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Michaels has been a beloved destination for craft enthusiasts, offering a wide range of art supplies, decorations, and DIY kits. Founded in 1973, Michaels has grown from a single store in Dallas, Texas, to over 1,250 stores across the United States and Canada. As a leader in the arts and crafts retail sector, Michaels.com extends this legacy by providing an accessible platform for crafters to find everything they need for their next project, from scrapbooking supplies to framing and floral products.
As the DIY trend continues to flourish, Michaels has faced increasing competition from both specialized craft stores and general retailers expanding their craft sections. The company's ability to maintain a robust online presence while offering in-store experiences like classes and custom services helps it remain competitive.
Let's dive into some of Michaels' main competitors and see how they stack up in this artsy race.
Hobby Lobby is a direct competitor, known for its wide range of craft supplies and home decor items similar to Michaels. With a strong emphasis on providing materials for everything from knitting to home decorating, Hobby Lobby appeals to a broad audience of crafters.
Like Michaels, Hobby Lobby also offers seasonal products and frequently runs large sales, making it a go-to for budget-conscious crafters. However, unlike Michaels, Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays, which can affect accessibility for weekend shoppers.
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts stands out as a competitor mainly due to its extensive selection of sewing materials and fabrics, which complements its range of general crafting supplies. JOANN often attracts those who are into both casual crafts and more serious fabric arts.
JOANN also offers a variety of classes and workshops, which positions it as a community hub for crafters, much like Michaels. Their focus on fabrics gives them a niche edge in the crafting retail market.
Dick Blick (blick.art) caters more to professional artists and students but competes with Michaels in terms of providing high-quality art supplies, such as paints, brushes, and canvases.
Blick's commitment to serving artists with professional-grade materials sets it apart from Michaels, which targets a more general crafting audience. This focus makes Blick a preferred choice for those requiring specialized art tools and materials.
Hobbycraft is a UK-based competitor that parallels Michaels in being a comprehensive supplier for arts and crafts. It offers products ranging from basic crafting supplies to more specialized materials like baking supplies and jewelry-making kits.
While Hobbycraft serves a different geographic market, its business model and product offerings are very similar to those of Michaels, making it a relevant competitor in the global crafts marketplace.
A.C. Moore was a significant competitor until it ceased operations in 2020, transferring its intellectual and online properties to Michaels. This acquisition helped Michaels consolidate its market position by absorbing a former rival's customer base.
Prior to its closure, A.C. Moore offered a similar array of craft supplies and benefited from a loyal customer following, particularly in the Eastern United States.
Panduro, a European retailer, offers a variety of DIY craft kits and materials, competing with Michaels on the international stage. With a strong online presence and an array of products that cater to both children and adults, Panduro keeps up in the global craft market.
Their emphasis on Scandinavian design and quality also helps differentiate them from Michaels, appealing to a demographic interested in Nordic aesthetics.