The new Michaels store celebrated its grand opening Saturday, May 6, making it the third arts and crafts box store in Farmington.
The store, in San Juan Plaza, officially opened its doors for business April 21.
Michaels Stores Inc., which has 1,161 retail stores in the United States, will compete with Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabric and Crafts for a share of the arts and crafts market in Farmington.
The company states on its website, “We believe anyone can make, and we’re on a mission to inspire and encourage everyone to unleash his or her inner maker.”
According to the Americans for the Arts Action fund’s 2020 report, 4,362 arts-related businesses employ 15,678 people and the state’s arts and culture sector contributes $2.67 billion to New Mexico’s economy, representing 2.8% of the state’s GDP.
Such statistics do not take into account amateur artisans and crafters in the state. It is professional and hobby artists, artisans and crafters that the three arts and crafts stores in town rely on for business.
The key to competing may lie in each store’s specialty sections. Customers commented on Michaels’ ample bead selection, Joann stores have extensive fabric selections and Hobby Lobby offers a wide variety of seasonal and home decorating items.
Assistant manager Shawna Southern said it was very busy day and everyone seemed to have a good time Saturday at the grand opening.
“We're just excited to be part of the community,” Abigail Morris, who moved from Albuquerque to manage the store, said during a phone call.
The grand opening featured balloon animals, face painting, a raffle, popcorn and cotton candy vendors, New Mexico-themed earrings and custom greeting card vendors.
Rachel Fishburn said the store “looks good … they seem to have a lot of good stuff and you can never have too many crafts stores.” Aimee, her daughter, does a lot of beading and said she was finding items not available elsewhere.
Kylie Eckstein, who recently returned to her hometown of Farmington after living in Arizona, stopped by Michaels “just to check out the store.”
Dora Yazzie, who drives from the Carson area of the Navajo Reservation to shop in Farmington, said she was enjoying shopping alone at her own pace. She said she felt positive about having another shopping option for crafts and appreciated the large selection of beads for her favorite hobby.
Attempts to contact Farmington’s Hobby Lobby and Joann stores for comment on the opening of Michaels were unsuccessful.
