As a crafter, baker, or DIY enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with Michaels, the popular arts and crafts retail chain, and Wilton, a well-known brand of baking supplies and decorating tools. Recently, rumors have been circulating that Michaels is phasing out Wilton products from their stores. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this rumor, explore the history of both companies, and discuss what this change might mean for crafty consumers.
A Brief History of Michaels and Wilton
Before we dive into the specifics of the rumor, let’s take a brief look at the history of both Michaels and Wilton.
Michaels: A Leader in Arts and Crafts Retail
Michaels is a Canadian-based arts and crafts retail chain that was founded in 1973 by Michael Dupey. The company has since grown to become one of the largest arts and crafts retailers in North America, with over 1,250 stores across the United States and Canada. Michaels offers a wide range of products, including painting supplies, knitting materials, scrapbooking tools, and baking supplies.
Wilton: A Legacy of Baking Excellence
Wilton is a well-established brand of baking supplies and decorating tools that has been around since 1929. The company was founded by Dewey McKinley Wilton, who started out by selling candy-making supplies in Chicago. Over the years, Wilton has become synonymous with high-quality baking products, including cake pans, decorating tips, and fondant.
The Rumor: Is Michaels Getting Rid of Wilton Products?
So, what’s behind the rumor that Michaels is phasing out Wilton products? According to various reports and social media posts, Michaels has been slowly removing Wilton products from their stores over the past year. Some customers have reported that their local Michaels stores no longer carry Wilton products, while others have noticed that the selection of Wilton items has been significantly reduced.
What’s Behind the Rumor?
While Michaels has not made an official statement about phasing out Wilton products, there are a few possible reasons why this might be happening. One reason could be that Michaels is looking to streamline their product offerings and focus on their own in-house brands. Another reason could be that Wilton products are no longer selling as well as they used to, making them less of a priority for Michaels.
Impact on Crafty Consumers
If Michaels is indeed getting rid of Wilton products, what does this mean for crafty consumers? For many bakers and crafters, Wilton products are a staple in their creative pursuits. Losing access to these products at Michaels could be a significant inconvenience, especially for those who rely on the retailer for their crafting needs.
Alternative Retailers
Fortunately, there are alternative retailers that carry Wilton products. Some popular options include:
- Hobby Lobby
- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
- Amazon
- Walmart
Online Shopping
Another option for crafty consumers is to shop online. Wilton products are widely available on online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com. Additionally, Wilton has its own website where customers can purchase products directly.
What’s Next for Michaels and Wilton?
While the rumor that Michaels is getting rid of Wilton products is certainly concerning for crafty consumers, it’s worth noting that neither company has made an official statement about the situation. It’s possible that Michaels is simply re-evaluating their product offerings and that Wilton products will continue to be available in some capacity.
A Shift in Retail Strategy?
One possible explanation for the rumor is that Michaels is shifting its retail strategy to focus more on online sales. With the rise of e-commerce, many retailers are re-evaluating their brick-and-mortar stores and focusing on online sales. If this is the case, it’s possible that Michaels will continue to carry Wilton products online, even if they’re no longer available in stores.
Conclusion
While the rumor that Michaels is getting rid of Wilton products is certainly concerning for crafty consumers, it’s worth noting that there are alternative retailers and online shopping options available. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more changes in the way that craft supplies are sold and distributed. For now, it’s business as usual for Wilton and Michaels, and crafty consumers can continue to shop for their favorite products at a variety of retailers.
A Final Thought
As a crafter, baker, or DIY enthusiast, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the retail world. By staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, you can ensure that you have access to the products and supplies you need to pursue your creative passions. Whether you’re shopping at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or online, there are plenty of options available for crafty consumers.
Is Michaels getting rid of Wilton products?
Michaels, a popular arts and crafts retail chain, has announced that it will be discontinuing the sale of Wilton products in its stores and on its website. This decision has been met with disappointment from many loyal customers who have come to rely on Michaels as a convenient source for Wilton’s wide range of baking and decorating supplies.
While Michaels has not provided a specific reason for discontinuing Wilton products, it is likely due to a combination of factors, including changes in consumer demand and the company’s efforts to streamline its product offerings. As a result, customers will need to find alternative sources for Wilton products, such as online marketplaces, specialty baking stores, or directly from the Wilton website.
What Wilton products will no longer be available at Michaels?
Michaels will be discontinuing the sale of all Wilton products, including baking supplies, decorating tools, and cake decorating kits. This means that customers will no longer be able to find Wilton’s popular products, such as its piping bags, tips, and frosting, at Michaels stores or on its website.
However, it’s worth noting that Michaels may still carry some Wilton products in its stores or online until existing inventory is depleted. Customers may be able to find some Wilton products on clearance or at discounted prices, but availability will be limited and vary by location.
Why is Michaels discontinuing Wilton products?
Michaels has not provided a specific reason for discontinuing Wilton products, but it’s likely due to a combination of factors, including changes in consumer demand and the company’s efforts to streamline its product offerings. Michaels may be shifting its focus to other product lines or brands that are more in line with its business strategy.
Additionally, the crafting and baking industries are constantly evolving, and consumer preferences may be shifting towards other brands or products. Michaels may be responding to these changes by adjusting its product offerings to better meet the needs of its customers.
Where can I buy Wilton products now?
Customers can still purchase Wilton products from a variety of sources, including online marketplaces like Amazon, specialty baking stores, and directly from the Wilton website. Wilton also has a strong presence on social media platforms, where customers can find inspiration, tutorials, and product information.
In addition, customers may be able to find Wilton products at other craft stores or retailers that carry baking and decorating supplies. It’s worth noting that availability and selection may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Will Michaels replace Wilton products with similar items?
Michaels may replace Wilton products with similar items from other brands or manufacturers. The company has a wide range of baking and decorating supplies from various brands, and it’s likely that it will continue to carry products that meet the needs of its customers.
However, it’s unclear at this time whether Michaels will carry exact replacements for Wilton products or introduce new products that serve the same purpose. Customers may need to explore other brands or products to find suitable alternatives.
Can I still use my Michaels coupons on Wilton products?
It’s unlikely that customers will be able to use Michaels coupons on Wilton products, as the company is discontinuing the sale of these items. Michaels coupons are typically specific to certain products or brands, and Wilton products will no longer be eligible for discounts or promotions.
However, customers may be able to use Michaels coupons on other baking and decorating supplies or products from different brands. It’s always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of any coupon or promotion to see what products are eligible for discounts.
How will this affect Wilton’s business?
The decision by Michaels to discontinue the sale of Wilton products may have a significant impact on Wilton’s business, as Michaels is a major retailer of Wilton products. Wilton may need to find alternative channels to distribute its products or adjust its business strategy to compensate for the loss of sales.
However, Wilton is a well-established brand with a strong presence in the baking and decorating industry. The company may be able to mitigate the impact of Michaels’ decision by focusing on other sales channels, such as online marketplaces or specialty baking stores, and by continuing to innovate and develop new products that meet the needs of its customers.