When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts
Why A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts was a beloved destination for arts and crafts lovers, originally founded in 1985 in Moorestown, New Jersey. At its peak, it operated 145 stores, offering an extensive variety of art supplies and crafting materials. This made it an attractive place for friends to gather and be inspired creatively, whether for casual crafting sessions or more serious artistic projects. The stores were known for their wide selection, friendly staff, and an environment that encouraged exploration and creativity. Customers often found everything from fabrics and beads to paints and scrapbooking materials under one roof, making it convenient for group outings or solo shopping adventures. The company emphasized a friendly, approachable atmosphere where crafting enthusiasts could share ideas and get advice from knowledgeable team members, enhancing the social experience. Events, workshops, and personalized service further contributed to making A.C. Moore a great local hub for creative meetups and family-friendly activities.
Here's what people think of A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts
As of recent, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts holds a 3.7-star rating based on 28 reviews.
Reviews from customers and former employees show a spectrum of experiences with A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts. Positive feedback often highlights the friendly and supportive team environment, the wide range of craft supplies, and the joy customers found in crafting and getting ideas for new projects. Many praised the helpfulness of the staff and the welcoming atmosphere that catered well to hobbyists and families alike. There was also recognition of management's efforts to support employees, including gestures like providing lunches, which helped promote a team spirit.
On the negative side, some reviews pointed out issues such as corporate management challenges, perceived lack of employee appreciation toward the end of the company's operation, and struggles during its final years leading to its eventual closure. Employees recounted difficulties including short lunch breaks, being asked to work even after closures were announced, and dissatisfaction with how leftover inventory was handled. Customers also expressed disappointment as stores phased out and closed down, marking the end of an era for many loyal patrons.
Overall, the reviews reflect a business that was cherished by craft lovers and valued for the community it fostered, but which ultimately faced significant operational and competitive challenges. The company’s legacy remains in the memories of its customers and employees who appreciated the creative outlet it provided.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Timothy J. Kucharski
This was my first time going here. I went with my daughter, who's been here before with others in the fam. I thought it was quite nice. Well organized, lots of options. We found a nice push-in plush toy kit that was perfect for my daughter and me to do together. We also enjoyed exploring: "wow--that's a life supply of glue!" "look at all these paint colors!!" It was nice, and when we were ready to check out, there were two employees near the front. One checked us out, and as soon as another customer was in line, the second employee came right back and checked them out. So really no waiting during this trip, and though we didn't have any questions, the checkout service was great. We'll be back for more supplies soon, I'm sure.
Annmarie Anderson
This one is good. Supplies for nearly any art project you could think of, partially or complete projects if youre low on time. Not a lot of blanks (aside from ball jars and tshirts...like, every color size and style t-shirt imaginable!) But enough to get you started while you find your niche. Bonus, has kids games and fun decor for a one stop shop.
Dennis Forward
Store had good stuff, but the staff is terrible. Netty at the front registers literally was ignoring a line of customers while talking to coworkers and looking at her phone. Then called someone on the store phone after she finally started helping me, and made me wait while she talked with them, like I wasn't even standing there.
Darwinsom
Unfortunately AC Moore has announced it's closing all of its brick and mortar stores. Around 40 will become Michael's and to my personal disappointment the one in Framingham will become a Hobby Lobby. This was announced in November 2019 when they closed their online store. When I checked today February 9, 2020 it appears that the Fresh Pond store is still open. Whatever your experience there it follows the closing of many stores. When I was young there was a pretty ok Friendly's there. Mind you this was before the ubiquitous BK & McDonald's. Not to rant but we do need to patronize our local independent retailers. Bob Slate Harvard square..hard to believe I'm nostalgic about an AC Moore, but however distracted the staff was at least they employed local residents. Please check before you shop. If you get stuck bop over to Hollingworth in Belmont which is quite close by. It's a small 5 and dime but has a good selection. I believe there's also a mom & pop over in Arlington. No idea if they'll convert to a Michael's and/or have a sale. Edit: I see a photo post that looks like they may have closing sale going on.
Joan Delgizzi
My new GO TO store, selection amazing, well organized, lots of great deals and coupons, ample parking. Customer Service is good, some of them are very helpful. Always look forward to a return trip
How to reach A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts
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Why A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts with your friends? Because it offers a vibrant and inspiring environment that sparks creativity and togetherness. Whether you and your friends love painting, scrapbooking, knitting, or any other creative pursuit, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts is a place where you can share those passions while having fun in a lively social atmosphere. The store’s vast selection of over 40,000 crafts and art supplies available at any time ensures that everyone in your group will find something to explore or create. Beyond shopping, the store regularly hosts workshops, events, and hands-on programs designed to encourage creativity in both adults and children, making it ideal for a group meetup. Enjoy bonding over collective projects or trying new crafting techniques in a supportive setting where inspiration is everywhere. Plus, it boasts a welcoming layout and helpful staff, ensuring your group feels comfortable and encouraged to unleash their artistic sides. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a planned craft night, A.C. Moore provides a unique destination that is both fun and meaningful for groups looking to make memories through creativity.
What activities are available at A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts? The store offers a rich lineup of engaging creative activities perfect for groups. Scrapbooking enthusiasts can find specialized materials including unique papers, embellishments, and tools to craft personalized photo albums, making it a perfect bonding experience to reminisce while designing pages together. Painting and drawing supplies are extensive, from acrylics and watercolors to brushes and canvases, allowing friends to try out different art styles or collaborate on larger projects. For those interested in fiber arts, knitting and crocheting supplies abound, providing plenty of opportunities for group learning or casual crafting sessions. Seasonal and holiday decorations can be crafted from an assortment of florals, greenery, and décor items, which makes A.C. Moore a go-to spot for festive group projects. The store’s in-house framing service is an added plus, making it easy to frame completed masterpieces on site. With so many options under one roof, your meetup is guaranteed to be full of creative discovery and hands-on fun.
Why is A.C. Moore perfect for a group meetup? First, its layout and size accommodate groups, offering ample space to move around and browse without feeling cramped. This allows a relaxed, leisurely experience that encourages exploration and conversation. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist, helping your group select the right supplies and offering expert advice on techniques or projects. Furthermore, they often host special events such as crafting workshops, kids’ activities, and seasonal programs that are designed specifically for groups to engage and learn together. These events provide fun and structure for meetups, inspiring participants to try new crafts or complete themed projects side-by-side. The store’s discount policies and frequent promotions make it wallet-friendly, which is important when buying supplies for a group. Also, the community vibe fostered by A.C. Moore encourages sharing and collaboration, making it a social hub for creatives. It’s an environment that promotes both individual creativity and the joy of making art with friends or family.
How does A.C. Moore support creativity for all ages? A.C. Moore excels in catering to a broad demographic, meaning there’s something for every age in your group. They offer children's crafts and educational kits that provide younger attendees with simple, safe, and fun creative outlets. Parents and teachers alike appreciate this focus, as it turns art time into a shared experience that encourages learning and expression. For teens and adults, the extensive variety of supplies allows more advanced artistic exploration, whether it’s scrapbooking, sewing, or floral design. The store also regularly organizes in-store events that invite participants of all ages to come together and try their hand at different crafts, fostering creativity while building community ties. This inclusivity makes it easy to host a gathering with mixed ages, confident that everyone will find something enjoyable and appropriately challenging. The availability of custom framing services also allows all ages to proudly display their finished work, enhancing the sense of accomplishment and shared pride in your meetup.
What makes shopping at A.C. Moore convenient and inspiring for groups? Besides the wide product range, the store’s convenient location in many Eastern U.S. cities means groups can easily find a nearby spot to gather. With over 135 stores before closing, it was widely accessible, and while the original chain closed in 2020, locations rebranded under Michaels may continue offering similar experiences. Inside the store, the merchandise is thoughtfully organized by craft categories, which helps groups efficiently find everything they need without frustration. The store’s atmosphere, featuring colorful displays and examples of completed projects, acts as an important creative stimulus. Moreover, A.C. Moore’s commitment to beating competitors’ prices means your group can shop for quality materials at reasonable costs, making large group purchases more feasible. Their community-oriented programs, including partnerships and recycling initiatives, further engage customers and add depth to the shopping experience. Taken together, these factors make A.C. Moore a convenient, inspiring, and practical choice for group arts and crafts meetups.
What kind of events and programs does A.C. Moore offer for group engagement? A.C. Moore is well-known for its calendar packed with creative workshops and special events tailored to encourage hands-on participation. These events often range from beginner-level crafting tutorials to more specialized classes on painting, beading, or seasonal decorations. Many are designed for families and kids but also include adult-only options, making them perfect for diversified group gatherings. The store also supports causes through collaborative community programs, such as their partnership with The Crayon Initiative, where customers can donate used crayons to be recycled and given to children’s hospitals, adding a meaningful group activity that blends creativity with social responsibility. These programs foster a strong sense of community and collective accomplishment among participants. In-store celebrations around holidays or back-to-school seasons provide additional opportunities for groups to meet and create themed projects. By combining education, fun, and community service, A.C. Moore transforms a simple meetup into a memorable creative experience.
How can A.C. Moore enhance your group’s bonding and social connection? Crafting is proven to be a powerful social activity that nurtures communication, teamwork, and emotional well-being — all benefits that A.C. Moore facilitates through its environment and offerings. Craft projects provide natural conversation starters and shared goals, encouraging group members to collaborate, give feedback, and celebrate each other’s progress. The tactile and visual engagement of arts and crafts also helps reduce stress and boosts mood, creating a positive social atmosphere. A.C. Moore’s supportive staff and welcoming store setting help participants feel confident and open to express their creativity, even if they are beginners. This supportive environment minimizes social barriers, allowing group members to connect more deeply through shared creative experiences. After a session at A.C. Moore, your group won’t just leave with beautiful artwork but with stronger relationships and fond memories made together in a space designed for connecting through creativity.
In summary, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts offers an exceptional setting for meetups with friends or family, blending extensive creative options, community-focused events, and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a unique destination where groups can enjoy producing art, learning new skills, and celebrating each other’s creativity—all while having fun and making meaningful connections.