Arts and crafts chain A.C. Moore will close all of its 145 stores permanently. Up to 40 of its locations could reopen as Michaels in 2020 as part of the craft giant’s expansion efforts — but customers aren’t enthused.
“For over 30 years, our stores have been servicing the creative community,” A.C. Moore’s CEO Anthony Piperino said in a statement. “Unfortunately, given the headwinds facing many retailers in today's environment, it made it very difficult for us to operate and compete on a National level.”
The Richmond region is home to five of the chain’s locations — Willow Lawn, the Beverly Hills Shopping Center, West Broad Marketplace, one in North Chesterfield and another in Hanover. They first came on the scene about 7 years ago, when A.C. Moore took over Ben Franklin Crafts & Frames stores in the area.
Customers like Terry Brisbane said it’s their go-to store for anything from paint supplies, to home decor and even birthday gifts.
“I count on [A.C. Moore] for all kinds of crazy things: candles, picture frames,” Brisbane said. “I don’t even know where I’ll go without one of these stores.”
A.C. Moore patrons said they’re upset over the retailer’s decision to shut down its operations — Linda Sharp even likened it to losing a close friend.
“This business has been around for a long time. Better than anybody in the Richmond area for your crafts and supplies,” Sharp said. “I’m just devastated over it.”
Sharp and other shoppers echoed the same sentiment when comparing A.C. Moore to Michaels — they say it’s more affordable, offers a wider inventory and the service is just better.
“There’s no comparison,” Sharp said. “Ben Franklins are still in Richmond, but [A.C. Moore] still tops everywhere.
The craft retailer has nine other stores in Virginia — two in Virginia Beach, the rest in Fairfax, Ashburn, Roanoke, Lynchburch, Charlottesville and Newport News.
A.C. Moore said additional details on store closures will be posted on the company’s website in the coming weeks. The craft retailer stopped accepting online orders Monday.
