PHOTOS: Michaels Is Open for Business in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A few raindrops didn't stop customers from checking out the new Michaels craft store Thursday night at Bradlee shopping center at a "friends and family" preview event.

The new store opens Friday and will hold a grand opening Sept. 18 with giveaways and a ribbon-cutting. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Shoppers strolled the aisles checking out the ribbons, glitter, coloring books, yarn, frame shop, seasonal decor and more. One of the best features: A classroom set aside for kids' classes, parties and crafts workshops. Patch stopped by and took a few photos:

Styrofoam heads on a shelf downstairs at Michaels await creative painting for scary Halloween decor.

Cake decorators have their own aisle downstairs at Michaels.

The frame shop is located on the first floor; customers can see how the finished work will look on a screen before ordering.

Coloring books for all ages are located on the first floor at Michaels.

The Michaels store at Bradlee offers two floors of crafts; there is an escalator and an elevator.

Washi tape has many decorative uses.

The checkout area of the new Michaels store at Bradlee.