[URBAN NOTE] "Massive craft store moving into downtown Chapters"

[rfmcdonald]

blogTO's Natalie Manzocco confirms some unlikely news: the former Chapters at Richmond and John will see its space taken over by a craft store.

When the Chapters flagship at Richmond and John closed down in April, questions immediately began about what would take over that enormous, three-floor slab of prime downtown real estate. Rumours persisted that the space was being eyed by Michael's, a North American chain of craft supply and framing stores, for a downtown location. Looks like it's official; signs are now up in the window of 142 John St. announcing the craft shop's impending arrival.

It's not a terribly sexy retail addition to the strip - a shop stocked with embroidery hoops and silk flowers lacks the cachet of, say, a Uniqlo, or a Uniqlo. But the selection and convenience of a big-box shop will likely be welcome to many downtown crafters: Though Toronto has plenty of specialty shops for art supplies, beads, and fabric, and OCAD's population is already well-served by DeSerres and Aboveground Art Supplies, Michael's promises to be a true one-stop shop, with a focus that ranges from baking to scrapbooking to knitting to woodworking.