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!

It has been some time since I've been in a Michael's. I used to love crafting but it has taken a…read morebackseat in priorities. I went because I had a specific need. I asked a clerk for assistance and she just said "look back here and if you can't find anything, look in the craft area," as she walked away. Hmmmm, I looked where she had pointed, couldn't find anything and then had to search for the craft aisles. I roamed around aimlessly for some time. It was not easy. I finally found the craft aisles but had questions and there weren't any clerks around. As I headed to the checkout, I looked up my account on the app. No clerks at the front but the self checkout was open. I checked out and left with no other human interaction. It's a shame how the retail industry has changed. Ok, bye.

Awesome locally owned art supply and stationary store. Very quirky and yet he has everything one…read moreneeds. I love this place!

Yesterday I had the good fortune of discovering Newer Art Supplies store at 1701 South Gaffey in…read moreSan Pedro. When I walked into the store, I was greeted by the owner Paul, who was extremely gracious and showed me around and found me everything that I needed. He is an amazing person dedicated to helping you and if you are in any way involved with art, you must visit his store it will make you happy.

The Joslin Center is a great place to take all kinds of art classes. They have wonderful classes…read morefor children teens and adults. There's a wide range of classes. classes. The classes around the Torrance Recreation Department. You can pick up a schedule of classes at the Torrance Main Library. www.torranceca.gov and click on class registration and class schedule to see class information. They have so many different classes, you're sure to find something that interests everyone. I took a drawing class here when I was young and learn to draw. What a Wonderful class. Such dedicated enthusiastic teachers make learning a delight. They have many special seasonal and holiday classes. Be sure to sign up early as many classes fill up. There is a discount for Torrance residence. The ceramics classes are particularly excellent. They have a wide range of classes from kids on the wheel, teen ceramic studio, ceramic sculpture, outrageous creative clay, family clay fun, to open ceramic studio time and workshops. A ceramic locker is $9 for a small and $11 for a large. They offer a great drawing program, with classes that are patient with thise just starting to draw. Botanical drawing, portrait, character, cartooning and Manga classes are available. They teach painting, watercolors and acrylics. There are pastel classes and decorative painting, as well as open studio sessions. Lots of great options. Even the expert will find inspiration.Jewelry making, including cadting snd metalworking for jewelry classes sre offered here. They have a great silver clay basics class and the more advanced metalsmithing class, as well. Here is your chance to make it and flaunt it. Your inner artists, needs a little nurturing. You can find it here. If you want to learn something new, explore a passion or you have bored kids at home during the summer time, be sure to check it out.

I took classes here as a kid in the '70s. Many fond memories climbing the abstract concrete…read moresculptures out back and doing groovy latter-day hippie activities like finger painting and leaf tracing. Also learned Cloisonne and still have a couple of the pieces I made. Glad to see the place is still around in some incarnation.

This is one of the few places that still carries materials such as fabrics for making dresses or…read moreany other items that you want to sew together. They have a wide variety of hobbies and decorations for your home. Prices are great. Keep in mind, this store is a Christian company so the store is closed on Sundays. During Christmas, this place is packed with customers and will often run out of decoration supplies for your Christmas decorating needs, so go early in the season. Lines will be especially long during that time of year, even on the weekdays. You must have patience while standing in line. The wait can be a bit long.

Great products for home and crafts! I shop here very occasionally for project based purchases. Ie…read more making bridal shower keepsakes, wedding keepsakes, and framing completed jigsaw puzzles and more. Have also shopped here when I received a gift card for Christmas. Speaking of seasons, they have plenty of items for the various seasons and holidays. On a side note, it is a bummer that retailer Jo-Ann went out of biz by May of 2025. Glad to have HL at two South Bay locations currently. Another Elite yelper may have mentioned how the store layout is arranged by department category and is not numbered. Customer service is hit or miss. Most of the time, I have been on my own depending on which department. On the sales floor no one has approached me to offer assistance. The employees at the framing section have been helpful and efficient. Cashiers have been nice for the most part but their supervisors or leads did not give that same courteous vibe. Hours are 9am to 8pm and closed on Sundays. The Yelp 3 star average overall is accurate.

I love this store, it has been a facet of the San Pedro community for 33 years. The owner Carla…read moreOrtega is a fantastic artist and such a beautiful person. She is wanting to transition to just teaching art classes so she is selling all the craft supplies below her cost. She is so creative if you are curious about anything she will teach you how to create amazing things. As the founder of the Dia de Los Muertos Festival in Pedro she is the shop to go to for all your needs for that celebration. Most items are hand made or hand painted by her.

The owner of this store, long in place, and now a gg grandma is responsible for Day of the Dead…read morecelebrations in California and if you don't believe us ask her to show you the official recognition plaque she was given. It started right on 6th street. Now the inventory is being closed out and is bargain basement pricing but then the concentration will be on the art classes. So buy yourself some chotskies and get back to being an artist.

Hare & Trove is a South Bay gem for the unique gift giver! A super fun eclectic mix of fantastic…read moreoddities! If you are in San Pedro, it's a "Must Stop" destination! Also, their proprietor, Katie is a super amazing artist!

From the owner: Hare & Trove Company an eclectic gift shop and your place to find curiosities, bespoke gifts,…read morevintage wares and unique surprises! We carry apothecary items, altar supplies and original art. We have beautifully curated gift boxes packaged and ready to give. Or you can design your own gift crates that your loved ones will not soon forget!

The name plates are perfect. The turnaround time was absolutely fantastic. The staff continued to…read moreconfirm and provided a sample Print, Before the final Print. I highly recommend Laser Assassin for your projects. Thank you again T. Merle October 3, 2025

I had a special time-sensitive engraving project and needed an effective and fast response…read more Krystal demonstrates efficiency, reliability, and results. We exchanged calls and texts, she provided options for what I needed engraved and made it happen. The end result was speedy and absolutely perfect. So glad I went to her. Give her a call and tell her what you need and she will give you that

A true art studio that teaches skills and color theory. The kids learn at their own pace and learn…read morehow to do reference drawing. They teach using different mediums as the skills increase. I really like it compared to other places where it's a cookie cutter process that doesn't really teach art but how to just follow directions (like those paint and sip, but for kids)

Great place to learn to draw especially for kids. It's extremely clean the teacher is very nice and…read moreknowledgeable everyone seems to be having a great time lots of people there all playing and learning together highly recommend