Up to 12 of the 36 total craft centers may reopen under Michaels branding later this year, and a Strongsville distribution center will remain open, but the beloved locally founded retailer will be no more. There are currently 16 Pat Catan’s locations in Northeast Ohio, with others in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan and Indiana.
“We believe these changes will provide more value for customers and shareholders by enabling us to leverage a more consistent merchandise assortment and eliminate duplicative retail operating expenses,” said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. “This was not an easy decision, and I am grateful for the contributions of our Pat Catan’s Team Members. As we work through the closing process, we intend to provide employment opportunities or transition support for all Team Members.”
With 1,200 stores, Michaels is the largest arts and crafts retailer in the country. It purchased the Pat Catan’s chain (officially “Lamrite West”) in 2016, for $150 million. Pat Catan’s was founded by Pat Catanzarite in 1954.
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2019.
Gee, who would’ve thought that buying a chain of the same type of store in an overlapping market wouldn’t be profitable? Either that or they only wanted Darice and planned to close the Catan stores all along.
I knew this was going to happen when they bought the stores. Ugh this sucks. Now we have to pay the Michael’s brand prices.
Come on hobby lobby.
This sucks. If we are lucky enough to keep our store, they are going to gauge us on price. Grrrrrr
What is going to happen to Darice??
Where will I get my Prism art supplies from now on? This is terrible.
Patcatanzarite sounds like a semi-precious stone they sell on TV shopping channels.