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Kierra Branker
Kelly Bryant | 

10 Stores Like Michaels You Need to Know to Save on Crafts and Decor

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Some crafters are extremely loyal to a single purveyor of project supplies. Others just want to get the best deal, no matter where it is. We're members of the latter. Between Michaels coupons and store savings hacks, we never pay full price there. But a little healthy competition is always good. That's why we like to keep an eye on stores like Michaels to make sure we're getting the best price on crafting supplies and holiday decor.

Whether you participate in the Michaels vs. Hobby Lobby vs. Joann debate or root for another crafty retailer altogether, let's see if any of your favorites are on our list of stores like Michaels. And, more importantly, how they stack up in terms of savings.

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Stores Like Michaels You Need to Know

michaels-vs-competitors

Here's the thing about Michaels: they have a lot of different departments and perks. From Michaels custom framing to a rewards program, in theory you could make it your one-stop-shop for crafting. But then you wouldn't be privy to all of the sales and deals at other craft stores. So let's take a look at the stores like Michaels that are their main competitors.

Amazon

Comparing Amazon and Michaels is like apples and oranges, but we can't ignore the fact that you can find craft supplies and holiday decor at the online giant. But how do their prices stack up against Michaels? Not great. Here are some examples:

Charisma Yarn by Loops & Threads - White, 3.5oz

10 Pack 8" x 10" Super Value Canvas by Artist's Loft

Aurora Borealis Glass Bead Mix, 8mm by Bead Landing

The Bottom Line

You'll see across the board that Michaels largely beats Amazon in price by at least 20%, and that's before we apply Michaels coupons. Plus, Amazon doesn't price match. Personally we'd rather have that price differential in our pocket, rather than the convenience of Amazon's free shipping for Prime members.

Blick Art Materials

When you glance at Blick's website, they're much more in line with stores like Michaels than, say, Amazon. However, their brick-and-mortar presence is small, with only about 65 stores. Still, you can be small but mighty, so let's see how their prices look next to Michaels products.

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solid Yarn, 3 oz.

Super Value Canvas Pack - 8" x 10", Pkg of 10

Blick Wood Gallery Frame - Black, 8" x 10"

The Bottom Line

Prices between Michaels and Blick Art Materials are pretty comparable. In fact, Blick wins out in some cases, though that's before you take Michaels coupons into account. Michaels edges out Blick in the free shipping department. You have to meet a $49 purchase threshold to get free shipping at Michaels, whereas Blick's free ship threshold is $59. And considering Michaels has more than 1250 brick and mortar stores compared to Blick's modest 65, you're more likely to have to order online and have a Blick's purchase shipped.

Craft Supply Depot

Without any brick and mortar stores, you can only shop Craft Supply Depot online. They have everything from beads to party supplies, however they're lacking in things like yarn and Cricut machines (you can find Cricut mats, transfer tape, and vinyl, though). Here's how their prices compare:

Large Canvas Tote Bag

Memory Book, 12" x 12"

Grapevine Wreath, 10"

The Bottom Line

This is another instance where prices are comparable, but Craft Supply Depot can't really compete with Michaels coupons, which can range from 20% off up to 50% off regular price items. And Craft Supply Depot doesn't offer free shipping. A cursory look at shipping to my zip code in Southern California of the aforementioned Grapevine Wreath would cost as little as $6.27 for First Class Mail to $25.25 for a Large Flat Rate box. That certainly adds up.

Dollar Tree

Much like Amazon, Dollar Tree isn't one of your traditional craft stores like Michaels, but they do carry craft supplies. And with much of their inventory at that $1.25 price point, it's worth a look. It is important to note that in most cases the Dollar Tree item will be smaller (have less yardage, etc) than a similar item at Michaels. And they don't always carry the same brands, but let's take a look:

Premier Cotton Yarn

8x10 Picture Frame - Black

Floral Boxwood Stems

The Bottom Line

You won't find all of the same craft supplies Michaels carries at Dollar Tree. But, when you're in the market for yarn, florals, wreaths, and party supplies, it's hard to beat that $1.25 Dollar Tree price tag. Note that if you order online at DollarTree.com and have a purchase shipped to a store for pickup, there's no shipping fee. However if you have your order shipped to your home, it's gonna cost you based on the weight and size of your order. Additionally, you often have to buy in bulk when ordering online at Dollar Tree.

Factory Direct Craft

Another online-only operation, Factory Direct Craft is a little more like Craft Supply Depot than stores like Michaels. Still, they sell a ton of project supplies so they can be helpful resource for crafty stuff. They do have a sale section (which oddly has a Lady Gaga Bubble Dress costume for $135.99) but you won't find any obvious coupons on their site. You'll need to sign up for emails to get any additional discounts.

Here's what we found comparing Factory Direct Craft prices to Michaels:

Birdhouse Kit

Mini Round Nose Pliers

Small Wood Crates

The Bottom Line

Again, this is a situation that really comes down to the shipping fee factor. Fortunately, Factory Direct Craft does have free shipping on orders over $50. That's just $1 more than Michaels' free shipping threshold. You'll find more of a selection at Michaels, but Factory Direct Craft does offer some odds and ends that are unique to the site.

Hobby Lobby

With the Lob, now we're really starting to compare apples to apples in terms of stores like Michaels. We find Michaels' website more shoppable, but we love the consistent Hobby Lobby sale schedule. So let's compare prices:

Three-Tiered Rolling Metal Cart

LED Pillar Candles

Buttercream Frosting

The Bottom Line

Frankly, this is more of a personal preference situation when deciding between Hobby Lobby and Michaels. While Michaels beats out Hobby Lobby prices with two of the three products we mention above, that buttercream icing is way cheaper at Hobby Lobby (and you get more). Even if you use Michaels elusive 40% off coupon, it would still only bring the price down to $11.99. Hobby Lobby stopped their regular 40% off coupons in 2021, meaning you'll have to rely on sales for the best prices.

Joann

Joann is part of the "big three" in terms of national craft stores, alongside Michaels and Hobby Lobby. That makes it easier to compare it to stores like Michaels. Much like their competitor, Joann has coupons, which are helpful in bringing down the cost of regular price (and sometimes sale) items.

Now on to the price comparing:

Red Plaid Flannel Fabric

Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine

Kids Rock Painting Kit

The Bottom Line

There are a ton of similarities between Joann and Michaels: Both have rewards programs (though earning rewards at Joann's involves "missions" while Michaels lets you earn 3% back on purchases), coupons, and similar sales. Personally, we price compare online before setting out to either store to shop in an effort to get the best deal. But between sales and coupons, it could come out as a wash price-wise.

Oriental Trading Company

And we're back to comparing apples to oranges with stores like Michaels. Oriental Trading Company (OTC) has a ton of inventory and they do have coupons (usually for free shipping). But they're online only without any brick and mortar stores, so you can't touch and feel merchandise before purchasing. Here's where they stack up on price:

Embroidery Floss 36 Pack of Primary Colors

Scrapbook Paper

Glass Jars, 16 oz. 12-Pack

The Bottom Line

Prices are either comparable or favor Michaels, but Oriental Trading Company is still a treasure trove of stuff — from craft supplies to holiday decor. We've noticed OTC tends to mark down holiday in a similar fashion to Michaels. For example, when Michaels had 50% off Easter, so did OTC. Occasionally they have free shipping at just $25+, other times it will be on $49+ orders. In order to earn rewards at OTC, you'd need to join Fun Rewards+, which costs $14.95 per month to join. Not something we'd recommend.

Save-On-Crafts

Another online-only store, Save-On-Crafts really specializes in craft supplies for event decor like weddings and birthday parties. So they're not one of your typical stores like Michaels. But you can find lots of faux florals, ribbon, lace, wood crafts, and other supplies here.

Basswood Rounds

Michaels: Large Basswood Round by Make Market, 9-12", $12.99 reg. price

Save-On-Crafts: Basswood Tree Slice with Bark 8"-12" Natural, $19.99 reg. price

Tulle Fabric

Silk Rose Petals

The Bottom Line

There are some very wedding-specific craft supplies you can really score a good deal on here, but Save-On-Crafts isn't likely to be your weekly crafting go-to. You can get free shipping on orders $79+, but a 20% restocking fee will be applied to all returns. Something to consider before ordering.

Walmart

Much like the first store mentioned here, Amazon, Walmart carries practically everything your little heart desires, plus some craft supplies. So let's look at whether or not this value retailer can match up price-wise to Michaels on similar items they carry:

Fleece Fabric

Singer Sewing Machine

Mini Glue Guns

The Bottom Line

Like the rest of Walmart, you're going to find some cheap buys in their arts & crafts department. That said, they don't have a free rewards program like Michaels. If you're a paying Walmart+ customer who does earn rewards, then by all means rack up those rewards by adding items to cart when they're on sale. Just remember that Michaels coupons are often hard to beat on regular price items.

Who are Michaels competitors?

As you can gather from the above list, Hobby Lobby and Joann are the main two Michaels competitors. Joann has competitive prices, coupons, and a rewards program. Hobby Lobby did away with their coupons, but price-wise they have great sales making them a fierce Michaels competitor.

Does Michaels take competitor coupons?

Sadly, no. As of March 2020, the retailer stopped accepting competitor coupons.

These competitors take Michaels coupons. 

Joann still accepts competitor coupons, but only in-store. You won't be able to use a Michaels coupon code on Joann's website.

Which craft stores offer price matching?

Quite a few, actually. These stores will price match Michaels assuming the product is exactly the same — we're talking brand, size, color, all of it. Here's who will price match from our list:

  • Blick (but only for members of their Preferred Customer program)

  • Hobby Lobby

  • Joann

  • Michaels

  • Oriental Trading Company

Which craft store has the best return policy?

Hobby Lobby actually wins for best return policy. With an original receipt, you have 90 days to return an item for a full refund. For reference, Michaels only gives you 60 days.

Factory Direct Craft and Save-On-Crafts are a toss-up for craft store with the worst return policy.

And this is simply because their returns aren't free. There's a 20% restocking fee at Save-On-Crafts. Factory Direct Craft will issue you a pre-paid return label to send back your items, but deduct $8.95 from your refund for it.

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