ADRIAN — At long last, the wait is over, and Michaels, a chain of stores that features materials for general arts and crafts, is now open in Adrian.

Michaels had a soft opening event on the evening of Jan. 2 and started regular store hours the next day. Business has been brisk since then, said Tony Becktell, store manager, who started with the chain of stores in 2011.

“The first full day that we were open was a phenomenal day,” Becktell said. “It was busy all day long.”

Michaels will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Jan. 18, during their regular store hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Becktell said there will be prizes, gift card giveaways, a raffle, facepainting, karaoke and a popcorn machine. Food trucks will be available outside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Jo Bishop, who is also a member of the management team. 

Becktell said the merchandise at Michaels can be described as “a little eclectic.”

“We are for the artist,” he said.

Materials for both the fine arts and traditional crafts, like yarn crafts, knitting and painting, are part of the merchandise line. Baking items and home decor are also available, as are party and celebration items, wood items, models, craft kits for adults and children, T-shirts to decorate and the materials to decorate them, and more. The store also offers custom framing services. 

Those who shop at Michaels typically fall into two categories, Becktell said.  

“Most of the time, people are coming in happy,” he said. “They’re either here to just peruse and kill some time, or they’re on a mission, and they know what they want.”

Birthday parties are available for ages 4 through 12, and the store also offers events for teams or groups of friends. More details about these events are on the website. 

Michaels is located in Crossroads Plaza, 1416 S. Main St., Suite 200, Adrian. The store can be reached by phone at 517-318-1777, and the company’s website is michaels.com. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.