Michaels' automated DC is a work of art: a new $7.75-million automated distribution center in Hazleton, PA, for Michaels Stores allows the arts and crafts merchandise retailer to pick, pack and ship an average of 15 truckloads per day of items selected from among 16,000 stockkeeping units, with 99.5-percent accuracy.(Cover Story)

Packaging Digest, May, 2004 by Mohan, Anne Marie

Whether you attribute it to society's increasing focus on home-based, family activities, a more affluent baby-boomer population, the rising trend of crafting as a second form of household income, or the popularity of home decorating shows, the do-it-yourself arts and crafts business is booming. And perfectly positioned to take advantage of consumers' growing desire to express themselves through crafting and decorating is Irving, TX-based Michaels Stores, Inc. Michaels operates approximately 820 retail outlets in North America and reached $3.091 billion in sales in 2003, achieving its seventh consecutive year of record sales and earnings.

In May 2002, anticipating a growth in the number of its stores in the Northeastern U.S., Michaels began operating a new...

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