When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Michaels
Why Michaels is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Michaels is the largest arts and crafts specialty retailer in North America, offering a wide variety of products that appeal to DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and home decorators alike. Founded in 1973 in Dallas, Texas, Michaels has grown to operate over 1,270 retail stores across the United States and Canada, making it a convenient and accessible destination for crafting needs. The store features an extensive selection including scrapbooking, knitting, floral arrangements, home décor, framing, paints, and seasonal items. Michaels supports creativity with its own private label brands such as Recollections, Studio Decor, and Bead Landing, which make up approximately 60% of their sales. Customers also enjoy access to custom framing services via Aaron Brothers, Michaels’ framing store-within-a-store, providing personalized artistic solutions for any project. Michaels also embraces technology through its user-friendly e-commerce platforms and a mobile app, enabling shoppers to purchase supplies online and easily upload photos for custom framing. The launch of Michaels Marketplace has further expanded their appeal by allowing third-party sellers to offer a broader range of products to support every crafting interest. Overall, Michaels serves as an inviting place for friends to gather, create, and share artistic experiences, making it a go-to community hub for all things craft and creativity.
Here's what people think of Michaels
As of recent, Michaels holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1449 reviews.
Reviewers generally regard Michaels as a positive destination for arts and crafts, praising its broad inventory, competitive prices, and helpful staff. Positive reviews frequently highlight the store's large variety of crafting supplies and brands, ease of finding both specialized and everyday items, and the convenience of its custom framing services. Customers also appreciate seasonal and holiday-themed products and the availability of creative workshops, which enrich the shopping experience and foster learning and community engagement. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as limited stock on high-demand items, prices on certain specialty goods perceived as higher than competitors, and inconsistencies in customer service experience across locations. A few customers have noted crowded stores during peak times which can affect the shopping atmosphere. Despite these critiques, many find Michaels a reliable and inspirational place to explore arts and crafts. Overall, the reviews indicate that Michaels successfully meets the expectations of the crafting community, maintaining a strong reputation for variety, quality, and creative inspiration, making it a favored gathering spot for those who love to create.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A Reyes
Well. Staff is hard to find and apparently bathrooms are a luxury here so they are closed before 7 pm. Hmmmm. Interesting. Imagine having to clean throw up outside the bathroom because they refused to let you use it during business hours? She said it’s closed for the night and has this posted. Side note. The items they don’t tag is because when you get to the register they are overpriced. Be careful.
Ixchel
My recent experience at the store was deeply disappointing, primarily due to the conduct of Estela, the cashier. She was unhelpful in every sense of the word. Having worked in retail for a significant portion of my life, I can confidently say I would never treat a customer the way she treated me—with a dismissive attitude and unnecessary confrontation. I eventually had to ask for assistance from Linda, the manager. While Linda was polite, she seemed overwhelmed and unable to resolve the issue at hand. I was informed that my coupons/ store discount could not be honored, so I opted to place an order online to secure the discounted price. However, upon arriving to pick up my order, I was told to cancel it due to a discrepancy in an item’s SKU. Which I felt was unnecessary because the item was the same price and description. I still did as told. When I attempted to reorder, I was informed that the promotion could no longer be applied because of a “one order per day” limit—despite the original order being canceled through no fault of my own. This entire process consumed nearly two hours of my time, including the time I had carefully selected my wedding florals. My initial frustration started with the misleading in-store signage- advertising 70% off discounts that did not apply at checkout. The lack of clarity in pricing, coupled with the inability to honor an online discount of 40%, was incredibly frustrating. Overall, this experience left much to be desired in terms of both customer service and store policy. I hope these concerns are taken seriously and addressed accordingly
Shaye
I love Michaels I've been coming here since before they moved behind Target. The staff are always lovely. My opinion has since changed after attempting to return items which were clearly unused and I had the receipt for with the cashier named Teresa, who was rude, unhelpful and unfriendly. Customer service has certainly lowered which is unfortunate. The Clairemont location is nicer. I'd give it 5 stars if not for that experience.
Roice Rulon-King
Normally I find art stores to be a sanctuary of like minded people/creatives who are normally eager to help you find the tools and give advice and or share knowledge with whatever art project I have planned or am trying to learn more about. Today at the Mission Valley location located next to Target I asked the simplest of questions " What isle are your mechanical pencils located?" And I was shocked to get the response that "Michaels doesn't carry mechanical pencils and perhaps I should try Staples" because they carry what I was looking for ... So I decided to peruse the isles to see for myself and found more then 2 styles of mechanical pencils which I brought to the front to show the ignorant clerk i let her know that even though Michaels carries what I want id rather spend at a more deserving store .
Good Mood Foods
Claudia answered the phone and was very helpful so I came in to see the new store 🏬 quite hidden really but worth the excursion. I’m really glad I don’t have to go all the way to Clairemont now. Betsy was also very helpful in helping me find what I needed. I will definitely be back, with friends.
How to reach Michaels
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Why Michaels may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why Rally at Michaels with Your Friends?
Gathering a group of friends or family at Michaels offers a uniquely creative and fun experience that goes beyond the usual meetup spots. Michaels is not just a store; it's a hub for artistic inspiration where everyone can explore their creative side together. Whether your group consists of seasoned crafters or complete beginners, Michaels provides an inclusive environment filled with endless opportunities to craft, design, and learn collaboratively. The store’s extensive variety of arts and crafts materials and supplies will spark ideas and projects that friends can do side-by-side, fostering connection through shared creativity. Beyond shopping, Michaels often hosts in-store classes and workshops designed to be engaging and social, making group participation easy and enjoyable. This makes Michaels a perfect destination not only to stock up on supplies for home projects but also to bond and make lasting memories in a relaxed, creative setting. With a solid rating of 4.3 based on a large number of reviews, it reflects a generally positive public sentiment that your group will find the experience worthwhile and fun.
What Activities Can You Do at Michaels That Make It Perfect for Group Meetups?
Michaels offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it ideal for group gatherings. The most obvious draw is the extensive array of crafting projects you can undertake together, from painting and drawing to knitting and scrapbooking. Groups can take advantage of seasonal craft kits or pick from hundreds of DIY project ideas available in-store. Michaels often hosts themed workshops, where friends can sign up to learn new skills from expert instructors in a supportive atmosphere, making it perfect for both learning and having fun as a team.
In addition to making art, Michaels’ custom framing services provide a unique way for groups to collaborate on personal projects or gifts, fostering a sense of accomplishment and shared pride in tangible finished goods. The store's layout is spacious, allowing groups to comfortably move around, explore supplies, and work on their creations without feeling cramped.
Moreover, Michaels’ frequent sales and discounts make it easy on the budget when buying supplies for group projects, meaning your friends can all participate without worry about cost. For those who enjoy a more spontaneous meetup, just browsing through the diverse sections together—whether it's home décor, beads, or seasonal decorations—can inspire new ideas and conversations, making every visit different and exciting.
Why Is Michaels a Comfortable and Social Environment for Groups?
One of Michaels’ strongest appeals for group hangouts is its welcoming environment that encourages social interaction. The staff is generally helpful and knowledgeable, often ready to assist with both product recommendations and project advice, supporting groups in their creative endeavors. The atmosphere is light and informal, which helps people relax and enjoy quality time with their friends or family.
Michaels also tends to be clean and well-organized, which enhances the overall experience, making it easier for groups to focus on their crafting and socializing without distraction. The store’s layout often includes designated areas for gathering—especially during workshops—which provide an inviting space to connect over shared interests.
Additionally, Michaels is family-friendly, accommodating all ages, making it a great choice not only for friends but also for family meetups that include kids and adults. This multi-generational appeal adds to its versatility as a social hub. The opportunity to create tangible projects together also means groups leave with more than just memories—they have beautiful handmade items as keepsakes from their time spent together.
How Does Michaels Cater to Different Interests Within a Group?
Michaels is uniquely suited to accommodate diverse interests and skill levels within any group. Whether some members are passionate painters, others love knitting, and some prefer paper crafts or pottery, Michaels holds a vast array of materials and finished goods to cater to all those tastes. The store’s broad selection means no one feels left out, allowing a mix of different crafting styles and projects to move forward simultaneously within the same outing.
The availability of both basic supplies for beginners and specialty materials for advanced crafters means every group member can contribute meaningfully to the shared experience. This inclusivity fosters collaboration and learning, as more experienced crafters often enjoy sharing tips with newcomers, making the meetup educational as well as entertaining.
Moreover, Michaels’ occasional live demonstrations and online tutorials complement the in-store options, offering groups ideas and guidance that can enhance their creative sessions. This flexibility helps transform a simple shopping trip into an interactive and inspiring event that caters to whatever mood or interest the group brings.
What Makes Michaels a Convenient Venue for Group Meetups?
Convenience is a critical factor when choosing a meetup spot, and Michaels scores well here too. With many locations nationwide, it’s easy for groups to find a store near them, reducing travel time and making regular meetups more feasible. Stores tend to have ample parking and are often located in shopping centers with other amenities, allowing groups to extend their day together with meals or other retail stops.
Michaels also offers flexible shopping hours, giving groups the chance to meet at times that suit everyone's schedules, especially evenings and weekends. The option to order supplies online with in-store pickup adds further convenience, so groups can spend more time crafting and less time searching or waiting.
For those looking to host special events or larger gatherings, Michaels occasionally allows stores to accommodate private party bookings or can offer ideas for hosting craft-themed celebrations, which is a great perk for birthdays or other social occasions.
Overall, Michaels combines the best of creativity, social engagement, and practical advantages, making it a leading choice for anyone seeking a memorable and enriching group meetup location.