Do not leave anything at this store that you care about! I brought a piece of art from South Africa to get framed. After we left the woman in the framing department who helped us went straight to the next customer leaving our art unattended in the public area of the store. I called 3 weeks later to check on the status, they said it would be done in a few days. A few days later they told me they lost the art I brought to the store. Even after this happened they were not particularly helpful in resolving this issue. read more

The store was clean and well stocked. The manager, Shane, however was sarcastic, rude, and extremely unprofessional. Therefore, I will not be returning. I would rather drive to another location where the manager doesn't complain about being at work. read more

I went there to buy an oil painting and get it framed. They offer a service where they convert pictures to oil paintings. I submitted a picture and they said it'd be about 4 weeks before they got it in. Six weeks later I called wondering why I hadn't heard anything. We went back and forth for another week before they finally admitted that the artist never received the picture (it had been lost in the mail) and nobody bothered to ever say anything or look into it. They offered to have the artist do it immediately and frame it for free. I agreed. I e-mailed the artist directly, and he said he'd get it done. One month later, I didn't hear anything, so I e-mailed him again. No reply. I e-mailed him for a month and never heard anything. Six weeks later I received an e-mail from a different artist saying that the original artist took a leave of abscence and never bothered to tell anyone about my order. She took care of it. Two weeks later we finally had the painting. We went in to get it framed, and the framing manager refused to honor his original agreement! He offered to frame it for a discounted price of $50. After much arguing and conversations with his manager, we ended up paying $30 to get it framed. After this horrible ordeal, I will NEVER do business with this company again. Warning: It may be a great place for art supplies or crafts, do NOT do any business with them regarding framing or art. read more

(LONG REVIEW) Recently I chose to go to Michael's to have two prints matted and framed, as their prices were reasonable and they were very convenient to my house, and since another location did a unique custom framing job for me months ago that was really well-done. My experience was an interesting one and although initially the job was not done to my satisfaction, I gave them the opportunity to make it right and provide a resolution. Based on the overall experience, I am giving Michael's 4 stars because of the professional way in which they addressed my specific situation and provided quick corrective action. Other companies could certainly learn from the way in which Michael's turned a negative experience into a positive one. Here's a quick summary of what happened: 1/Two prints dropped off for matting and framing - for various reasons (price and time), I chose to use existing frames available for sale on the floor rather than custom framing....although less expensive, there's a limited selection and you must check all edges, corners and surfaces for dents, scrapes and scratches - unfortunately damaged merchandise might make its way to the floor - tip: be sure to remove the cardboard corner protectors and confirm there are no damages. 2/I worked with an associate to make some modifications to my order because the framing wouldn't be entirely standard -- i.e. the poster size was odd and I needed custom sized matting so it would look nice in the frame, and for the other print, I needed it framed without the glass/protective cover. 3/It took a few trips to the store until my order was completed fully with the modifications correctly done as specified and phone calls weren't provided to confirm the job was done (tip: call the store instead to see if your order is ready). 4/At home, upon closer inspection, I noticed the quality of both jobs wasn't at the right level it should have been (not disclosing details to keep review shorter in length), and had a few friends also confirm the same issues I had without telling them exactly what I wasn't happy with. We all noticed the same flaws. 5/I reached out to the Corporate Office for advice on how to proceed with getting my job done to my satisfaction or potentially a refund so I could go get the prints framed elsewhere - I felt awkward going back to the store and didn't want to embarrass the associates for a shoddy job, so the District Manager called me back immediately, put me in touch with the Assistant Store Manager - Tabitha - who called me right away to work out a plan and agreed to meet me the next day. 6/I met with Tabitha who was awesome about this situation - she was genuine, honest, direct, and sympathetic - and noticed the flaws without me having to point them out. She asked that I give them another chance to make it right and spent time with me in the framing department picking out new frames/new matting and offering some suggestions for how to make the prints look even better in the frames. All other customers and store activity faded in the background - she was solely focused on fixing this for me. 7/Both prints were re-matted and re-framed and look GREAT. Tabitha's suggestions for the re-matting and re-framing were spot-on! I picked them up the other day and upon pick-up, the Store Manager actually checked the work with me, offered to help load them in my car and apologized again for the quality of the initial job. So, here's the *perfect* example of how a less-than-ideal first-try quickly got fixed the second time around....and exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the District Manager (Gail) and more importantly the Assistant Manager (Tabitha), Michael's did a textbook-perfect job of demonstrating how to take care of a problem for a customer. Thank you, Tabitha, for going above and beyond. read more

I enjoy Michaels. I always find things I need for my students' class projects and for my projects. I'm into the arts and I find things I need to express myself artistically. The only drawback is that the prices of some of the items are sometimes a little higher than smaller arts and craft stores. I especially love that they have a wide selection of adult coloring books. read more

The staff are always patient, kind, and extremely helpful! The staff always have answers to my crafting questions.

Store is clean, friendly service, fast check outs, lots of clearance items.

This is a great place for craft and party supplies, as well as inexpensive theme decor for holidays or special events. It's clean and well stocked and the staff is friendly and knowledgable. The frame center, however, is a total rip-off. Their regular prices are double (at least) professional framing shops and then Michael's provides a coupon or sale to give the illusion of a great deal. They're obviously not the only retailer that does this, but they are one of the most egregious. The everyday prices at Chicago Frame Artists (on Clybourn by Crate & Barrel Outlet) are less than sale prices at Michael's and they're top-notch. Hobby Lobby also offers comparable quality at half the price. read more

By far my favorite Michael's store. Love the convenience of the area as well as the staff they are so friendly and helpful! The stores is always so clean and a staff member helped me with my current craft project with suggestions. Absolutely love! read more

Generally, an okay craft store, but I have been a little disappointed in the selection and customer service. Their yarn selection is pretty good, which is great for us crocheters, but recently I went in looking for some basic woodworking supplies, and they had nothing. No sandpaper at all, and no shellac. Pffft! I approached a store clerk to ask for help finding something, and just as I was opening my mouth to ask, she looked at me and blurted out, "Would you like to sign up for Michael's coupons?" I explained that no, I wasn't interested, and that I actually just had a question. While she waited for another clerk to radio her back about the shellac, she picked right up with, "It only takes a minute, and it's free to sign up for the coupons." I politely declined, and then she told me, smiling, that they didn't carry shellac. The service at the check-out counter wasn't so hot, either. Still, the location is convenient and their colorful displays of seasonal goods are nice eye candy. You could do worse. read more

This new location is much better than the one on Canal. Their yarn selection is good. Unfortunately, no fabric or any beyond very basic sewing supplies. They have a LOT of scrapbooking supplies. I went looking for some jewelry making starter kits but the selection was very limited. The store is clean and well organized, although sometimes I have a hard time finding staff when I need them, but when I do they are helpful. read more

Niiiiiiice. The city needed this, and I love the huge array of items, plenty of options, ideas and yummy stuff to look at and choose from.

I had an absolutely terrible experience with getting a print framed here. I was contacted on three different occasions, extending the finish date 1-2 weeks each time. Customer Service in store and over the phone leaves much to be desired, employees lack knowledge, and this store cannot handle the influx of the business it is receiving, leaving a poor experience for those who choose to shop here. I hope they have learned to set proper expectations with customers around turn around time or find a way to send work out to be finished in a timely manner. read more

Being a former sorority girl, I LOVE this place. Arts and crafts galore! I like Michael's because they always have deals and if you download their app, there's always coupons. This location is very convenient, but I think some of their sales associates could be better trained in regards to where things are located and how to better help customers. It took me three different people to find some clay, and the last woman ended up asking another customer if he knew where the clay was...? It was very interesting, but other than that, I like this store and I'll be back soon! read more

Michael's has wonderful merchandise. I need to repair things rather than get new things and Michael's is very good for that. It's fun to look around and plan your next project. The only drawback is the lack of registers open when you want to check out. I go there on week-days as early as I possibly can go so I don't have to wait in line too long. read more

This is a full service Michaels, in the same building is a DSW and a Marshall's. This Michaels has a framing department and a friendly enough staff. The selection of clearance junk items is fun and plentiful. Their prices are just a bit higher since its in the city but nonetheless it's a good store. read more

You know what, I really like this Michaels. I do prefer the ones in the suburbs more, for obvious reasons, but this is the best Michael's in the city in my opinion. First, there is parking. Awesome. Then it is in one of my favorite parts of town, accessible to red, brown, and red lines... Clark and Belmont. Finally, it has a friendly staff, who seem to like working at this store. They don't avoid you, or just point you to some corner of the store when you ask for help, and most people seem to know their stuff. Often I've come in asking "do you have this," and there is a direct answer and follow up if need be. I hate store employees that will walk you around in circles because they don't know where the yarn is compared to the acrylic paint... I also like that they know what I'm taking about, compared to other city stores. :) read more

i buy yarn when its on sale. My biggest issue with this store is that if you call and ask a question you just get on hold and forgot about. I don't know if its the person answering or the person in the yarn department that just won't pick up but it happens whenever I call. I called the Canal store and the same exact thing happened. Perhaps phone edicate isn't covered in training. read more

I went there yesterday before it closed (20 min before nine). I am stressing out about a Bachelorette scrapbook I needed to create. Thats when until I saw John, falling from heaven to my rescue. Not only he was able to release my stress with his personality, but he was very helpful and could simpathize with my stress. Dear Michaels owner: This is by far my favorite Michaels EVER! Thank you sooo much for hiring the best customer service staff! read more

No Hanukkah decorations last year. As in zilch, zip, nada... This year..... barely any. I am very disappointed in this store and will be shopping on amazon..... read more

Great place to get all your arts and crafts. We use this place quite frequently. They could use a new elevator though, you can wait a while on that thing! read more

Like many stores in Lakeview, Michael's is pet friendly -- they thanked me for bringing my dog into their store and welcomed us both. While I was there I made stops in several departments -- scrapbooking, painting, and yarn. As far as I could tell everything was stocked as best as could be expected with the back to school sale going on of which these sale prices weren't too terrible either. While things were in stock, the yarn selection did leave a little to be desired -- there were many colors from some brands that seemed to not be carried at this location. However, they were quick to offer percentage reductions at the register on damaged yarn skeins which is always a relief when you need to pull the last one and realize that it isn't quite perfect. I'll definitely be returning. It was nice to find one more errand that allows me to take my baby with me. :) read more

I had a pretty shitty experience with a cashier as i was told "there's nothin i can do" when there was a miscommunication about my refund and wasn't given enough money back, she became more defensive as our conversation proceeded when i gave her nothing but respect and the benefit of the doubt so i then asked for the manager to take over as i was getting no where, when i could have easily complained about her attitude my only reason for involving him was for him to understand the situation so i could get the correct amount back, after my calm respectful explanation of the miscommunication i was given my money back just as quick as that.. read more

Argh!!! I'm so frustrated, and so glad I walked away from their "custom" "framing" "service." I've never felt so upsold (er, attempted to be upsold) in my life. First, their "package pricing" is a sham. I asked for a package price that said it was $155. Somehow that morphed into $290. When I pointed out that this was approximately 90 percent more than quoted, the "employee" stammered out something about extra features and how I really, really wanted them. Needed them. And that perhaps he was required to provide them to me. Also, despite what the package pricing said, I couldn't have any frame I wanted because some of them didn't have a high enough [max random number]. Then he picked out a frame that was more expensive, but oddly enough was listed as having a lower [max random number], indicating that it was less appropriate for my frame (at least, according to what he was saying to me). When I went non-package price, it was essentially the same (high) cost, around $300. That's after Michael's generously offered me a 55% discount. Since they *appear* to offer it every day, it somehow doesn't feel like a discount. I got very little advice on what to do creatively (colors, textures, etc.) for the mat and frame and a lot more advice about paying more. I'm so glad I walked out and went to a neighborhood place on Broadway. I didn't feel rushed, pressured, and everything costwise was very clear. I ended up spending less there than I would have with an ugly metal frame at Michael's. And at the second place, I didn't leave feeling hopeless about life, and that's priceless. read more

I don't know if I'm easily irritated lately or I just seriously have been receiving horrible customer service. I know that the economy sucks and we are all pissed at the world, but I've said it before and I'll say it again.......I would never be rude to a client or customer at my job, therefore, I expect the same treatment when I am the client or customer. This was not the case at Michaels. I wanted so much to like this store because it's close to my house. I stopped in on Saturday to return some items I had purchased at the South Loop location. The staff is obviously new and didn't seem to have a lot of training either on the register or returns. The cashier took about 10 minutes to try and figure out the return. She finally asked another girl who came over and made a big deal about calling the manager from the phone saying he was going to be upset for not calling him from her radio. Apparently, she gave away her radio because she didn't like to wear it. The staff, in my opinion, seemed very immature. Fine, but I still need you to refund my credit card (and quickly). She called the manager and another girl came over and got on the phone with the manager while the girl who didn't like her radio tried to punch buttons on the computer/register. 3 people were trying to help - it was a return....could you imagine if this was something serious?? Good God. It didn't work, so the manager must have said he was coming up. Why the hell didn't you think of that before ....um, maybe about 20 minutes before all of this?? Manager did not come up, but called back to ask something else. Who knew you should press return after you process a return????!!! Then, the manager must have hung up on the girl who hates the radio because she made this face, said OK and looked at the phone strangely. I guess there were 3 managers there that day. To the managers that run this store - on the 2nd day of opening, maybe 1 of you should be at the registers to help your staff with any questions they have and be proactive about customer service. I feel bad for those girls that were helping me. They obviously were not trained properly and it's your job to do it. read more

I really debated giving this place 3 stars because I do come here a decent amount because it's close to my house but it's definitely a city location- it won't be as nice or have the selection as the ones in the suburbs. The store is fairly clean but you will find dirty shelves and even empty ones at times I think because this store doesn't get shipments as quickly or as often as others. Employees are very hit or miss, but the ones who are a miss I think are just more overwhelmed than anything- but one person is framing was quite curt. Last night I was checked out by a woman who was basically doing 5 jobs at once and I couldn't tell if she was ever talking to me or through her headset. They also only have paper shopping bags- similar to those at Whole Foods or TJ's but the paper is thinner- so no large shopping bags which makes a walk home a little odd at times. There is parking here but perhaps more hassle than it's worth. It does share a shopping center with Marshalls (don't go) and DSW. read more

I frequent this location due to the proximity to the school where I work. It's always clean and well-organized--it can be difficult to find specific items if you aren't familiar with the layout but the employees are always super helpful! Many times I don't have my coupons on me and the cashiers are always finding a way to save me money! I appreciate their attention and care for customers. Friendly and helpful employees make it worth a wait in line. read more

Always great customer service here from the cashiers and managers!! So polite and helpful!

this place is oooooook. i wish i had known they have a parking garage. i was able to get almost everything on my list the other day, but they seem to have a limited selection of some materials, and do not sell any fabric. the location is great, and the staff was very warm, friendly and speedy to check out, and i thought the prices were very fair. i'll be back for crafty stuff that doesn't involve fabric. read more

I love Michael's! Especially around Halloween and Christmas time. They have the best decorations and all sorts of things that I would want when I'm feeling creative. I could spend a good hour walking around and looking at everything. I also love the coupons that they have every week and all of the employees are very helpful. read more

Had to get something framed recently. Michaels has some pretty good deals so I went to chek it out. Maybe becasue it was around the holiday, the estimated time of completetion was off by 3 weeks. To make up from there lack of timelyness they were able to refund some of my money. Nice people and easy to work with. read more

After having worked with very professional and helpful staff at their FRAMING department a couple if times, my last experience was terrible. The frames did not arrive. They blamed UPS for it. Kept giving "2-3 days" ETAs that had to be changed constantly. The framing manager was rude, unhelpful, condescending, and unlike the customer service received before or by the staff. She talked back and again was short and rude. Did not give confidence that she would ensure they do their best to remedy the 2 weeks delay and the dysfunction in their system. read more

This place is great. It's uncanny how every time I go there for something specific - that thing is on sale. Sometimes it's difficult to find help, but when you do, they're super helpful. I'm so glad this is within walking distance. I've probably spent several hundred dollars since they opened and I'm craftier than ever! read more

Michaels is a great place to find some solid deals on awesome craft supplies but given how large this particular store is, I think they are understaffed. Each time I've gone it takes me about 10 minutes to find someone to help look for something. The employees are fabulous-- funny, friendly and knowledgable--- JUST NEED MORE OF THEM!! My fiancé had 2 frames done that were done very well and the man who helped us was lovely. I took 3 paintings to be framed there and was quoted $350 for EACH frame (despite a 70% discount) which seems a bit unreasonable and quite ridiculous. Overall, great sales and kind people. Just wish there were more employees (especially on busy weekends!) and more reasonable framing options. read more

Of all the Michael's I've been to, this is my favorite. They have a pretty good teacher supply section, with cute borders and bulletin board things at prices comparable to teaching stores, and usually have a sale. Dollar section teacher stuff is much better quality than you will find at dollar tree. The clearance section is pretty good, and they have a great selection of cheap stuff for kids. I also love that there are pretty much always coupons for this place. I also really, really, REALLY love the staff here. Every time I have asked about something, they have gone above and beyond to find it for me. The cashiers are all very friendly. John is by far the best! I know how hard it is to work in retail and put up with the idiots of the world, but John is always super friendly and pleasant. Something I purchased rang up for more than the price that was marked (a whole 40 cents more), and he noticed it. Even though I told him it really wasn't a big deal, he went out of his way to make sure it was fixed and I was charged the right amount. I'm glad the staff knows what they are doing and are attentive to things like that. read more

Ie dragged my husband to this store because I wanted to learn to crochet and I was looking for a book and yarn to get started. I found everything I needed and the store was well stocked. Only 2 problems. 1. About 5 items I had were not marked at the correct price. 2. The cashier called for a price check and the girl who came to the front acted like she didn't really want to check them. I saw her go to the second isle (she had a scanner in her hand) and she came back a minute later with the same price the register was ringing up. I do not know her name but she did say she had not been in Chicago very long. Now the reason for my review. The cashier ( I'm not 100% sure but I think his name was John) was awesome! He took the time to actually go with me and look at each price and changed the prices for me accordingly ( when I showed the other girl she grabbed the signs and said "well those are old". How was I to know they were old? ) Anyway, John ( I think) apologized, fixed the prices for me, and really calmed me down as I was not too happy about how the other girl acted. He also paid for me a piece of chocolate which as you know is a girls second best friend. I just wanted to say thank you to him since that small act of good customer service made me want to come and spend more money in this store :). Its the little things that can make a bad experience seem not so bad. Thank you John I will be checking out with you again soon! P.S. WOW! The sales in this store are amazing! read more

I went to the custom framing department today and was greeted by Eric, who had a lot of attitude and no customer service skills. I have been getting estimates for custom framing options for my print at local custom framing stores and I wanted to get an estimate from Michael's. The store currently has a great sale going on at 40-70 percent off, depending on the quantity of projects you have them do. Instead of listening to what I was looking for and working with me to provide adequate customer service, Eric greeted me and continued to speak to me in a condescending tone. He did not offer options or suggest alternatives to what I was envisioning but instead blurted out a monetary quote for the project without me even picking out matts and frames etc. I inquired if his quote was the sale price, to which he replied, "Yes." That "sale" price he quoted me, off the top of his head, without any visuals, was more expensive than custom framing stores in the area at their full pricing and excellent customer service! That whole interaction lasted about 3 minutes but the impression that Michael's employee left on me, the customer, will last a lifetime and I will never go back there for anymore custom framing jobs, especially knowing that their "sale" prices are just a ruse. read more

I called to see if they had a certain kind of paint color in stock and the guy seemed annoyed that I was calling. His response was that they were too busy to check, that I should call back later. I really needed to get my project done, so I just asked if they carried the brand and type of paint and he said yes they do and almost every color so he was sure that they had what I needed. So, I hung up with him and decided to make the drive over even though I knew I would have to sit in Cubs traffic, but it was worth getting my project finished. When I got there I found paint, but not the type I was looking for. I asked an associate that was working and he showed me the section I had already been to. I explained that I had just talked to someone who told me that they carried it and he said that he didn't think they had. The first guy just told me on the phone they carried it without even checking! I understand that you are busy, but if you aren't even going to make an effort to help a customer it is a little ridiculous to me. I will be getting my craft supplies elsewhere from now on. read more

i was so happy when this opened right down the street from my house! it is beautiful inside, everyone is super nice and they have GREAT SALES! best craft store ever. nice selection of yarn read more

I had terrible experience with Michaels today and I won't ever come back to shop there again. We were making Mothers Day gifts with my kids in the classroom. I went to Michaels yesterday to bought some mugs so we could paint them. Each mug comes in the carton box with paint and a little brush. I used to buy them couple years ago and they were good, so I bought them again. I bought 16 mugs after work and carried them home on the bus and ten in the morning I carried them back to work. When I opened one of the boxes at work and got the paint out I have noticed that paint was dry , it was old... I opened another one and the other one was dry as well, I decided to return all the mugs back to Michaels. When I brought all these mugs back and told them the issue, the lady didn't even apologize, she gave her attitude instead. She looked at two opened boxes and said that they are not going to return the money back for these two because they were opened! I told her that nothing wasn't used , everything was in the box in the box , everything was clean. I'm returning them because I opened them and realized the paint was old and dry. She didn't even listen to me, didn't give me the mugs back , or even asked me if I want to take them back because they have been opened, she just didn't return my money and took them away.... I was too stressed out to deal with it and with this terrible attitude she gave me! I don't understand how people like that can work in the store . I didn't only lost money but time, since I had to buy something else now , obviously not on this store any more. Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to me! read more