I just got this email today from Michaels.
It looks like they will be competing with Etsy in the handmade items world. They will also encourage selling courses and (probably key for Michaels) having members share “How-Tos with income-generating, shoppable supply lists.”
They obviously have a big email list and can drive traffic to the new website when it launches. Their audience includes a set of folks who will likely quickly jump on the site if they make it easy to use. They seem to be low-key calling out Etsy for their high fees.
I’ll be watching to see how it goes and what criteria they use for sellers. Is it appealing to you if you’re a maker/artist as another channel to sell your art and craft? Will it be appealing to buyers of that art and craft?
And from Michaels perspective, will it increase stickiness with their clientele? Drive more traffic and sales via those how-to videos/checklist/etc?
What do you think of the idea?