Lisa Carroll places dried flowers out for display Thursday as workers prepare for the opening of the new Michael's store at Northgate.VIDEO
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A new Michaels store opens today at the Shops at Northgate Mall in Hixson.
The arts-and-crafts supply store is the latest tenant to open as part of CBL & Associates Properties Inc.'s multimillion-dollar revamp of Northgate Mall. It's sandwiched between T.J.Maxx and a not-yet-open Ross Dress for Less in a stand-alone retail strip aross the parking lot from the mall.
The 22,000-square-foot store will offer all sorts of arts, crafts and classes, said store manager Lisa Tyson.
"We have all the latest decor," she said, adding that she's hired about 50 employees.
The store is the first Michaels in the area and will compete most closely with the Hobby Lobby on Highway 153. Tyson said she expects the new location to appeal to a very local market.
"I graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School," she said. "And if you grew up here, you know it's all about having to go across the dam. It's only 13 miles, but you'd think it's a day trip. I'm so excited to have this on this side of the dam and bring it to this area."
Shopper Sharon Stiefl said she's planning on shopping at the store.
"I've always shopped at Michaels, and I'm excited to have one on this side of town," she said. "I've always been impressed with them because they're well-stocked -- what other stores may not carry, they usually have in stock. "
Hixson resident Mallory Naber said she's also happy to see the store open today.
"I'm super excited because now Hobby Lobby will have some competition," she said.
CBL purchased the Northgate Mall in 2011 for $11.5 million and announced a $3.5 million renovation in 2012. The interior of the mall is getting new lighting, flooring and shops, and the retail strip that Michaels is in also saw significant physical upgrades.
"It is exciting to watch the improvements at Northgate Mall continue to come to fruition with this latest opening," said Katie Reinsmidt, CBL senior vice president. "Michaels is a terrific addition to the area, giving shoppers another great reason to visit Northgate Mall. We look forward to making even more announcements in the coming months about the next steps in the mall's revitalization."
A national chain, Michaels has more than 1,105 locations in the United States and Canada. The Hixson location will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at 423-757-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com.