A.C. Moore Closing Stores, Including 11 Massachusetts Locations

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The A.C Moore arts-and-craft chain will close all its stores, including 11 locations in Massachusetts. Some A.C. Moore stores might reopen as Michael's stores, however.

There are three locations in Central Massachusetts in Bellingham, Framingham, and Worcester. Specific closing dates were not immediately announced.

"For over 30 years, our stores have been servicing the creative community with a vast selection of art and craft materials, with one common focus, the customer. Unfortunately, given the headwinds facing many retailers in today's environment, it made it very difficult for us to operate and compete on a national level," A.C. Moore founder and CEO Anthony Piperno said in a press release.

Michael's will take over leases of 40 A.C. Moore locations, plus an East Coast distribution center, the company said. But A.C. Moore did not specify which stores would remain open. The chain was founded in New Jersey in 1985.

The Framingham A.C. Moore closing comes with the arrival of Hobby Lobby. The Oklahoma-based arts-and-crafts chain opened in November in the former by Toys “R” Us at Shoppers World.