2 Michaels Shopping Changes Happening Now in Stores

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Photo: Shutterstock; Design: Canva

This time of year always puts me in the mood to craft . Not only do chilly days lend themselves well to staying indoors and completing a DIY project, but Halloween and Christmas are arguably the two best seasons to get creative. But with retailers closing left and right, it’s getting harder to find supplies—which is why I was so excited to hear about the two major shopping changes Michaels is making in stores and online now.

RELATED: Bed Bath & Beyond Is Opening 275 New Stores—4 Things We Know So Far .

Michaels is reviving JOANN fabrics.

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Michaels

After 82 years in business, beloved fabric and yarn retailer JOANN closed all 800 of its locations earlier this year, leaving a void in the world of knitting and sewing. However, in June , Michaels acquired JOANN’s intellectual property and private label brands. What does that mean for shoppers?

As of this week, all of Michaels’ 1,300+ stores in the U.S. will feature a new in-store experience known as The Knit & Sew Shop.

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Michaels

According to a press release , The Knit & Sew Shop offers both JOANN- and Michaels-branded products, including:

  • Threads
  • Fabric (currently in 840 stores with plans to expand to 250 more), as well as fabric-cutting tables
  • Sewing and yarn, including those from Gütermann and JOANN’s brand Big Twist (the latter of which will hit stores by the end of October)
  • Related supplies such as Singer and Brother sewing machines, sewing notions, and beginner needle-crafting kits

RELATED: 4 Target Changes Happening Now, and How They’ll Affect Shoppers .

Michaels is also filling the void left by Party City.

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Michaels

Party City suffered a similar fate as JOANN earlier this year, shuttering all 800 of its stores after 40 years in business. This left a gaping hole in the party supplies space, with shoppers looking for places to buy balloons , decorations, and more.

But Michaels has stepped in here, too, introducing The Party Shop at all its stores.

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Michaels

Most notably, The Party Shop features a Balloon Bar, “offering an assortment of latex and foil balloons, as well as customizable balloons for every occasion and theme,” according to the press release.

Ballooon bundles start at just $9.99, and you can also find celebration-ready items like DIY balloon arch kits. Plus, Michaels has introduced a convenient “Reserve a Time” balloon pick-up feature, as well as a ballooon delivery option.

You’ll also find hundreds more items in The Party Shop, including “exclusive themes like western-inspired rodeo, playful bows, elegant milestone birthdays, and classics like a blue gingham line that puts a modern twist on nostalgic celebrations,” states the company.

And for those planning a party on a budget, Michaels has lowered the prices on its in-house brand, Celebrate It, by 25 to 70 percent. This applies to plates, napkins, party streamers, table covers, and more.