Craft Leader and Online DIY Marketplace Join Forces to Make Crafting Easier, More Accessible for All
IRVING, Texas, Aug. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), the world's largest arts and crafts retailer and top online crafting resource, has partnered with trend-driven online DIY marketplace Darby Smart to make crafting simpler and more accessible to everyone.
The partnership will launch in September to bring the best of Michaels – including its huge variety of innovative products and craft industry leadership – to Darby Smart, and the best of Darby Smart's on-trend projects and online community to Michaels.
"Aligning with Darby Smart is another way to connect with novice crafters and make it easy for them to engage in creating projects, with simple step-by-step instructions that help them achieve great results," said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. "Michaels and Darby Smart share a deep commitment to the maker movement, and this partnership helps us bring more people into the fold with accessible, modern, designer projects that anyone can make."
Darby Smart, known for its innovative DIY ideas and active online community, will gain exposure to the more than 9 million people who visit Michaels.com each month through a link on the Michaels site's project page. Darby Smart users will have access to more craft categories and a wider variety of supplies through the partnership, while Michaels customers will have access to the Darby Smart digital shopping lists, ideas and tutorials.
"I've been shopping at Michaels for many years, and there's no other playground like it for the creative," said Darby Smart co-founder and CEO Nicole Shariat Farb. "Our community will benefit from Michaels' unique product offerings that are broad in category, deep in selection and high in quality, and we welcome Michaels customers to our unique, online maker community."
Initially, the partnership will focus on easy, beautiful projects for personalized fall, Thanksgiving and holiday decorating, entertaining and giving.
About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of May 2, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,177 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist's Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.
About Darby Smart
Darby Smart is the destination for DIY –whether it's made by you or made for you, Darby Smart allows you to browse, share and shop everything DIY. On Darby Smart, you can browse unlimited ideas, share what you've made and shop supplies and handmade items. Darby Smart connects DIY enthusiasts across the globe, from aspiring crafters to leading DIYers. With a rapidly growing and passionate community, Darby Smart is the place to find endless DIY inspiration, view tutorials, connect with others and shop products. Founded and headquartered in San Francisco, Darby Smart brings DIY to the masses. To learn more, visit www.darbysmart.com
Media Contact: Megan Duran or Loren Rutledge
817-329-3257
Michaels@spmcommunications.com
Kathleen Flaherty for Darby Smart
K21 Communications
Kflaherty@k21.com
310-203-8444
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