ready products where customers can create their own custom arrangements.
•Expanded Framing & Personalization Services: Michaels' ready-made and custom framing is combined into a single destination elevated by warm wood tones and a modern display of molding and components. Customers will find photo services including 10-minute custom framing, where shoppers can print any photo from their phone and have it framed in as little as 10 minutes, alongside same-day prints, printed on fine art paper.
The space also has a custom bar offering new personalization services, including embroidery, engraving, and made-to-order stickers.
[READ MORE: Michaels makes August 'Fine Arts Month' with special in-store events and more]
•The Party Shop at Michaels: The dedicated celebration hub features an expanded party assortment, a balloon bar, and an open, upgraded party & event space with an enhanced classroom to host, birthday parties, community events and classes.
The new store model also boasts five interactive stations designed to spark inspiration and hands-on creativity, including a candy bar offering a wide assortment of sweets, and a favor bar where customers can mix and match items to build custom party favors.
There is also a charm bar where, starting at $3.99, customers can personalize bracelets or necklaces using a wide selection of charms, bases and more. At the patch bar, customers can browse patches to personalize totes, hats, apparel and more. A marker bar, launching at all stores at the end of August, will allow customers can customize their own marker — watercolor, acrylic or alcohol — across various colors, sizes and tips exclusively from Artist Loft.
A seasonal and trends area is located upfront. It includes a Pinterest Trend Bar, showcasing viral creative trends with the products to bring them to life.
A dedicated welcome desk staffed by a Michaels employee greets shoppers at the front of the store. It has a queue for Michaels Rewards members to access fast self-checkouts alongside an assisted line for customers who prefer it. Revamped buy online, pick up in-store stations are located directly to the side for seamless online order retrieval.
Located near the front of the store, this section features an elongated aisle holding space for all seasonal decor and a new Pinterest Trend Bar, showcasing viral creative trends with the exact products to bring them to life.
“Our new stores represent an exciting milestone within Michaels' broader transformation to redefine the customer journey and become a true destination for creativity and celebration," said David Boone, CEO of Michaels. "The new format reflects our customers' desire for more inspiration and hands-on, analog experiences, while providing a space for the local community to connect, create and celebrate."
Earlier this year, Michaels said it was lowering the prices on more than 3,000 items.
Michaels operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada.
