Michaels

Sorry to have to complain about the East Hanover store but their customer service stinks.
Several times I have shopped there and they only have one line opened. There maybe be 5 or 6 people in line and then they open up another register. Instead of helping whose next, they just take anyone coming up. No consideration for those waiting. Cashiers don’t care if you complain. All other stores in the area have one line that feeds into several registers. Why can’t they.

I’m a big fan of Michaels Stores. I’ve found the folks in the picture framing department at the East Hanover location to be extremely friendly and helpful and I am always able to find art supplies for the creative minds in my family.
My most recent visit was motivated by a desire to buy an art project for a niece of mine for Christmas. Although they stock plenty of out of the box projects for the kids, such as pot holder or friendship bracelet makers, they also stock plenty of paints, brushes, glues, and in my case, wooden doll houses for the kids to put together and paint. That was my preference over the somewhat cheap feeling pre-​packaged projects.
So if you’ve got the time to be a little creative with your shopping for the creative, take some time and walk around a bit. You may be able to put some fun little projects together for the kids in your family to have some fun with!

I love this store. You really could spend a week in it. Each department is like a little country with their own themes: bead work, sketching, framing, house decorating, gift giving, wedding planning, cake decorating, holiday. So much fun in one store. They can be a little pricey, but usually with arts and crafts, its not an urgent buy so wait for things to go on sale and check out their clearance bins. Definitely good finds in the candles and housewares departments. I’ve found some very unique accent pieces for my living room and kitchen. It’s a place for all ages for some good old-​fashioned fun. Staff are friendly but not overbearing and the selection is plenty. Will be back.

Why am I reviewing Michaels? Because as a man, I was skeptical of what to expect at a «crafts store». I was figuring to find some markers, an easel and some paint… I was wrong. I needed to get some pictures framed, and the wife said they offered that service. No way. Yup, they do. As per their website: NA’s largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, home décor & seasonal products for hobbyists and DIY decorators. Heck yeah you are!
What they need to work on is the customer service.

This store is awesome for arts and crafts, frames and seasonal merchandise. While I am not a super crafty person, I have found many things here that make me feel like I am. It’s also good for quick little kids gifts like stocking stuffers and such. Their custom framing department is very good — I have gotten numerous pictures and collectibles framed here and have always been pleased with the work and timeliness in which I get my work back. They always have pretty good sales and have a ton of weekly coupons. It’s a huge store full of so many things, you’ll be beside yourself with what project to start on first!

This is my go-​to arts and crafts store when I am in the Morris/​Essex county area. It’s huge, well organized, and has a diverse product inventory all year round. Michaels’ seasonal stock is usually always great, too (e.g. large selection of Winter/​Christmas wreaths and decorations).
The staff are friendly and are able (and willing) to answer your arts ‘n crafts questions. I’ve been to other Michaels and this is the best one in North Jersey. Worth the trip down Route 10!