Star Attraction

Michaels Stores Inc. (Irving, Texas) has chosen Atlanta as the site for its second Star Decorators Wholesale Warehouse. The 38,000-square-foot store is expected to open in September and will carry more than 15,000 products, including permanent and dried botanicals, floral supplies and accessories, ribbon, containers, party and wedding supplies and seasonal products. The chain's first wholesale store opened in Dallas.

“The vitality and sophistication of the Atlanta market is what is bringing us here, and it's the perfect place to expand our wholesale business,” says Duane Hiemenz, senior vp, new business development, for Star Decorators Wholesale Warehouse.

The wholesale concept is distinctly different from Michael's retail stores in design, products, service and ambience. It has a separate management and merchandising team led by Hiemenz and is headquartered within Michael's corporate office.

Michaels Stores, a retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor and seasonal merchandise, operates 777 Michaels stores, 156 Aaron Brothers stores and one ReCollections store.