Over the last few months, Michaels Stores has been inviting MakerPlace artists to sell their handmade goods in person through pop-up events at their local stores. This pilot program gives these talented artists an opportunity to reach customers in their own communities and offers Michaels shoppers a chance to discover unique goods made by local artisans. It's a great example of the “test and learn” mentality we take at Michaels, an approach that helps us constantly innovate to create a best-in-class experience. This shared mindset has helped us grow the program from 7 participants in February at launch to 100 sellers in June. The interest and feedback we’ve received so far have been overwhelmingly positive, and I’d like to thank our store teams, sellers, and customers alike for embracing these events and making them so successful. You can see if a store in your area is participating in our largest pilot event yet, which is taking place this Saturday in more than 30 states: bit.ly/3Rmt7ht
Urgent Assistance Needed for Unresolved Glowforge Issue Dear Mr. Buchanan, I am reaching out in desperation regarding a Glowforge machine I purchased from Michael's over a month ago. Despite continuous conversations with Glowforge, the machine remains non-functional and now cannot be refunded. I spoke to your Store DM from your Route 3 Clifton store and customer service, but neither could resolve the issue. If a refund cannot be provided, store credit will work—I just need my money to be used for something. As a loyal Michael's customer and a significant influencer in the market, I am deeply disappointed and seek your immediate intervention to resolve this issue. Please assist me in getting a refund or a functional replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention. Sincerely, Samuel Perez
Awesome support of independent artists and the customers who buy their products!
I love this whole concept! You can shop the artisan goods but also get creative ideas and then shop for them while there! #genius #smartmarketing #creative #makersgonnamake
Fantastic! I strongly applaud this effort, especially the focus on local artists. This makes the company's image more down-to-earth and relatable as opposed to a faceless corporation. I look forward to seeing what else you come up.
What a fantastic initiative to support local artisans and bring communities together. The growth from 7 to 100 sellers is impressive. How has the feedback from both the sellers and the customers shaped the future of the program?
Excited to see Michaels' MakerPlace program thriving, connecting local artisans with the community and enhancing the shopping experience
This is amazing! Can’t wait to join the creative force!
Fantastic outside the box way to market both artist's and the tools that help make them successful. Hope to see more of these events Ashley Buchanan
Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional CMO, Marketing Leader
2moReally a win-win-win program. Local artists and crafters win by getting exposure and selling more goods; Michael's customers get exposed to new crafts and new ideas plus the experience that they want; Michaels wins by supporting locals who fuel the MakerPlace market AND by growing new crafters by this type of creative exposure. Nicely done.