I'm not sure when or if Michael's will ever realize that their customer service sucks and really needs a complete make-over. Perhaps they don't pay their employees enough but my goodness, their staff is cranky and is so unwilling to help you with just the slightest of things. I rarely need assistance but today, because I've never been to this store location, I had to be pointed in the right direction of an item I was in search of. When I was finally able to find an employee, she without looking up from her stocking the shelf, just pointed in the general area and went on her about her business. No eye contact, just a finger point and "first aisle".....Uhhh - Thanks for your "help" lady! Also, It's kind of sad that you spend 20 minutes in a store and 15 of those minutes are of you standing in line. Despite there being 3 cashiers, they each moved like snails and it was just ridiculous to spend that much time in line. Can someone please open an arts and crafts store to put Michael's out of business? I'm convinced that the only reason why they're still in business is because they're the only game in town. read more

I had to log on and check the other reviews and make sure I wasn't crazy ... it was both refreshing and disappointing to see that everyone else agrees that the customer service here is terrible - probably the worst in any store I've ever been in. Generally you have a bad seed or two but everyone here is just ... miserable. I often wonder if it's just Michaels that is a terrible place to work ... or perhaps the store manager is a cruel tyrant ... or most likely their products are made from the crushed hopes and dreams of the very people they employ. I imagine the ladies that work here go home to their 12 cats and tell them all about the "nasty" customers that had to interrupt them whilst they stocked shelves and avoid everyone. Trying to coerce Lord Nibbles or Mr. Purrfect to rub their shoulders from having to shrug unknowingly to all the questions they were asked. Good luck trying to checkout in less than 15 minutes! They tend to keep one register open while 1-2 other employees mill about their registers fiddling with things and avoiding eye contact. So why 2 stars? Michaels hands out those damn 50% off coupons like candy ... can't beat deals like that! Just make sure to do your research on products before hand - no one there has any clue about arts & crafts and you'll be good! read more

More like 1.5 stars, actually. The staff here is virtually non-existent. If you can find somebody to help you, they will likely be clueless and then you will have just wasted 15 minutes of your time looking for somebody who didn't know anything anyways. Prepare to wait in line, and wait, and wait, and wait. read more

When I need to get my craft on, I just visit my local Michaels store. When I can't find what it is I specifically need, I go shop at Joann's or go online. With that said... Pros: - location: within 10 miles - organization: the most organized Michaels I've ever been to, and the cleanest aisles - service: always asking if I need help finding anything and generally know what they're talking about; knowledgeable and speedy/efficient (maybe my luck because I typically go during non-rush hours) - cost: affordable - discounts: if you forgot yours or didn't know about any coupons that day/week you're in luck! They can spot you. Cons: - stock: doesn't always have what you want; usually the most popular (and sometimes the least wanted) items will be there; I have needed to go to Joann's if they didn't have what I was looking for (and didn't want to drive more than 15 miles to the nearest Michaels store) - width of aisles: narrow than some other Michaels, so you'll likely bump into someone else or someone else's kid running around Can't rate on the bathrooms because I've never needed to use theirs. Although next door at Barnes and Noble they'll probably have more soothing potty music for you. Just saying. read more

This store must have had some kind of employee overhaul/rehiring since the older reviews here. My first time here was last week (since I have another Michael's closer to me) and all the employees were great; polite, well-informed, actually working, etc. The store was clean and organized and big (roomy)! And deals were good and coupons were honored, like other Michaels locations, they checked/ asked for rewards membership and coupons and hooked me up for being a member :) people at framing also gave me some tips on how to get my work framed (some diy) for less than I expected! Overall recommended this Michael's if you are in the area. Only took off 1 star because maybe the place could have been more/ better stocked in a couple areas.. not employees' fault, it's busy season! read more

They have lots of stuff and prices but there's no one there to ever help you. It's a shame if god forbid you're in a hurry.

This Michael's is a little smaller than normal. It also feels older than normal. However, we got some good deals after Christmas = 70% off. Download their app and you'll always find a good coupon to use. read more

I see why they have terrible reviews. Small, not stocked well, poor service melanie wouldn't even answer me when I was talking to her and had this look on her face like she should be in the bathroom lol pathetic! read more

Dont like their cashiers attitude when they are wrong. I come here way too much and spend way too much money to be treated like im dumb for their lack of attention. Rude rude rude! read more

I had shopped here for Instacart Order and an associate who disliked her job very much tried to help me find floral foam for a customer that I was shopping for upon telling me that she doesn't know where her manager put it because everything is so disorganized, I went to the front to go check out then noticed I had to replace a damaged item And went back to self check out. i was then followed by that same associate to self check out who told me I had to go back in line even though the customers in front of me were going to self check out by themselves not only did she follow me to the front, but also noticed other people forming a different line for self checkout. Not only did she not stop customers from cutting the line but told me specifically as if I made her do more than her job already. Nasty behavior and nasty customer service. I reached out to the manager during my transaction and the associated stood there glaring at me until I exited the store.. read more

Ugh! Should have read these yelps before taking my business there. Extraordinary lack of professionalism. The impression I'm left with is that the employees really don't give a damn. And apparently neither does the company. read more

The ladies that work here are awesome! I am currently obsessed with markers,gel pens, journals & stickers. So much so, that I find myself here at least once a week sometimes more. I have always had an amazing experience with the staff. But today and earlier last week where to stand out moments. Last week as I was looking through the pens a very dirty disheveled man approached me asking questions about taxes on items. I stated that I did not work there and I could not help him and turned and walked away. The man proceeded to follow me and stand behind me in line. Clearly ignoring my personal space and Body Language saying get the hell away from me. We both stepped up to pay for items at the same time and he was finished with his transaction first. As he walked past me he waited at the end of the counter looking at things randomly and I looked at my cashier and stated that the gentleman over there was a quite weird. And she made me laugh by saying yeah we get a lot of those and I said no I'm kind of scared and she said oh my goodness do you need somebody to walk you to your car. I stated know that I didn't it was still daylight out and I felt safe enough to walk out. But that if something happened- if I did feel uncomfortable I would be turning right back around and coming inside. She nodded her head and watch me walk out the door and as I was about halfway to my car I saw her come out and watch me get in my car. Thank you!!! That was awesome. Today I'm wandering around minding my business when this man comes up and ask if I'm a registered voter. Yeah he has all the notebook in the papers and stuff but excuse me I'm shopping. I said I'm not interested thank you and walked away and as I was walking away he proceeded to call out to me and say "excuse me but it's only for the traffic are you registered to vote?" I turned around and said I already said I don't want anything from you and that I'm not interested please leave me alone he started to say something else and I went down another aisle to get away. I heard him approach another person and I was infuriated. I work in customer service I know that solicitation inside of a building is not allowed. And it was almost harassment if I say no then leave me alone. But I went and found one of the employees. I see her there all the time she is tall and has short hair. I explain the situation of the gentleman she said thank you and went looking. He left. But thank you again! As I was shopping she came up and said thank you to me for letting her know what was going on. I just feel that the staff goes and make sure that you have a good shopping experience every time you're here. The cashiers are friendly the ladies are working the floor wonderful I've never had a bad experience here but the last two times I've been outstanding guest service!!! read more

I brought a few art pieces worth several thousands of dollars, one of which is an original Picasso, to the Escondido Michaels. My wife has had a few pieces framed there in the past and we've always been happy within the results. The certified framing specialists, Andrea and Colette, were very informative, cautious and gracious. They also set expectations very well, and delivered on-time for a customized framing while preserving the original provenance. I'm very happy with the results. read more

I've always been a Hobby Lobby girl. But considering Michaels is so much closer to my home, I've been giving it a try these last couple of months. However, I've been pretty disappointed. Each time I've gone, it's been a negative experience. There have only been a couple of employees I've interacted with that did not have a poor attitude. It's been difficult to ever find someone in the store to help you look for something or answer your questions. My biggest frustration is every time I try to use a coupon it's been a disaster. Either they didn't sign something correctly & I became confused about what the coupon applied to, or their machine wasn't working. The only good thing I have to say about this particular store, the managers are relatively easy to communicate with & are willing to go above & beyond to provide good customer service. Regardless, I've learned my lesson & I'm sticking with Hobby Lobby. read more

This store used to be okay but it's gotten really bad lately. I went in looking for a pen and you can normally test them on the little pads of paper, but that wasn't there for use. They also used to have lock boxes on the $6-$10 markers and pens but now they have them on all the pens. The problem with this is that I can't test the pens I want to buy and I have to get someone to get them for me and hold them at the register. This normally would just be slightly inconvenient, but I can never find anyone in the store to actually help me get what I need, or even do something as simple as unlock the bathroom door. Today when I went in to the store there were 2 employees in the isle I was on with the pens, but they had boxes and bags of trash blocking the way, which to me seem like something they should do after store closing and during clean up, not at 3pm when the store is full of customers. read more

We went here to pick up one item while vacationing nearby. Wife needed it for a project she's working on. This Michael's is fine, I guess. It feels smaller than others. So glad to find a discount coupon on our phone to use and save some serious money. What struck me is we're waiting in line with three people and there are two employees at the registers. While one is settling an issue with a customer and the store's manager, the other girl was on a register and then left for her break. Saw her go inside a room, probably the breakroom. It's not like the store was crowded or there was a long, never-ending line, but there were four customers to help. Once the manager was done with the issue, he was off to another part of the store, walked by the front and tried to find something to do to look busy while not really doing anything of value. Must be misery working here and having to deal with all these customers. read more

I don't go here often, but I have always had a nice experience, with nice and helpful clerks, until today. I was purchasing 50% off Halloween decorations. I told the clerk that everything should be on sale 1/2 off so I didn't qualify for any discounts except my 10% senior discount. I turned 55 in January. I gave her my license and she told me I didn't qualify. I told her I had always gotten the discount I previous months. Her response was, I shouldn't have receive the discount because I wasn't 55 yet! (really do the math) ... anyway, she insisted that I was wrong and she was right and refused to give me my senior discount. I wasn't going to start anything over a couple of bucks, so I just paid for everything and left. When I got back home, I realized that the clerk was very sloppy wrapping the two fragile items, I had purchased, and one of them had broken in half between the time I bought them and then time I unpacked them and now I am just irritated. I overlooked her refusal to give me my discount regardless of handing her a valid drivers license, but then when I found one of my items broken due to negligent service...that was it for me. Now I have to go back to the store and ask them to replace the item that was broken and this time I am going to insist on a refund of 10% for my entire purchase. There needs to be better management and staff training on proper customer service - and a basic math class would help! read more

So, went here to find items for a project. There were two whole workers. Asked the lady with purple hair for help. She rolled her eyes and was pretty bitchy. Asked the other worker and she was nice. Wound up not getting what I needed but had fun with my step daughter anyway. Lady with purple hair....be more fun! read more

I ordered online 12 palette paper pads. They were supposed to be in stock and I could pick them up after 5 the same day. That was yesterday and today I am try to find out when or IF I can pick them up this afternoon. The young woman on the help like couldn't help me and suggested I call the store. They open at 9. I called at 9:55 and the phone answered but there was NO ONE ON THE LINE. I called again and NO one on the line. Doesn't seem to me like they care about customer service in the least. read more

I enjoy this store, they always have what I am looking for and everything is where I can find it. And for that I'll give it the two stars, but the other three won't be given because of the way I see the management and supervisors talk to their staff. I looked at the name tag of one woman who looked like a manager. Her name was Anna Lynn or something. She spoke down to the cashier that was checking me out in a tone that no one should be talked to in! This cashier was very nice and wasn't doing anything wrong! She was just asking the manager a question. Just because you are higher above other employees, this does not give you the right to talk to them in a way to make them feel bad or stupid. Escondido Michael's, please have your management change the way in which they talk to other people, I don't know if they think that this is okay but it's not. It will become uncomfortable to shop there if I know this is how you treat your staff. read more

If you need any framing done, go see Collette. I was framing tickets from a basketball game and she recommended the coolest set-up for the project (including a basketball textured mat). The sweetest, happiest person you will ever meet! You won't be disappointed! read more

I took an autographed jersey in to be framed. It was not done on time because Collette was too busy, she said she would do it that night... Another week went by, I called John the manager, miraculously it was done 2 days later, I went to get it and Collette presented a piece of garbage framing job! $330+ and it looked all disheveled, wrinkled, off center - TERRIBLE!!! They offered to have it redone for free, it will be a few days. 2 weeks later, after calling 2 more times, it was done, still wrong of course, but I took it away to get it done right somewhere else. I realized I didn't get refunded, called the store and asked for the manager John. 24 minutes on hold and still no manager!! I called HQ. This store is terribly run, Collette is terrible!!! Get ready to wait in line at the checkout forever too!!! read more

I've gone here several times now, thinking each time that maybe my experience was just an anomaly... nope. There are other Michaels not too far away that are staffed with helpful, friendly, knowledgeable employees who don't avoid eye contact and duck away when they see you in the hopes you won't actually ask them a question. Those stores don't have locks on the bathroom doors and (apparently) only one person who can open those doors for you -- and he's in no rush. And when you do finally get in, the bathrooms are filthy by the way. And those other stores don't have a line wrapping around two and a half sides of the store with just one register open and that cashier moving at whatever pace she darn well pleases. (If you ask another employee if there is any way another cash register could be opened because we've all been standing here for more than twenty minutes, she will simply tell you 'no' and walk away.) And maybe it's just me, but I could swear those other stores are just stocked better, without half the items (always the ones you're looking for, of course) missing. I love Michaels. Just not this one. read more

Unfortunately, the other reviewers are pretty accurate. Customer service is poor at this store mainly due to the fact you can hardly find anyone available to assist you. There is always a long line at checkout too. Which for them must be good for business but not its customers. I would go to a different craft store if this wasn't as convenient, being it is right down the road for me. read more

My husband and I came in to buy some yarn for a blanket I am making. One of the team members her name was Mary. Was so helpful kind and friendly. I felt that she went out of her way to really help us look for the yarn that we could not find. I even called back later to ask where I could find the yard and she was so helpful by finding it at other stores. I will be back to this store because of my experience with Mary. read more

Definitely my go to when I need crafty things for baking, arts & crafts, or decor/gifting to do for party celebrations. I love that I can pull up discounts in my phone that they can scan. read more

Wow! They have since removed those stupid poles from their shopping carts! You can now take them out to the lot and they also provide small shopping baskets w/ wheels and a handle (like a suitcase on wheels)! This is now a great and convenient place to shop w/ my two kids. THANK YOU Michaels. I would have given it more stars but the employees still don't know where anything is. Oh well, it's the little things :) read more

You can't go to the bathroom without an employee entering a code on the door. I waited 10 minutes for someone to come unlock the door so my 5 year old could pee. The employee was rude about it and quickly unlocked the girls bathroom and walked away. Had to convince my shy son to just use the girls bathroom because I didn't want to wait another ten minutes. read more

So glad I'm not crazy and everyone on here says how horrible the customer service was. Wow.... Just wow. I've been to this store multiple times and never had as many problems as I did this time. I came in looking to buy some decorators for my house, and some fake flowers. All the flowers said 40% off. And so did the glass bottles I was about to buy. I asked a gentlemen where some pint was, he was very helpful and incredibly nice. Same with the young lady who checked me out (Caitlin) she was super helpful and nice. Then I asked why the glass bottles weren't ringing up as 40% off. And Caitlin asked another employee(Lori J.) and she gave me the rudest look and said no they aren't and I pointed to the sign and she goes "no if you had actually read it correctly it says...." And she had the worst attitude. And was just so rude. I can't believe how sweet half the employees are compared to this lady. The two employees the male that helped me and Caitlin were young, and so helpful. And this older lady Lori was just so disrespectful. You would think being older you'd have a little more respect for the customers. But no. Great store, yes clean, but should teach their employees some respect. read more

First time participating in a craft class at Michael's. The fall pumpkin class, buy a pumpkin and the supplies were free. Sadly, Michael's manager did not have this class prepared. 8 people readily involved, 1 wire cutter, 2 dull box cutters, 3 pumpkin kid cutters, 1 pair of scissors, 3 kid sized glue guns. We all waited patiently as the kid cutters were passed around to cut the tops of our pumpkins, and the wire cutters for the floral stems. The young employee giving the class wasn't knowledgeable of what to do nor how to handle one greedy lady taking all the flowers for herself. The employee had to leave twice for flowers, as the group at the far end of the table wasn't receiving any flowers. Next time Michael's. ..have sufficient hand tools available, have the flowers ready and pass to each person to avoid a greedy person, larger glue guns to handle the project. It was a disappointing experience. read more

Customer service is awful!! But the worse is the BATHROOMS!!! Who ever owns this company needs to get there stuff together. It's a fun store with lots of cool stuff but they staff with grouchy woman and never clean there bathrooms... Why is that?? And this stands for all Michaels. As you can see I am not the only one to have an opinion on this matter.. Get a clue Micheals.. read more

Not a fan...prices ring up wrong, the signs are misleading, sure the employee (the one I saw whilst paying) was nice, but if the signs say one thing, why are you demanding another? I'll stick to the Michaels in Temecula. Bye Felicia. read more

They don't have everything I need, but I get yarn there often. Not the best place for yarn. I wish it was better. Terrible customer service. Of all the times I've been to Michael's, there has never been anyone around to ask for help. One time I stood in the framing department for ten minutes. I decided to call the store in my cell phone and tell them I was standing and waiting for someone to help me. The reply was, "oh, she's on her lunch break. I'll see if I can find anyone else to help you." I continued to wait. Someone finally came. No apology. Not friendly. I have found mostly what I need in other departments, but again, there is never anyone to ask for help, ever. read more

I waited in line for about 20 minutes to buy ONE 59 cent poster board....that is ridiculous. There was only one cashier available for service and the line grew very quickly. They did not have enough staff to accommodate their line. Very unimpressed. read more

I was so excited to purchase my first cricut machine. I asked the clerk if the box included the extra cutting board as stated and about the gift card. She said that you will neede to go online to purchase this. Told her the ad didnt say i had to purchase this online. Asked her to show me where on the ad it said i had to purchase the cricut. Of course she was wrong. Yes the gift card is given to you online. Then i asked if she could show me the box so i can check it out. She had to get the manager. The manager comes up and asked what i needed i told him all i needed to see was the product. Duh. Finally after all this. She gives me the wrong product. I was wondering why it was cheaper. What a nitemare. I knew better not to go to that store. Vista is much more helpful and they know their products. Arghhhh read more

Busy as can be and still the greatest customer service. Line was long but with every register open, they got everyone out fast. Every employee had a smile on their face and a pleasant attitude. read more

My mom and I stopped by Michaels last night, and it was busy as usual. We were happy that so many registers were open. Once all of our items had been scanned, my mom frantically searched on her phone for her coupon and had major struggles. The sales assistant, ELAM, was extremely kind and patient, and my mom eventually found the coupon. Unfortunately the items had to be re-scanned but Elam was so professional assured us that it was an easy thing to do. We left the store happy all because of Elam's warmth...a rare thing in many stores during the holidays. read more

Spent an hour in here and had over a hundred dollars in the cart with only cash being allowed. I was told that both bathrooms couldn't be used and to "suck it up" by big bird. Left everything and when home, I will never waste MY precious time here again. According to the reviews neither will others. read more

The check out is painfully slow. I witnessed one checker, 6 customers in line and an employee behind the counter stocking bags and supplies. After a couple minutes, opened another register. It's painful! read more

***Updated as of 10/1/12: I've started going to the Escondido Michaels more often these days. Shorter line helps me get in/out faster. And it seems like the product choices have picked up a bit. Happy to see these changes. So I'm upgrading the rating from a 3-start to 4-star rating for the Escondido Michaels. *** *** Updated as of 3/20/12: I still choose to make a Michaels in another town, my "home" Michaels. Yes, I go to a Michaels 15+ miles away because they are actually friendly and the store is better stocked. *** So, I have a mixed review on this store. Most of the time they are sold out of what I need. And then I go back to see if they have re-stocked. And still nothing. So frustrating. I have asked a few "managers" about the lack of upkeep, and just get blank stares. On a staffing front, while they are quick to help out if you stop them in the aisles, there are a few store reps that really shouldn't be in the customer service business (because they don't know how to smile at a paying customer). Very rarely do I get someone offering to help me. read more