Michaels rolls out interactive service ahead of holiday

Michaels is offering a free, interactive “Just Add Wishes” DIY site to help consumers with holiday needs. From Nov. 11 through Dec. 24, kids can interact with a live elf through streaming video.



After hours, kids can play games and build wish lists that parents can share on Facebook. On Christmas Eve, the site becomes a Santa Tracker, including a Santa locator, behind-the-scenes information from the North Pole control tower and the Santa Cam, where kids get to see Santa at work putting presents under trees and filling stockings.



Michaels stores will host "Don't Just Pin It, Make It Your Own" Pinterest parties at all stores on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can browse Michaels' inspired-by-Pinterest displays for project inspiration, then meet and craft with a Michaels creative expert who can help them make their own versions. Select stores around the U.S. also will host noted craft bloggers and industry experts to help customers with their projects



"We want to make it easy to create holiday magic and beautiful memories," said Michaels CMO Paula Puleo. "Michaels' Holiday Helpline solves crafting emergencies, and Just Add Wishes offers a new way to entertain and delight kids with the wonder of the season."