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Michaels Stores

Arts, crafts, and home decor retailer

Overview

Michaels Stores sells arts, crafts, and home decor to hobbyists and professional artists in North America. It operates both in stores and online, offering products like craft supplies, Cricut machines, and seasonal decorations, plus services such as custom framing and personalized art, along with classes and events to build a creative community. Customers browse and buy goods online or in shops, with access to exclusive collections and frequent promotions. The company differentiates itself through a broad product range combined with value-added services, hands-on classes, and an omnichannel shopping experience, aiming to be the go-to destination for creating and decorating spaces while growing sales across channels.

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About Michaels Stores

Simplify's Rating
Why Michaels Stores is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

DesignEducationConsumer Goods

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Irving, TX

Founded

1973

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What believers are saying

  • August 2026 Hobbyween became Michaels' largest Halloween crafting assortment, with search spikes up 530%.
  • September 2026 Knit & Sew expansion reached nearly 90% of stores and 1,600 products.
  • July and August 2026 launches of Ask Mike and 3D framing deepen omnichannel conversion.

What critics are saying

  • Seasonal Halloween and Christmas spikes expose Michaels to demand swings if Hobbyween underperforms after October 2026.
  • Apollo bought Michaels in April 2021; exit pressure for an IPO will prioritize cash over reinvestment.
  • Joann and Party City bankruptcies already handed Michaels rivals' customers, but competitors can copy fast.

What makes Michaels Stores unique

  • August 2026 stores blend framing, personalization, and rewards-only checkout into one project journey.
  • Michaels owns Artistree, giving it tighter control over custom and specialty framing supply.
  • Exclusive brands like Caron Cakes and Architectural Digest mouldings create harder-to-copy assortment advantages.

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Funding

Total Funding

$3.3B

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

4 Rounds

Debt funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Debt Funding Comparison Coming Soon

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Employee Discounts

Company News

Todd Starnes
Oct 27th, 2026
Michaels refuses to frame photo of President Trump.

Michaels refuses to frame photo of President Trump. Published: Oct 27, 2026 A Michaels arts and crafts store is facing accusations of political discrimination after an employee reportedly refused to frame a photograph of President Donald Trump, patriotic artwork and even a newspaper commemorating the historic Apollo moon landing. The confrontation, captured on video and shared on social media, has sparked questions about whether the national retailer allows employees to reject custom framing orders based on political content. According to Daily Beltway, the customer brought three items to the store: a photograph of Trump, artwork by conservative artist Jon McNaughton and an original newspaper documenting America's moon landing. The employee reportedly cited a company policy against framing political materials. However, the existence of such a policy has not been independently verified. "Michaels does not have a policy prohibiting the framing of political items, and we strive to welcome every customer," the company said in a statement. "We've reached out directly to discuss your experience and ensure your project needs are met." The customer blasted the refusal in an October 25 post on X. "Apparently 'custom framing' now means the clerk approves your art first," the customer wrote. "Is that corporate policy, or just one employee's politics?" the customer asked. The controversy raises questions about whether individual employees can refuse to handle artwork depicting political figures. It is not the first time Michaels has faced such accusations. In November 2024, a customer at a Michaels store in Sequim, Washington, said employees refused to frame the iconic photograph of Trump raising his fist following the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to radio host Jason Rantz, one employee reportedly told the customer, "I do not feel comfortable framing this print." Michaels subsequently characterized that incident as a "misunderstanding" and offered to complete the order. Original reporting: Daily Beltway, October 26, 2026. The latest incident is based on the customer's account and has not been independently corroborated.

Louis Velazquez
Oct 22nd, 2026
Michaels has a new strategy for reaching holiday shoppers.

Michaels has a new strategy for reaching holiday shoppers. Michaels may not typically be at the top of my holiday shopping list, but that could change following its most recent announcement. In late October, the crafting supply store revealed that it would collaborate with Hallmark this holiday season on a campaign centered around slowing down, unplugging, and creating meaningful moments. It's the exact type of screen-free joy many of Louis Velazquez are craving, and it might be just the thing to boost the company's seasonal sales. Michaels teams with Hallmark on movie, crafting projects, and more. At the heart of the Michaels and Hallmark collaboration is an all-new movie, "Holiday Unplugged," debuting on Nov. 7, 2026. But beyond the screen, the collaboration will also include creative experiences, on-demand projects, and an exclusive holiday collection, according to the press release. "Hallmark has an incredible ability to capture the traditions, togetherness and sense of magic people associate with the holidays," Heather Bennett, Michaels chief customer officer, said in a statement. "At Michaels, we believe creativity has the power to make those moments even more personal - whether it's making a handmade gift, decorating for the season or starting a new tradition," she continued. "This partnership brings two brands together around something we know our customers value: creating meaningful moments with the people they love." In order to help shoppers make meaningful moments of their own this year, Michaels will be hosting in-person crafting events at its stores all throughout November and December. Attendees will have the opportunity to make everything from Hallmark-branded ornaments to yarn muffs and hand-stitched cards. A full list of dates and projects can be found here. Michaels is partnering with Hallmark this holiday season on an all-new movie, "Holiday Unplugged," and a host of in-store crafting events. Retailers are looking beyond price to win holiday shoppers. The timing of Michaels' announcement is not insignificant. Competition for shoppers' dollars has intensified this holiday season. According to Deloitte's 2026 Holiday Retail Survey, four in 10 shoppers are looking for value this holiday season, using promotions, rewards programs, and lower-priced alternatives to make their purchases feel worthwhile. More holiday shopping news: That puts pressure on retailers to give consumers compelling reasons to shop with them, beyond price alone. One way they can do this, the study says, is by "pairing products with experiences... [which] can help keep the season festive and financially manageable." Kiara Barrett, head of global thought leadership at Circana, agreed, telling Retail Dive that she's seen a shift in the types of gifts consumers are willing to shell out on. "Throughout 2026, we've seen shoppers shift toward a new definition of value, one that extends beyond price alone. While affordability remains important, consumers continue to prioritize purchases that create meaningful moments, strengthen personal connections, improve everyday life, or simply deliver a sense of joy." For Michaels, this Hallmark collaboration offers a way to connect to that broader idea of value. By pairing its products with hands-on activities and a familiar entertainment brand, the retailer is giving shoppers another reason to visit its stores beyond simply picking up craft supplies. Whether that translates into stronger holiday sales remains to be seen. But as retailers compete for consumers' attention and spending, creating an experience around a purchase could prove just as important as the product itself.

Adventure Media & Events
Oct 20th, 2026
Michaels, Hallmark take holiday crafting beyond the screen.

Michaels, Hallmark take holiday crafting beyond the screen. The retailer will make its Hallmark movie debut in Holiday Unplugged while rolling out exclusive products, in-store events, and projects tied to the film. The retailer has teamed with Hallmark on Holiday Unplugged, an original holiday movie premiering Nov. 7 on Hallmark Channel and Nov. 8 on Hallmark+. The film centers on a family stepping away from screens and reconnecting through hands-on traditions - a theme Michaels will carry into stores throughout November and December. Beginning Nov. 1, customers can take part in Hallmark-inspired projects ranging from hand-stitched cards and ornaments to air-dry clay figurines, hand-knit gifts, and holiday journals. A Nov. 7 Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop will feature two projects designed by Hallmark, with artist appearances planned at select stores in Lenexa, Kansas, and New York City. The partnership also brings an exclusive assortment of Hallmark holiday products to Michaels, including seasonal décor, plush, baking, and entertaining pieces. "Hallmark has an incredible ability to capture the traditions, togetherness, and sense of magic people associate with the holidays," said Heather Bennett, President & Chief Customer Officer at Michaels. Michaels says the timing fits what shoppers are asking for. New research conducted with Morning Consult found 80% of parents are looking for screen-free, hands-on holiday activities. Hallmark-inspired on-demand classes and projects will also be available through Michaels.com/classes throughout the season. James Zahn. James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book's weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), New York Comic Con, Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel's Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

PR Newswire
Oct 20th, 2026
Michaels(R) and Hallmark bring the screen-free spirit of Hallmark's Holiday Unplugged to life with season-long partnership.

Michaels(R) and Hallmark bring the screen-free spirit of Hallmark's Holiday Unplugged to life with season-long partnership. Oct 20, 2026, 09:07 ET The collaboration marks Michaels' first partnership with Hallmark on an original holiday movie and brings the film's theme of connection and creativity to life through in-store experiences, on-demand projects, and exclusive products * Michaels will make its Hallmark movie debut in Holiday Unplugged, an original holiday film centered on a family rediscovering the joy of putting down their screens, crafting together and making holiday memories. * Beginning Nov. 1, Michaels will bring the film's themes to life through Hallmark-inspired activities, in-store creative experiences and on-demand projects. * A curated assortment of Hallmark holiday products, from festive baking and entertaining pieces to seasonal décor and plush, will be available exclusively at Michaels stores and online. IRVING, Texas, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Michaels is fueling the joy of creativity and celebration this holiday season through a new partnership with Hallmark. At the heart of the collaboration is Holiday Unplugged, an original Hallmark holiday movie premiering Nov. 7 on Hallmark Channel and the next day on Hallmark+, which marks Michaels' first time partnering with Hallmark on a holiday film. Beyond the screen, the partnership extends into Michaels stores and homes through Hallmark-inspired creative experiences, on-demand projects, and an exclusive holiday collection. "Hallmark has an incredible ability to capture the traditions, togetherness and sense of magic people associate with the holidays," said Heather Bennett, President & Chief Customer Officer at Michaels. "At Michaels, we believe creativity has the power to make those moments even more personal - whether it's making a handmade gift, decorating for the season or starting a new tradition. This partnership brings two brands together around something we know our customers value: creating meaningful moments with the people they love." Creativity and Connection Take Center Stage in Holiday Unplugged In a season often defined by busy schedules and digital distractions, Holiday Unplugged taps into a growing cultural movement toward stepping away from screens and reconnecting through hands-on experiences and holiday traditions. Through its Hallmark movie debut, Michaels is tapping into that movement by celebrating the role creativity can play in bringing people together, from crafting side by side to adding a personal touch to holiday traditions. "The holidays are about slowing down, being present and creating meaningful moments with the people we love. That sense of connection is at the heart of Holiday Unplugged, which made Michaels a natural partner to help bring the story beyond the screen and inspire people to connect, create, and make lasting memories together," said Chris Ward, Senior Vice President of Ad Sales at Hallmark Media. Hallmark Holiday Magic Comes to Michaels Stores With eight in 10 parents (80%) seeking screen-free, hands-on holiday activities, according to new research from Michaels and Morning Consult, Michaels will bring Hallmark-inspired creativity to stores throughout November and December. Customers will have opportunities to make personalized holiday décor, handmade gifts and festive keepsakes. The lineup includes: * Nov. 1 | Hand-Stitched Card (1-3 p.m.): Use yarn and foam to create a textured, embroidered holiday greeting card. * Nov. 7 | Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop: This special event features two projects designed by Hallmark: dimensional paper ornaments inspired by Hallmark's archives (10 a.m.-noon) and custom holiday cards made using paint-scraping techniques (1-3 p.m.). Hallmark artists will also make special appearances at two locations: * Lenexa, Kansas: 9644 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215 * New York City: 675 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10010 * Nov. 8 | Holiday Ornament (1-3 p.m.): Make an ornament with foam and pom-poms or design a personalized holiday decoration. * Nov. 14 | Kids Club: Air-Dry Clay Figurines (10 a.m.-noon): Sculpt a custom holiday figurine from air-dry clay. * Nov. 15 | Cookie Cutter Clay Ornaments (1-3 p.m.): Create clay ornaments using cookie cutters, paint and foliage for added texture. * Dec. 6 | Hand-Knit Yarn Muff (1-3 p.m.): Learn to hand-knit a project and get ideas for handmade gifts. * Dec. 12 | Kids Club: Painted Wood Ornaments (10 a.m.-noon): Personalize wooden ornaments with paint. * Dec. 13 | Holiday Junk Journal (1-3 p.m.): Create a holiday keepsake to document and personalize seasonal memories. * Dec. 19 | Kids Club: Cookie Decorating (10 a.m.-noon): Decorate cookies with festive designs using provided supplies. Customers can also explore on-demand Hallmark content at Michaels.com/classes, including a calligraphy class and additional holiday projects. Bring the Hallmark Holiday Home A curated selection of Hallmark holiday favorites will be available exclusively at Michaels stores and online, featuring festive baking and entertaining pieces, seasonal décor, plush and more. The assortment gives fans more ways to bring Hallmark-inspired touches to holiday gatherings, gifting and traditions. About The Michaels Companies, Inc. At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com. Media Contact SOURCE The Michaels Companies, Inc.

Reporter-Herald
Sep 10th, 2026
Michaels opening Loveland craft store in long-vacant Centerra space.

Michaels opening Loveland craft store in long-vacant Centerra space. By Lucas High BizWest / Prairie Mountain Media PUBLISHED: September 9, 2026 at 9:53 PM MDT UPDATED: September 9, 2026 at 11:18 PM MDT National craft store chain Michaels expects to open a new location late this year at the long-vacant former Staples space in Loveland's Marketplace at Centerra shopping district. Gmbti Tbmf Tuboebse ejhjubm. $1 gps 1 zfbs Pggfs wbmje gps opo-tvctdsjcfst pomz

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