Michaels Announces Vendor and Transportation Partner of the Year Awards

IRVING, Texas, Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Michaels Stores, Inc. announced the Vendor and Transportation Partner of the Year Awards at the Company's 15th annual Vendor Conference. The Company hosted the event on Monday, August 13, 2012, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Twelve vendor partners were recognized for their contributions to Michaels' success over the past year.

Every year, Michaels selects one vendor who stands above the rest by providing product innovation, customer education and inspiration, quality products and efficiency in supply chain. This year, both Michaels and Aaron Brothers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Michaels, recognized one vendor as each company's overall outstanding vendor. Companies honored with this award included Spinrite LP, Michaels Vendor of the Year, and Crescent Cardboard Company LLC, Aaron Brothers Partner of the Year.

The following companies were recognized for their partnership and contributions to innovation, outstanding service, great products or powerful brands.

Innovation
- EK Success Ltd.
- Plaid
- ShurTech Brands
- Industria Cornici Di Marca S.R.L.

Outstanding Service
- Baker & Taylor

Powerful Brands
- DecoArt Inc.
- Premier Yarns
- MVP Group International Inc.
- DCWV

Product of the Year
- The Sherwin-Williams Company

In addition, Michaels evaluates the service of its transportation partners using stakeholder surveys. Companies are assessed on key criteria that include corporate level performance and customer service at both the destination and origin. Michaels Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, Tom DeCaro, honored the following transportation partners for their support in 2012.

Domestic Transportation Partner of the Year
- Interstate Distributor Co.

International Transportation Partner of the Year
- MOL (USA) Inc.

Michaels congratulates all of this year's winners and celebrates the partnership brought to the Company by these world-class partners.

About Michaels
Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates more than 1,075 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada, and 128 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections, Studio Decor, Bead Landing, Creatology, Ashland, Celebrate It, Art Minds, Artist's Loft, Craft Smart, Loops & Threads, and Imagin8. For more information, visit www.Michaels.com.

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Contact: Allison Swank, Michaels, +1-214-379-7000, allison@spmcommunications.com

SOURCE Michaels Stores, Inc.