First Look: Michaels unveils new concept stores

The Michaels Companies has debuted an enhanced shopping experience complete with a new layout, “inspiration hubs” and an innovative checkout design.

The nation’s largest arts and crafts retailer has remodeled two Texas stores, in McKinney and Plano, giving them a new look and feel, as part of a larger strategy to re-imagine the customer (or “maker” in Michaels-speak) shopping experience. 

The new design includes concrete floors, updated signage and lower fixturing that allow customers to easily view and navigate the store’s full assortment. The updated checkout system leverages advanced technology to facilitate shop-and-scan…