There's gonna be some serious crafting going on in Auburn.

The Sun Journal confirmed that Michael’s craft store will be opening at 600 Center Street, next to Jersey Mike’s in the Shaw’s Plaza in Auburn.

They've started renovating the vacant store, and they hope to open at the end of February 2024. They will be hiring too. Mainers love their craft stores, and Michael's is one of the biggest. This will be Maine's 5th Michael's with other locations in Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, and Scarborough.

They are in almost every state and Canada, with almost 1,300 stores. But as you drive to Michael's, you may have passed a Hobby Lobby less than a mile from the new location. Oooooo, crafting wars!

Which is better? Michael's or Hobby Lobby?

Since the stores will be wicked close to each other in Auburn when Michael's opens in February 2024, it's a valid question. Experts have looked at both stores that carry similar products. According to U.S. News and World Report, Hobby Lobby carries fabric and better home decor items. But Michael's is a better fit for selection and pricing, especially for artists.

How much craft would a Mainer craft if a Mainer could craft crafts?

If you've ever been to one of the zillion craft fairs Maine has, you know we love our crafts. Which store do crafty Mainers go to? It's hard to say, but Michael's is the largest retailer with nearly 400 more stores than Hobby Lobby. With the new Auburn location, Michael's is also the largest chain of craft stores, beating Hobby Lobby by one location. Craft away, Auburn!