Michaels

Melissa Campanelli is Editor-in-Chief of Total Retail. She is an industry veteran, having covered all aspects of retail, tech, digital, e-commerce, and marketing over the past 20 years. Melissa is also the co-founder of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle.

We all lead such busy lives that anytime we can do something to save time we should consider doing so. This is why I'm writing today's column — to save you from having to read the stories about the latest hackings of retail stores that will continue to be repeated in the news in the months ahead. Since the hacking of Target that began around Thanksgiving 2013, we have seen the same story played out in store after store, including

Michaels has enhanced its online presence with the launch of its new site that enables shoppers to make online purchases from any computer, tablet or smartphone. The new site goes beyond the typical online shopping experience, according to the company, with project ideas and one-click shopping lists for projects all in one place. It also features "Favorite Pins" — projects and products that are trending on Pinterest from Michaels.com.

Michaels assured customers a previously disclosed data security issue had been fully contained and raised the disconcerting prospect that it's only possible to make such a claim after a breach has been detected. The company said in January that it learned of possible fraudulent activity on some U.S. payment cards that had been used at its stores. An extensive investigation ensued that involved two independent security firms who, along with the company, worked closely with law enforcement authorities, banks and payment processors to determine what happened.

Hometalk, a home and garden social network, has announced that its members will co-host Pinterest parties in 100 Michaels stores nationwide on Feb. 16. According to the companies, these parties will provide live access to Hometalk's expansive network of do-it-yourself (DIY) experts. Hometalk has selected 100 of its members to lead a series of DIY craft demos for consumers to learn from as they shop for supplies in Michaels stores. Handpicked for their DIY expertise, Hometalk members will put their own twist on one of five Pinterest-inspired projects, offering consumers hands-on help and tutorials, ideas and advice. 

IRVING, Texas — Michaels reported net sales of $993 million for the first quarter ended May 4, an increase of 1.5% from $978 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Although same-store sales...

IRVING, Texas — Michaels Stores reported that net sales for the fourth quarter increased 8.5% to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion for the same period last year. Quarterly same-store sales increased 1.7% driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6%...

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