Michaels expanding in Canada

Arts and crafts retailer Michaels Stores Inc. is preparing to expand its presence in Canada. The Irving-based company said it will open five stores, with locations in Vancouver, Toronto and New Minas, Nova Scotia on Oct. 16. In addition, the company will open another location in Kanata, Ontario on Oct. 23. Michaels opened a Canadian headquarters in Toronto earlier this year to oversee operations in the country. Michaels said it already has 74 stores in Canada. The first Canadian store opened in 1993.