When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix 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 stands out as North America's largest arts and crafts retail chain, offering an expansive selection of supplies that perfectly suit anyone looking to meet up with friends for creative projects. Founded in 1973 in Dallas, Texas, Michaels has grown into a beloved destination for makers, DIY home decorators, and craft enthusiasts, with over 1,200 stores across the U.S. and Canada. What makes Michaels a great place for gatherings is its vast variety of products including art supplies for painting, drawing, knitting, papercrafting, custom framing, floral arrangements, and home décor. Frequent sales, discounts, and a robust online ordering system make it convenient and affordable to gather all necessary materials. Michaels also often conducts in-store classes, providing an engaging environment where friends can learn new crafts together. Its well-regarded private brands such as Recollections and Creatology cater to a wide range of crafting interests. Whether you're planning a casual crafting night or a more organized project, Michaels offers the space, resources, and inspiration to make any meetup enjoyable and productive.
Here's what people think of Michaels
As of recent, Michaels holds a 4.5-star rating based on 153 reviews.
User reviews of Michaels highlight several consistent themes. Many customers praise the wide selection of art and craft supplies available, emphasizing the convenience of finding almost any material needed under one roof. Frequent sales and discounts are also appreciated for making quality craft supplies more accessible. Positive feedback often includes compliments about helpful and friendly in-store staff, particularly at select locations where customer service is consistent and attentive. However, less favorable reviews point out some challenges such as inconsistent customer service quality across different stores and occasional product availability issues, which can disrupt shopping plans. Some customers have reported difficulties with online ordering and dissatisfaction related to specific products or communication delays in customer support. Despite these drawbacks, the overall user ratings remain high, reflecting a strong customer loyalty and general satisfaction with the shopping experience. The blend of broad product variety, engaging community crafting opportunities, and competitive pricing secures Michaels' reputation as a trusted destination for craft lovers and social hobbyists alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Robin Roscoe
The salesperson was so helpful and knowledgeable. I purchased a Christmas tree online and went to pick it up. She carried it out to the car for me and was cheerful about doing it. This Michael's store up on Carefree was one that I had never been to before. But, I will go back, even though it's 12 miles away from the closest one. The staff was so friendly and approachable, that's what made my experience so wonderful! Thank you!
Brittany F
Good selection, had an issue with a return, but it's not really the employees fault, it's store policy. I bought a new shirt, decided in wanted it on a different color. Same brand, same style and it was on sale at the same time I bought the original shirt. I was asking for a direct swap, they couldn't do it.
Dawna W
Always clean and fully stocked. I love this store specifically, because it's always quiet and comfy vibes
Sarah Hess
Really helpful staff! Ava helped me with art supplies! She knows her stuff. The store is always clean and organized! It’s a little smaller store but has most of what you need. They do kids crafts during the summertime that is affordable and great for younger kids.
Debra Kaitschuck
The store was clean with friendly staff that greeted me and approached me twice during my trip to see if I needed any assistance. The self-checkout was okay, although I had an issue redeeming a $5 bonus because my phone was on dark mode and couldn't read the barcode. But friendly staff approached and assisted me again, also asking if I found everything okay. I was pleased by the deals I saw in store and could have easily spent way more time and money there.
How to reach Michaels
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Website: None
Why Michaels may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Michaels with your friends? Michaels offers a unique environment where creativity and social connection come together, making it an ideal spot for friends and family looking to gather and enjoy a shared experience. Beyond being a retail store, Michaels fosters a community feel with its wide range of crafting supplies, workshops, and inspiring project ideas. It’s a place where everyone—from beginners to seasoned artists—can find something fun and engaging to create together. Whether you're looking to bond over a new DIY project, seek inspiration for home decor, or simply browse the colorful aisles filled with crafting materials, Michaels invites you to tap into your collective imagination. The supportive atmosphere, friendly staff, and wide availability of materials make it not just a store, but a meetup destination that sparks joy and encourages creative collaboration among groups.
What activities can you enjoy at Michaels with your group? Michaels hosts a variety of in-store classes and workshops that cater to different skill levels and interests, making it perfect for group participation. These sessions often include seasonal crafts, painting, knitting, scrapbooking, and custom framing tutorials, allowing your group to learn new skills side by side. These interactive experiences can be both relaxing and stimulating, providing great opportunities for conversation and teamwork. Additionally, the store frequently offers project kits that are tailored for group use, ensuring everyone has the right materials to complete a craft or art piece together. This makes Michaels excellent for creative meetups, birthday parties, or family gatherings centered on productive fun. The store space itself is welcoming, stocked with everything you might need for various creative ventures, so your group can shop together, share ideas, and support each other’s artistic goals.
Why is Michaels perfect for a group meetup? Michaels’ combination of product variety, in-store experiences, and a community-focused approach makes it an inviting space for groups seeking both social interaction and creativity. The store carries everything from painting supplies and yarns to seasonal decorations and home decor pieces, so your group can explore diverse interests in one location. The frequent discounts and promotions help make large group purchases more affordable, ensuring that your meetup can be budget-friendly. Friendly and knowledgeable staff members often provide personalized assistance, helping your group select the right tools and materials for your projects. While some reviews mention variable customer service, many customers praise specific employees for their exceptional help and kindness, which enhances the overall group experience. The welcoming environment encourages everyone to participate, regardless of skill level, making Michaels a versatile and accessible destination for meetups with friends or family.
What makes the shopping experience at Michaels special for groups? Shopping at Michaels is not just about buying supplies; it’s an interactive and collaborative event. The store’s organized layout, categorizing products by craft type or project, allows your group to easily find and compare materials, sparking conversations and ideas. From the latest trends in DIY to classic art supplies, the selections provide endless creative possibilities. Groups can split roles with some members exploring paint and canvas, while others dive into scrapbooking or floral arrangements, making the shopping trip efficient as well as fun. The availability of project ideas and kits tailored for various group sizes also helps in planning celebrations or thematic meetups. Additionally, Michaels’ online resources and app offer tutorials and inspiration that your group can preview and then explore in person, enhancing the communal crafting journey.
How do Michaels' classes and events enhance group meetups? The in-person workshops and craft events hosted by Michaels add tremendous value for groups wanting to gather with a purpose beyond shopping. These sessions foster guided creativity—where an instructor leads participants through a project—which helps even those new to crafting feel included and successful. Group members can share tips, celebrate progress, and enjoy the social motivation that comes from creating in a shared space. Seasonal events such as holiday ornament making or themed painting nights create memorable experiences that combine entertainment with artistry. By participating in these classes together, friends or family can strengthen bonds while developing new hobbies or improving existing skills. Michaels also supports private event bookings and craft parties, allowing groups to customize the experience for birthdays, team-building, or special occasions, making it an excellent venue for organized social crafting activities.
Why is Michaels a great place to find inspiration for group projects? Michaels is a hub of creativity where the environment itself inspires imagination and collaboration. The store regularly updates its displays with seasonal and trending decor ideas, which can be great conversation starters for groups brainstorming their own projects. The vast array of materials—from specialty papers and seasonal florals to fabric and unique hardware—encourages experimentation with styles and techniques. Many customers appreciate the extensive project ideas and how-to guides Michaels provides both in-store and online, giving groups a foundation to launch their creative endeavors. The availability of custom framing services also means that groups can preserve and present their work beautifully, adding a sense of accomplishment and pride. This supportive setting, combined with the resources on hand, makes Michaels an inspiring destination for groups eager to create something meaningful together.
How does Michaels handle group size and dynamics? Michaels' spacious store layout and availability of project kits make it manageable for groups of various sizes to navigate comfortably and collaborate effectively. Whether it’s a small circle of close friends or a larger family gathering, the store provides enough variety and volume of materials to keep everyone engaged without feeling crowded. The staff often accommodates special requests and can assist in organizing supplies tailored to your group’s specific needs or theme. Many stores have designated areas for workshops or demonstrations, which provide a focused space for group activities. Moreover, Michaels’ online ordering and pickup options support groups in planning their visits ahead, allowing smooth coordination and minimizing wait times. This flexibility and organizational support help ensure that your meetup remains enjoyable and productive.
What should you expect regarding customer service when visiting Michaels with your friends? While Michaels boasts a generally positive atmosphere for group creative activities and shopping, customer service experiences can vary by location. Many reviewers highlight helpful and friendly staff members who go out of their way to assist customers with selecting materials, framing options, and project advice, which benefits groups looking for guidance. However, some reports mention inconsistent service or understaffing, which could affect the flow of your visit during busy times. Planning visits during off-peak hours or calling ahead might help secure more personalized attention for your group. Overall, the supportive and passionate approach of many Michaels employees contributes to a welcoming environment that encourages exploration and creativity among groups.
How can Michaels' pricing and promotions benefit group meetups? Michaels is known for its regular sales, coupons, and discounts, which can significantly reduce the cost of supplies for group projects and events. For friends and family planning a large crafting session or party, these promotions provide an economical way to gather quality materials without overspending. The store also offers loyalty programs and digital coupons that groups can accumulate and share, increasing savings over time. Being aware of seasonal promotions or clearance sales can help groups stock up on favorite items or experiment with new supplies affordably. This value-driven pricing structure, combined with the variety and quality of products, makes Michaels a budget-friendly destination for creative meetups that want to maximize fun and minimize cost.
What makes Michaels stand out compared to other venues for meetups? Unlike typical restaurants or cafes, Michaels offers a hands-on, creative experience that encourages active participation rather than just passive socializing. This sets it apart as a unique meetup location where friends and family can collaborate on projects, learn together, and create lasting memories through art and craft. The broad spectrum of products and services, including custom framing and special events, allows groups to tailor their visit according to their interests and skill levels. Michaels’ commitment to fostering a community around creativity, along with its welcoming environment, ensures that meetups go beyond just hanging out—they become enriching, productive gatherings where everyone leaves inspired. This combination of social interaction, learning, and artistic expression makes Michaels a top choice for groups seeking something fresh and rewarding to do together.