Michaels

Okay. This review is coming from a recent previous employee of this store. I’ve read through quite a few reviews and I agree with most. Where the ultimate problem lies is in management. The disorganization, the long lines, it all comes from being constantly understaffed. Quite a few employees that work there I’m not even sure how they got hired, they don’t do well in selecting those with good work ethic.
It has always been difficult working here because I am expected to do the work of 2 – 3 people at one time, which simply isn’t possible. If there were more employees of better quality, the store would be a lot more efficient. Having to answer phone calls, ring people up at the register, and have other customers ask me questions all at once is too much for one to be able to handle. I don’t recommend anyone to apply here, I spent 12 months in a store I felt completely miserable in. It sucks being one good employee that has to make up for the shitty work that co-​workers do. So not all of us are lazy, bare in mind it is extremely stressful for some of us who actually take our job seriously. Better management=best service!

Despite reading previous reviews of this store I decided to venture in because I needed to get a few craft supplies. The reviews which state there were empty rows sandwiched between a hoarders paradise are still true, their display of the merchandise is something that could possibly use a bit of tweaking but the employees were definitely efficient in serving the mass mob of shoppers that ascended upon the store that morning. By the time I got in line with my goodies I was about twelve customers deep in line, how ever I zipped through that line in about five minutes.

I brought a mask to have put in a custom shadow box. I am not a very creative person. Matt was very helpful and had a lot of ideas for my shadow box. Thank you Matt.
This will be the second item we have had custom framed. The first one turned out beautiful and I know this one will be beautiful too.

This location looks like it’s falling apart, and it’s going to close down. I went here with a friend to by speciality supplies that michael’s store is suppose to carry, we kept asking workers who would help us find the items we need, but they said we don’t carry them. The customer service is very poor, and needs to be patient with helping customers. This store was once ran by good people years ago, but now it seems they want to sell nothing special, but boring art supplies for preschoolers and toys. The checkout lines were long and only one or two registers were working.
This was a huge disappointment for me, and my friend would not shop from them anymore.

My friend and I casually strolled into this store to get a picture framed a few weeks ago.
We waved hello to the kind women behind the register at the front and were directed to the back of the store. As we walked to the framing department, i made note that the store itself was very neat and pretty well organized. I think the most unorganized parts of the store were the parts these two children kept messing up by moving everything around.
When we reached the framing department, there was a line of customers still waiting to be helped and only one person working the desk. From his name tag, I was able to gather that the fine male specimen in front of me was named David. While we were waiting in line, I was able to observe how David helped each customer. He usually started with a warm «Hello! welcome to Michaels, how may I help you?». After that, even if the customer was incredibly demanding or asked for some crazy favors, David would usually oblige to the best of his ability. If he couldn’t then he usually would state very concisely on why and ask if there is anything else he can help with instead.
In one specific instance, the lady just in front of us was able to discount of some sort from her company I believe (I couldn’t hear what she was saying very well). While the Michael system was having issues recognizing it, David worked tirelessly to make sure the discount went through, then sent her over to the front register to pay,
Finally, it was our turn. He smiled and greeted us with a friendly «Hello boys, what can I do for you today? Nice outfit by the way, I love the shirt».
My friend showed him the picture he wished to have framed and any suggestions David recommended. Since we were the last people in line, he walked us over to some frames that he believed would help bring out some of the colors for the picture in question.
The frame itself was a dark burgundy red and did help bring out the colors of the gloves in the picture, so his recommendation was greatly appreciated.
When he returned with the newly framed picture, it looked gorgeous. Seeing our satisfaction, he returned to the back, wrapped it and even wrote a kind message for us on the packaging. My friend graciously handed him the money and we both said our thank yous to the amazing customer service we received.
The only downside of our time here at Michaels was just that the wait between customers was really long. But in all honesty, this is something i can understand because it sounded like the other customers were asking for either very large orders or very specific ones.
Ultimately though, this was an amazing experience and I would love to come back here if I needed any more pictures framed.

Overall first impression of the store was not good from first walking in — low ceilings, bad lighting, disorganized, old fixtures. As a former employee at a different Michael’s way back when (and currently a frequent customer) I normally have a good lay of the land when first walking into any given store. However, this one was all over the place despite being so small. It took me ages to find Xacto knives — which weren’t in the drafting section like they usually are in every other Micheal’s (and Aaron Bros, and pretty much any other art/​craft store).
I went to the frame counter and asked specifically for a 2ply mat board, since I was planning to cut my own using the Xacto knife and it’s way easier to cut, plus 2ply is cheaper. He brought out a board that seemed like 4ply, and when I asked again if it was 2ply, he assured me that it indeed was (which later turned out not to be the case).
So going up to the register, after a long line’s wait with a cranky clerk at the helm, I walk up with my board and she has no idea how much to charge me for it even though the framing guy said he would let her know. I wound up being charged the full 4ply amount for it (as I had suspected), but didn’t bother to fuss about it since there was a huge line of impatient people behind me and I just wanted to get the hell out of there.
Abysmal experience and bad service, though I can empathize to a degree since the store itself seems like a super unpleasant place to work compared to other stores in the chain.

I really enjoy arts and crafts, This Michael’s is accessible and has parking, I do feel the store is a little smaller than the one in redwood city. I always find nice clearance invitations, note pads, and little cute gadgets for .50. What annoys me is that they always seem to have HUGE lines and not enough cashiers, the one lady that’s always there needs an attitude adjustment, not friendly at all! I still go anyway, I guess it’s worth it when you have a 50% coupon on a single item!

Visited the San Mateo branch for custom framing. Pushed the red service button numerous times and didn’t get any service. Waited 30mins, before leaving. Guess they don’t want my business.

3.5 stars
Coming in here is always such a mixed experience for me. I could seriously spend hours wandering the aisles, enjoying all the fun crafty items.
Reasons to come here:
* Lots of scrapbooking paper
* Gelly Roll pens
* Cardmaking supplies
* A large Wilton section (plus other cake-​making, candy-​making, and baking accoutrements)
* A HUGE range of things to use if you enjoy embossing (embossing powders, glitzy powders, stamp inks, glitters, distress inks, stamp pads — of course — etc.)
* A pretty decent selection of yarn
* You need glue? They got 1000 kinds of glue, as well as about 150 types of Mod Podge
* Paint: From Tulip stuff you put on fabric, to cans of Krylon, to wood stain
* Ribbon, ribbon, ribbon
* Lots of craft stuff for kids
* Jewelry-​making stuff
* Wood crafts
* Picture frames (lots) and frequent sales on framing
* Wedding stuff
* Silk flowers
* Good coupons (bring from the Sunday paper, find online, or get on your receipt at the register for the next purchase)
As far as service goes, some of the folks are SUPER SUPER SUPER friendly and helpful, and others are like: «Meh.» But that’s kind of par for the course most places.
Bear in mind that sometimes, there is a HUGE line here, but it moves pretty quickly and, generally, transactions happen without incident.

I like the location of this store, easy access off highway 92. Not sure how much longer this store will stay here. Years ago a company was trying to buy out the shopping center to put in apartments or low income housing. Never heard anything after that until my last visit at Michaels where I overheard an employee say to a customer, she wasn’t sure about the future of the store at that location.
On another note, I always enjoy shopping at crafts stores but I have never had a great experience here. Their customer service is poor. Whenever I’m in need of assistance to either find a product or check a price I have to hunt down someone. Is it just me or is there no one ever there to help customers? And whenever I do find someone they seem very unhappy about working there and give little effort in to answering questions.
Overall I like the location and the fact that a craft store is nearby my house. They usually have great sales on the stuff I love. But hire people who actually care and smile. So tired of walking in here to find zero customer service.

This was my original Michaels!
I love love Michaels! This store has always had the things I’m looking for.
Yes it isn’t like the newly built Michaels but I will always love this one!
Tons of stuff and they have classes held here! Staff is always super nice and ready to answer your questions! Bring a coupon here it saves you money!

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! the lady in the front desk gave me a 40% off coupon ;) .And they’ll direct you where the stuff what you are looking for… Definitely going to come back here… PRICES ARE GREAT TOO!
–very organized!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS! ;)

Do not shop at this store if you are disabled. The clerk was rude and when I asked for a bag she said we only have large bags. I was buying a few small items. I said ok I will take a big bag. She said no. I explained that I walk with a cane and if I had to manage carrying several small items in one hand and holding the cane in another, it would be very difficult for me. She simply did not care. She just stood there and stared and never said another word. As I was waiting in line I saw another clerk give a young able bodied woman a large bag for her small purchases.
Not a store I would ever go back to. Never shopping at Michaels again.

As a crafter, I really want to give Michaels more than 3 stars, but I can’t bring myself to do it for this location.
Pros:
— Great selection of craft and cake decorating supplies
— Love the coupons you usually get with your receipt
— If you utilize coupons and the sales they frequently run, prices are good
However, three times I have thought something was on sale, only to find out later it «wasn’t». Once I had to take a photo of the sale sign for proof (said action was received with an eye roll by the cashier). Another time I got a shrug from the cashier who said, «ya — it can get confusing here.» (If it’s a known problem, then maybe they should make their signage more clear?) And the third time I was home before I realized I was overcharged (I should have known better based on my previous experiences — shame on me).
I don’t want to feel like I have to be on the defensive to make sure that the price I expect is the price I will pay, but that is exactly how I feel the second I walk into this Michaels.
P. S. I can’t get over the fact that their signs for the $ 1 items by the cash registers are labeled «Impulse Buys.» I laugh every time. I’d applaud the honesty, but I think it’s just another example of their difficulty with signs.

I LOVE Michaels… but NOT this Michaels. It was my first time at this location, and despite the ugly reviews, I went anyway (I was in the neighborhood and didn’t feel like driving to Colma.) I now wish I had driven to Colma. The place is old, dark, small, and unorganized. The store was so unorganized that when I made a turn down aisle, I smashed my foot into a pallet on the ground that held nothing-​hence not seeing it on the ground. I guess at one point, it had old xmas ornaments, but it was empty when my foot went under it. It caused so much pain that I literally screamed (without cursing due to kids nearby), but none of the employees working the cash registers bothered to check on me. They’re lucky that I didn’t trip and fall forward and smash my belly on the crate (I’m 9mos pregnant!)
This store needs a major face lift, and training for their employees. It would be nice to see that the employees dont look so miserable working here.
Do not come to this location!

After my last review, I decided to give the Wilton cake decorating class a chance and took the Course I at the San Mateo Michaels store. I sure am very happy that I did!
The class fee is very low and the classes are very well designed suitable for anyone who has never decorated a cake or worked with fondant or royal icing. If you have never decorated a cake this class will make it no longer intimidating to you to get started. I ended up taking all the four courses, which took me four months to do. I did the Course I at this location, but Course 2 through 4 at Michaels Mountain View location as that was the closest store to where I live that offered the more advanced classes the past couple months.
Feel free to check out my cake photos posted on my profile. I can say that it is worth every penny I paid, and more! Of course like anything in life, you have got to put in your own hard work to get something out of anything. I did spend many hours in the evenings and weekends «doing my homework» practicing what I had learned in class and completing tasks I did not get to complete in class.
Michaels carry all the supplies you need for the class. And I think that’s how Wilton makes money given that the course fees are so low! For example, I ended up spending quite a bit buying almost everything I see in their course workbook, and much more. I want all the useful tools that will make it easier and more efficient to do the decorations. I used to go to Michael’s almost every day as I have so many of their 40% off coupon but you can only use one coupon each day.
After going to this Michaels store and the one in Mountain View so many times the past four months, I can say that it is my favorite store when I feel crafty and need something cute, fun and inexpensive to complete my «art project».

Despite from the outside this place not looking like much there’s always a bunch of people inside. People like their crafts and things.
It’s usually got whatever you need when you are feeling crafty.
The checkout system is confusing with a random sign but not really obvious where the line starts!

It is hysterical they teach classes on getting organized! Just about the only time I visit this store is when I have been dragged their by my spouse and my wallet is in demand.
On my last visit, which was a Tuesday at about 1pm, I just couldn’t get over what a mess this store is! It turned comical so I started taking photos of all the shopping carts left in aisles filled with employees boxes for stocking shelves. I am not sure how any one in a wheelchair or even with some minor physical challenges could navigate this crowded store?
The store is full of employees hustling about working on tasks, but typically only one is staffing the 10+ checkout registers in the front of the store. The employees are very task oriented. I would suggest some of this work be done at night in lieu of providing such a crazy customer experience.

Ehhh… this Michael’s is okay. But JUST okay! Maybe worse, but here’s the benefit of the doubt.
The fact is that Michael’s is a giant warehouse full of arts and crafts materials, and as far as I know, the only one in the nearby area. Tiny little craft stores with $ 8 simple stickers I could get at Target for 50 cents… not feeling it. Those kind of stores offer very specific scrapbooking items (or what have you), but not the entire gamut of craft materials.
Matthew D is right — this store is in complete chaos. Either they need a bigger store, or they need to seriously consider reorganizing this one. The one thing I like is how all their baking items are right in the front of the store. What I DON’T like is walking in, only to find that pretty much everything is sold out! All I needed were cellophane bags, and they only had giant ones. Really? When do you guys inventory? You couldn’t just look around and see that an entire section of cellophane/​lollipop sticks were pretty much out? When I ask if they had any «in the back,» or whatever, they said that they had been out for over a week and had no idea when their next shipment would come in. REALLY?
I wish they employed more people to work the cash registers. It should move a little more quickly than they do. You never expect that Michael’s would have so many people, but they do, it’s crazy.
On the plus side, they have a «buy in bulk» program if you have a business. I haven’t checked it out yet, but that sounds pretty awesome, and I’ll put that info in my back pocket for now.

Freaking unbelievable.
These guys have signs up all around saying «40% off», so we go in thinking that we are going to get some great deals in the after Christmas sale. My wife decided to take advantage of this and brought all kinds of stuff up to the register. Turns out that it’s not as good of a bargain as we thought.
The store is in such chaos that items which are not on sale are being placed on shelves that say 40% off. The clerk rings it up and no sale price is reflected on the register – this happens with multiple items. My wife points out that it was on a shelf that says that its on sale, but the clerk won’t listen. We need to get a manager over to verify what she said, all the while the line at the checkout is getting longer and longer.
Finally the manager comes back over and tells the clerk to DELETE one of a pair of items from our receipt, but still give it to us, thus giving us two items for the price of one and royally fucking up their inventory count. I have never seen such shoddy, lazy management as this in a retail store before. Yes, we got most of our discounts – but we had to fight for them.
A review below from a few months ago mentioned that they saw a huge rat in one of the aisles – I’m not surprised. This place is such a complete mess, both physically and in how it is managed that I wouldn’t be surprised if this place is infested – I wouldn’t buy any food products here!
I used to really like the San Mateo location of Michaels crafts. Now I think I’ll only be visiting the Daly City branch – newer, cleaner, and WAY better organized.

Adventures in consumerism, part II.
During a Saturday morning shopping marathon, we stopped here in-​between the farmer’s market, Trader Joe’s, the car wash, and Target. While Michael’s may not live up to the pleasures of the market and the Joe’s, it is definitely a star-​step above Target, for sure. First off, this store is never the same place twice, as the seasonal flows of arts, crafts, fake flowers, and holiday items render it an ever-​shifting kaleidescope of made in China capitalist consumer wonders.
Second, there are lots of things here under $ 5 where «some assembly is required.» Maybe that’s the best part about stores like Michael’s: you actually have to add value to your purchase by cutting, polishing, painting, gluing, knitting, shaping, staining, distressing*, scrap-​booking, coloring (that’s «colouring» to ya’ Brits out there on Unilocal UK), folding, wood-​burning, or otherwise manipulating your purchases into aesthetic, home-​made forms. It’s like IKEA, only better and without all those odd Swedish instructions written for like 12 different countries and/​or language groups.
We tend to stop here to collect basic yarns (wool and cotton), especially the higher-​end Lion brand stuff that gets turned into blankets and other useful items for the home where you don’t need the boutique products that a dedicated knitting store can offer. Right now, C. is crafting some funky, earth-​tone cotton place mats with a neat waffle pattern to go along with some rustic, hand-​thrown stoneware plates from Portugal that we got from the Sundance catalog recently (thank YOU, Mr. Redford). Since Michael’s is almost always selling things marked down, we left with a bag-​full of yarn priced 40% less than retail.
Well, it filled the reusable, kaffir lime-​green** bag we brought along to carry our loot. Michael’s must have the biggest plastic bags that I have ever seen. They could almost cover an entire artificial Xmas tree with these baggy behemoths of tent-​like proportions.
I also love how uncrowded this place is, esp. on a weekend morning. The shelves are always neat and orderly, there is a nice gender balance here (more women than men), and the age distribution ranges from kiddies to seniors with multiple languages being spoken in quiet tones. So I have to hand it to the staff and managers here at Michael’s. What you do, you do well.
(*) Definitional note: «to mar (as clothing or wood) deliberately to give an effect of age. e.g., a distressed table.»
(**) I swear that this is a real color. If you see it in a J Crew catalog next to the «oxblood» red sweater or the «burnt umber» cotton T, you know it exists!