In November 2019, Michaels opened its first Maker-centered prototype test store in Dallas. “Our new purpose is: We’re here for the makers,” CEO Mark Cosby said in the Q2 earnings call. With promising results, Michaels refined the concept and has recently unveiled two of the new test & learn concept stores in Texas, one in McKinney and another in Plano. Both projects involved minor renovations of existing Michaels stores to incorporate the new concept which is designed to provide customers with an enhanced and more engaging shopping experience.
Building on our long history with Michaels, we were awarded the Plano location at Preston Village Shopping Center. Our understanding of Michaels' expectations and processes made it easy for us to mobilze quickly as they adapted to changing customer needs. The refreshed store now features a new layout, including “inspiration hubs” and an innovative checkout design. The project involved a refresh and partial remodel of the existing 25,414 SF store updating it to reflect the new store concept. Improvements included the addition of an all new Makers space, resetting the fixtures, removing the classroom and expanding the frame room, painting (of all doors and frames, columns, cased opening at frame shop), replacing all stained ceiling tiles, adding wainscot in the sales area, relocating the checkout area and installing new cashwraps, updating the restrooms, new suspended Unistrut metal framing with new “inspiration hub” signage, new track lighting throughout, new service area wall cabinets, new power poles, wall base, new stockroom doors, and the vestibule received new wall finishes, bases, and sliding doors. Work also included electrical as needed to for the fixture movement and new plumbing vents for the Makers space.
Our scope of work included demolition, windows/glass/glazing, drywall/framing/acoustical, ceramic/stone flooring, painting & wall covering, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm.
We completed the 6-week project as scheduled and the store celebrated its grand re-opening on September 12th, 2020.
See related article in Chain Store Age magazine.