- Arts and crafts retailer Michaels has launched its third "Next Gen" experiential concept store in Rogers, Arkansas, joining earlier test locations in Easton, Ohio, and Irving, Texas, to evaluate interactive features for its nearly 1,300 North American locations.
- The new store format features a prominent Knit & Sew Shop with an expanded fabric selection and a 1,000-sample digital Swatch bar, leveraging intellectual property acquired from former rival Joann.
- Customer convenience and customization are emphasized with dedicated self-checkout for Michaels Rewards members, a 10-minute custom framing service, a Pinterest trend bar, and interactive personalization stations for items like markers and embroidery.
- Michaels is significantly broadening its party offerings to fill market gaps left by competitors like Party City, introducing expanded party merchandise, a balloon bar, and dedicated spaces for community events and celebrations.
- Michaels CEO David Boone stated that the new store format reflects a broader transformation to meet consumer demand for interactive, analog creative experiences and community connection.
IN FULL
Michaels expands new store format - and it includes one huge perk for reward members
