My mother and I've been loyal Michaels customers for years as full-time artists and hobbyists,…read moreunfortunately the customer experience at this store, specifically at the Vista Store in Torrance, has declined significantly. I hope my feedback warns other customers and helps management understand what's happening at the store level.
A few days ago, I went in to quickly pick up an online order after receiving both email and text confirmation that it was ready. My name wasn't on any of the pickup bags, so I asked for assistance. A manager briefly looked around, said he would check by the registers, and then proceeded to count cash in the register instead of helping me. After I approached him again, he passed me off to another employee who also couldn't find the order. I eventually noticed a bag with my name on the floor behind the register. They scanned it, and I left.
When I opened the package later that night, I realized not only was the bag dirty--with a footprint on it--but the product inside was the wrong brand. I had ordered a specific brand on sale, and they substituted an Artist Loft item without informing me. The receipt label didn't match the product at all. I returned to the store the next morning, where the female manager told me they had substituted their own brand because the original item wasn't in stock. That explanation made no sense--if a customer orders Prismacolor, you don't replace it with Artist Loft. When I questioned it, she impatiently said, "Well, I'm returning it for you," with no apology, empathy, or effort to acknowledge the mistake. Not only did I waste over 30 minutes during the initial pickup, but I also had to make a second trip to return their error. A simple, sincere "I'm sorry" would have gone a long way.
While I was there, I asked about another pending order. They told me if the item was on the shelf, I can get it. Even though the item showed available at this store, we couldn't find any. I ended up canceling it. More waste of time! Later that afternoon (4:11 p.m., Dec. 3), I called the store because the website was now showing the item in stock. The person who answered the phone cut me off with, "No, I'm too busy," without any courtesy or suggestion to call back. The level of rudeness at this store has become consistent and noticeable, even my young child has commented on it.
This pattern of dismissiveness, errors, and lack of customer care is extremely disappointing. I hope regional or district management takes these issues seriously and restores the professionalism and positive atmosphere Michaels was once known for. (I've never shopped at Hobby Lobby until recently, and the vibe there is completely the opposite. It's warm, friendly, and the price of same brand products WAY cheaper than Michaels!!!)
A few additional concerns for fellow customers:
Many art supplies are significantly cheaper at Hobby Lobby, Amazon, or Dick Blick online. I genuinely prefer supporting local stores, but not at the expense of higher prices and poor treatment.
When returning online orders paid through PayPal, you can request a cash refund. Store employees stubbornly claim they can only issue store credit, but when I called to ask, customer service confirmed that is NOT true. I now have over $100 in store credits! And I'll tell you next why I wouldn't opt for Michaels store credits.
At the Redondo Beach location, an employee scanned two store credit receipts--each worth over $80--and told me they had no balance. He even asked if I wanted to throw them away. I later confirmed this was his error, but when I brought it up during a future visit, the same staff member simply shrugged while leaning on the register with his leg up. He no longer works there, but the value of those credits was never recovered, and I never received so much as an apology.
Another ongoing concern is price inconsistencies. As someone who shops at Michaels often, I know the prices and watch for coupons like most loyal customers. However, the prices on the shelves frequently do not match the prices at the self-serve kiosks. I've asked for assistance on this four or five separate occasions, and it's surprising that the issue remains unresolved. Even worse, staff often appear visibly irritated when the discrepancy is pointed out.
Right before a recent 40% promotion, prices on many items were increased in the kiosks but not updated on the shelf displays. I picked up a few items, excited to finally use the long-awaited 40% discount. At the register, everything rang up at the higher price. When I asked about it, I was told that "the overnight crew forgot to change the tags," even though every version of the item was still marked at the regular price on the shelves. In the end, it would have been cheaper to buy the items at their regular price with the standard 25% coupon than during this so-called 40% sale.
I wondered why I still shop there. I guess because we are creatures of habits!
