Michaels — Local services in Walker

07/01/2024 Google Review: Aaron Brothers Framing within Michaels Store, Walker, Mi.

In May, 2024 I came back with 2 more framing projects after a 2022 simple frame purchase, matting and glass for a chalk drawing and a document worth framing.

Again, I made an online appointment. Kendra was extremely helpful and patient as Project #2 shifted from hanging 14 individual frames, due to my insistence on matching them to a specific residence color, to a pending disaster. We discovered someone crudely scissored each photo into its 25+ year standup frames into non-standard sizes. Never fazed by each twist and turn, Kendra had a solution. Sometimes multiple ones. Pairing or tripling photos in frames with expert matting to disguise the irregularities Her value to the project far exceeded the price paid. The multi-generation photo project made Kendra’s value an investment. Not an expense.

Project #3 was a cake walk by comparison. A 36”H x 33”W print had faded. I brought the new print to Kendra for her magic touch. We unrolled it from the shipping box only to discover it was a landscape unlike the previous portrait shape due to the museum and artist’s recognition along the bottom of the faded print. In a heartbeat Kendra found a medium brown landscape frame, from more than 100’s from Aaron Brothers Co. inventory, to bring out subtle browns in the new print. Ahhh. An opportunity to ditch the original, outrageously ugly, gold frame.

Every project finished by the promised date. Obviously Aaron Brothers and Michaels hire experts for all their skills. But, I had the good fortune to work with Kendra. If you have a complicated or high value frame project make an online appointment and ask for Kendra. I was never disappointed and am certain you have the...

My first time visiting this store, and my experience wasn't the best. I was greeted by the female cashier (Locke) as I walked in. There was also another female associate (caucasian, long brown hair, older lady) who initially just somewhat stood in my way as I was walking in but proceeded to ask whether I needed assistance to which I said I did. I was only there to get a cutting mat for my silhouette cameo. As the second associate was assisting me, it was just awkward at how she kept staring at me but didn't say whatever was on her mind. She lead me to where I needed and then went back to working. I found what I was looking for and in the process was asked by a male associate if I needed any assistance to which I thanked him and respectfully declined. I proceeded to the checkout lane, where I was assisted by the female associate who initially greeted me as I walked in. Her name tag read "Locke", and as she scanned my items, I put my number in the card reader. She proceeded to tell me I had rewards and an account to which I said it wasn't my account, as I had a new number, and the account probably belonged to whoever had my phone number prior to me obtaining it. Locke didn't really care and kind of showed that by disregarding what I said in a somewhat rude manner. She proceeded to update the account (with my approval) with my email and phone number. As I was paying for my items, I noticed she threw my bagged items onto the counter in front of me. However, she then proceeded to tell me to have a good day. A super awkward and somewhat unpleasant experience to where I'd prefer to not have to interact with either ladies...

Really NOT looking forward to Michaels Stores being the new "go-to" hobby store. They're now offering some fabric (to be like Joann's) and balloons and party supplies (to be like Party City). We ran in there today as I needed two balls of yarn for projects. Got the yarn and headed toward the checkout. I am not one that uses self checkout. I just don't and I don't care if you do. I don't work there. My daughter and I put our stuff on the counter and waited. A woman employee that was in the cash register area was filling up balloons. She acknowledged us, we acknowledged her. We noticed one balloon was a '7' and the other was a '1' so we joked about whether it was 71 years old or 17. The lady smiled and said, "it's 17." I was hoping this small talk would be a subtle, "heyyyy we want to buy this stuff and leave now, thankssss." But instead she just continued blowing up balloons while my daughter and I stood there puzzled and looking at each other. Finally I said, "well, I guess we have to be an employee now," and moved our stuff to the self checkout as we had the dog and boys in the van waiting. I tried looking for an employee discount but couldn't find one. 🤣🤣 Another customer came up behind us also confused as the employee wasn't acknowledging her either. We left the store and didn't even get a, "have a nice day!" Just a weird situation. I usually have had nothing but good experiences there but maybe they're just putting so much on the employees with all their new endeavors that the customers and customer service are the last on the priority...