Michaels Craft Store Coming to Alexandria, to Replace Dress Barn

ALEXANDRIA, VA. — Alexandria will soon be getting a popular crafts retailer, Michaels, opening next year at Bradlee Shopping Center, according to Dallon Cheney, a leasing agent for KLNB Retail.

The Michaels craft store will replace the women’s clothing retailer, Dress Barn, which will close Jan. 31, according to Cheney.

The new store will take over the Dress Barn space as well as the space formerly occupied by Washington Sports Club, which closed last fall.It will also take up the downstairs/basement space formerly occupied by the health club.

Michaels is the largest arts and crafts specialty retailer in North America, featuring art supplies, general crafts and seasonal/home décor.

Michaels is a public company with more than 1,000 stores that employs more than 40,000 nationwide and is headquartered in Dallas. It was launched in 1976 by businessman Michael J. Dupey; it currently has several other locations in Northern Virginia.

Michaels sells a variety of arts and crafts products, including scrapbooking, beading, knitting, rubber stamping, home decor items, floral items, kids’ crafts, paints, framing, greenery, baking and more.

Michaels produces 10 exclusive private brands sold throughout its stores including Recollections, Studio Decor, Bead Landing, Creatology, Ashland, Celebrate It, Art Minds, Artist’s Loft, Craft Smart and Loops & Threads.

In April 2007, Martha Stewart teamed up with Michaels to launch a line initially available exclusively at Michaels called “Martha Stewart Crafts.” The line features over 650 different products for the craft enthusiast.

Michaels’ slogan is “Where Creativity Happens.”

PHOTO of Michaels store in Massachusetts