Michaels Craft Store Sets Grand Opening Date for New Alexandria Location

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Michaels Stores has set a grand opening date of Sunday, Sept. 18 for its new store located at Bradlee Shopping Center in Alexandria, according to a company employee.

The arts and crafts store is expected to open its doors for a "soft opening" on Friday, Sept. 2, the employee said. The soft opening will take place, "if there are no glitches," the employee said. The soft opening would coincide with Labor Day weekend. The first day of school for Alexandria public schools is Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The store typically gives away gift cards and prizes at its grand openings. The store offers discounts to teachers, military and seniors, according to its Web site.

The store replaces two businesses at Bradlee Shopping Center: Washington Sports Club and Dress Barn. Dress Barn closed Jan. 31. The fitness club closed last fall.

Michaels is the largest arts and crafts specialty retailer in North America, featuring art supplies, general crafts and seasonal/home décor.

Michaels is a public company with more than 1,000 stores that employs more than 40,000 nationwide and is headquartered in Dallas. It was launched in 1976 by businessman Michael J. Dupey; it currently has several other locations in Northern Virginia.

Michaels sells a variety of arts and crafts products, including scrapbooking, beading, knitting, rubber stamping, home decor items, floral items, kids’ crafts, paints, framing, greenery, baking and more. Michaels produces 10 exclusive private brands sold throughout its stores including Recollections, Studio Decor, Bead Landing, Creatology, Ashland, Celebrate It, Art Minds, Artist’s Loft, Craft Smart and Loops & Threads.

In April 2007, Martha Stewart teamed up with Michaels to launch a line initially available exclusively at Michaels called “Martha Stewart Crafts.” The line features over 650 different products for the craft enthusiast.
Michaels’ slogan is “Where Creativity Happens.”

PHOTO of Michaels store in Massachusetts