Michaels debuts new experiential store concept in Arkansas

Michaels has opened its third “Next Gen” experiential store in Rogers, Arkansas, following previous launches in Easton, Ohio, and Irving, Texas. The new format is designed to provide a more hands-on, interactive shopping experience and serves as a testing ground for features that may eventually be rolled out to other locations.

A major feature of the new layout is the Knit & Sew Shop, which includes the company’s largest assortment of fabrics and textiles to date. This section features a Swatch Bar where customers can browse 1,000 online fabric samples and order via QR codes. The store also includes an expanded Party Shop with a Balloon Bar and dedicated space for community events and classes.

Other specialized areas include Fine Arts, Floral & Greenery, and an enhanced Framing & Personalization section offering services such as embroidery, engraving, and 10-minute custom framing. To improve convenience, Michaels Rewards members will have access to a dedicated self-checkout line, and buy-online, pick-up-in-store stations have been relocated closer to the entrance. The store also features several interactive “Signature Moments,” such as a Candy Bar, Patch Bar, and a Marker Bar for customizing products.