MICHAELS STORES INC
10-K405, 1995-05-01
HOBBY, TOY & GAME SHOPS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

                                   FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)
          ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
X         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)
                        FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 29, 1995
                                            OR
          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
          EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
                            For the transition period from to

                         Commission file number 0-11822

                            ------------------------

                             MICHAELS STORES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                               75-1943604
    (State or other jurisdiction of                 (I.R.S. employer
     incorporation or organization)              identification number)

                            5931 CAMPUS CIRCLE DRIVE
                              IRVING, TEXAS 75063
                                P.O. BOX 619566
                             DFW, TEXAS 75261-9566
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
                                      NONE
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
                              TITLE OF EACH CLASS
                     Common Stock, Par Value $.10 Per Share

                            ------------------------

    Indicate  by check  mark whether  the Registrant  (1) has  filed all reports
required to be filed by  Section 13 or 15(d) of  the Securities Exchange Act  of
1934  during  the preceding  12  months (or  for  such shorter  period  that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to  such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes _X_ No ____

    Indicate  by check mark if disclosure  of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation  S-K (229.405 of  this chapter) is  not contained herein,  and
will  not be  contained, to  the best  of Registrant's  knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements  incorporated by reference in  Part III of  this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. _X_

    As of April 21, 1995, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant was $514,112,918, based on the closing price of
the  Registrant's Common Stock on  such date, $29.25, as  reported on the NASDAQ
National Market System.

    As of April  21, 1995, 21,409,185  shares of the  Registrant's Common  Stock
were outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

    Portions  of the  Registrant's Annual  Report to  Shareholders for  the year
ended January  29, 1995  are incorporated  by  reference into  Part II  of  this
report,  and  portions  of  the  Proxy  Statement  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of
Shareholders of  the Registrant  to  be held  during  1995 are  incorporated  by
reference into Part III of this report.

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<PAGE>
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

GENERAL

    Michaels  Stores, Inc. (the  "Company") is the  largest nationwide specialty
retailer of arts, crafts and decorative items, operating a chain of 395 arts and
crafts stores under the name "Michaels" and 71 specialty framing and art  supply
stores  under the name "Aaron Brothers."  The Company's 466 stores are dispersed
over 41 states, Puerto Rico and  one Canadian province. Michaels stores offer  a
wide  selection of competitively priced items including general crafts, wearable
art, silk and  dried flowers, picture  framing materials and  services, art  and
hobby supplies, and party, seasonal and holiday merchandise. The average sale is
approximately  $14.25. The Company's  primary customers are women  aged 25 to 54
with above average  median household  incomes, and the  Company believes  repeat
customers  account  for a  substantial  portion of  its  sales. The  Company was
incorporated in 1983 as the successor to a Colorado corporation which  commenced
operations in 1962.

MERCHANDISING

    PRODUCT SELECTION

    The Michaels store merchandising strategy is to provide a broad selection of
products  in an appealing store environment  with superior customer service. The
commitment  to  customer  service  is   evidenced  through  in-store  "how   to"
demonstrations,   project   samples   displayed   throughout   the   store,  and
instructional classes for  adults and  children. Each Michaels  store offers  an
assortment  of over 30,000 stock keeping  units ("SKUs"). In general, each store
offers products from ten departments. Nine of the departments offer  essentially
the same type of merchandise throughout the year, although the products may vary
from  season to season. The merchandise offered  by these nine departments is as
follows:

    - General craft  materials, including  those  for stenciling,  doll  making,
      jewelry making, woodworking, wall decor, tole painting, and plaster;

    - Wearable  art, including  adult's and children's  garments, fabric paints,
      embellishments, jewels and sequins, transfers and appliques;

    - Silk flowers, dried flowers  and artificial plants  sold separately or  in
      ready-made  and  custom floral  arrangements,  all accessories  needed for
      floral arranging, wedding millinery and floral items, and other items  for
      personalizing  home decor, such as  wreaths, containers, baskets, candles,
      and potpourri;

    - Picture framing materials  and services, including  ready-made frames  and
      custom framing, mat boards, glass, backing materials and related supplies,
      framed art and photo albums;

    - Fine  art  materials,  representing  a number  of  major  brand  lines and
      including items  such  as pastels,  water  colors, oil  paints,  acrylics,
      easels, brushes, paper and canvas;

    - Hobby  items,  including  finished doll  houses  and  miniature furniture,
      wooden and plastic  model kits and  related supplies, and  paint-by-number
      kits;

    - Party needs, including paper party goods, gift wrap, candy making and cake
      decorating supplies, invitations, greeting cards, balloons and candy;

    - Needlecraft  items,  including  stitchery  supplies,  hand-knitting yarns,
      needles, canvas and related supplies for needlepoint, embroidery and cross
      stitching, knitting, crochet,  rug making  kits, and  quilts and  afghans,
      which are sold separately or in kits;

    - Ribbon,  including satins,  laces, florals and  other styles  sold both in
      bolts and by the yard.

    In addition to the nine  departments described above, the Company  regularly
features  seasonal  merchandise.  Seasonal merchandise  is  ordered  for several
holiday periods, including Valentine's Day,

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Easter, Mother's Day, Halloween and  Thanksgiving, in addition to the  Christmas
season.  For  example, seasonal  merchandise for  the Christmas  season includes
trees,  wreaths,  candles,  lights  and  ornaments.  Included  in  the  seasonal
department  is promotional  merchandise that  is offered  with the  intention of
generating customer traffic.

    The following table shows  sales by department as  a percent of total  sales
for fiscal 1994, 1993 and 1992:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PERCENT OF SALES
                                                                               -------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT                                                                        1994         1993         1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
Silk and dried flowers and plants............................................         22%          21%          18%
General craft materials and wearable art.....................................         20           21           22
Picture framing..............................................................         15           15           14
Seasonal and promotional items...............................................         14           14           15
Fine art materials...........................................................         10           11           11
Hobby, party, needlecraft and ribbon.........................................         19           18           20
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
    Total....................................................................        100%         100%         100%
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
</TABLE>

    During the Christmas selling season, up to 25% of floor and shelf space in a
typical  store is  devoted to  Christmas crafts,  Christmas decorating  and gift
making merchandise. Because  of the project-oriented  nature of these  products,
the  Company's  peak  Christmas  selling  season  extends  from  October through
December.  Accordingly,  a  fully  developed  seasonal  merchandising   program,
including  inventory, merchandise layout and instructional ideas, is implemented
in each store beginning in July  of each year. This program requires  additional
inventory  accumulation  so that  each store  is fully  stocked during  the peak
season. Sales of all merchandise typically increase during the Christmas selling
season  because  of  increased  customer  traffic.  The  Company  believes  that
merchandise centered around other traditional holidays, such as Valentine's Day,
Easter  and Halloween, is becoming more popular  and is a growing contributor to
sales.

    The Michaels selling floor strategy  is developed centrally and  implemented
at  the store level through the use of "planograms" which provide store managers
with detailed descriptions and  illustrations with respect  to store layout  and
merchandise  presentation. Planograms are also  used to cluster various products
which can be combined to create individual projects.

    CUSTOMER SERVICE

    The Company believes that  customer service is  critically important to  its
merchandising  strategy. Many of the craft supplies sold in Michaels' stores can
be assembled into  unique end-products.  Accordingly, Michaels  has hundreds  of
displays  in  every store  in  an effort  to  stimulate new  project  ideas, and
supplies project  sheets  with detailed  instructions  on how  to  assemble  the
product.  In addition, many sales associates  are craft enthusiasts who are able
to help customers  with ideas  and instructions.  The Company  also offers  free
demonstrations  and inexpensive  classes in stores  as a means  of promoting new
craft ideas. The  Company believes  that the  in-store "how-to"  demonstrations,
instructional classes, knowledgeable sales associates, and customer focus groups
have  allowed  the Company  to  better understand  and  serve its  customers. In
addition, the Company measures its customer service in its stores at least  four
times  a  year  through a  "Mystery  Shopper" program  and  continuously through
customer comment cards.

    PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION

    The Company's purchasing strategy is to negotiate centrally with its vendors
in order to take  advantage of volume purchasing  discounts and improve  control
over product mix and inventory. Approximately 90% of the merchandise is acquired
by   the  stores  from  vendors  on  the  Company's  "approved  list."  Of  this
merchandise, approximately one-half is received from the Company's  distribution
centers and one-half is received directly from vendors. In addition, most stores
have the

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flexibility to purchase approximately 10% of its merchandise directly from local
vendors, which allows the store managers to tailor the products offered in their
stores to local tastes and trends. All store purchases are monitored by district
and regional managers.

    The  Company currently operates three  distribution centers which supply the
stores with  certain  merchandise,  including  substantially  all  seasonal  and
promotional  items. The  Company's distribution  centers are  located in Irving,
Texas, Buena Park, California and Lexington, Kentucky. Additionally, the Company
is planning  a fourth  distribution center  in Jacksonville,  Florida to  become
operational  in June  1995. The  Company also  operates a  warehouse in Phoenix,
Arizona, which  allows the  Company  to store  bulk  purchases of  seasonal  and
promotional   merchandise  prior   to  distribution.   Michaels  stores  receive
deliveries from  the  distribution centers  generally  once a  week  through  an
internal distribution network using leased trucks.

    Substantially  all of the products sold  in Michaels stores are manufactured
in the United States,  the Far East  and Mexico. Goods  manufactured in the  Far
East  generally require long  lead times and  are ordered four  to six months in
advance of delivery. Such products are  either imported directly by the  Company
or  acquired  from  distributors  based  in the  United  States.  In  all cases,
purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars (or Canadian dollars for purchases  of
certain items delivered directly to stores in Canada).

    ADVERTISING

    The  Company believes that its advertising  promotes craft and hobby project
ideas among  its  customers.  The  Company focuses  on  circular  and  newspaper
advertising.  The Company has found circular advertising, primarily as an insert
to newspapers but also through direct mail  or on display within its stores,  to
be  the most effective medium of  advertising. Such circulars advertise numerous
products in  order to  emphasize the  wide selection  of products  available  at
Michaels  stores. The  Company believes  that its  ability to  advertise through
circulars and  newspapers approximately  once  a week  in  each of  its  markets
provides the Company with an advantage over its smaller competitors. The Company
has  from time to  time conducted advertising  campaigns on a  limited number of
cable television networks reaching a nationwide audience, and may continue to do
so in the future.

STORE OPERATIONS

    The Company's 395 Michaels stores  average approximately 15,600 square  feet
of selling space, although newer stores average approximately 17,000 square feet
of  selling space. Net  sales for fiscal  1994 averaged approximately $3,180,000
per store (for stores open the entire  fiscal year) and $204 per square foot  of
selling  space. Store  sites are selected  based upon  meeting certain economic,
demographic and  traffic criteria  or  for clustering  stores in  markets  where
certain operating efficiencies can be achieved. The Michaels stores currently in
operation  are located  primarily in strip  shopping centers in  areas with easy
access and ample parking.

    Typically, a Michaels store is managed by  a store manager and one to  three
assistant  store  managers, depending  on  the sales  volume  of the  store. The
Company's vice president of operations, five regional managers and  thirty-eight
district  managers  are responsible  for the  supervision  and operation  of the
stores.  The  Company  believes  this  organizational  structure  enhances   the
communication  among the individual stores and  between the stores and corporate
headquarters. In addition, the Company believes that the training and experience
of its managers and assistant managers are  vital to the success of its  stores,
and therefore conducts extensive training programs for such personnel.

STORE EXPANSION

    The  Company currently  anticipates adding  approximately 70  to 75 Michaels
stores in the United  States, Puerto Rico  and Canada during  1995, of which  15
have  been opened as of  April 28, 1995. The  Company's expansion strategy is to
give priority to adding stores in existing markets in order to enhance economies
of scale  associated with  advertising, transportation,  field supervision,  and
other  regional expenses. Management  believes that few  of its existing markets
are saturated and that  there are many attractive  new markets available to  the
Company. The anticipated development of Michaels

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stores in 1995 and the rate at which stores are developed thereafter will depend
upon a number of factors, including the success of existing Michaels stores, the
availability  of suitable store sites,  the availability of suitable acquisition
candidates, and the ability to hire and train qualified managers.

    In February 1994, the Company acquired Treasure House Stores, Inc., an  arts
and  crafts chain of nine  stores operating primarily in  the Seattle market. In
April 1994, the  Company acquired a  group of companies  operating eight  stores
(primarily  in Portland,  Oregon) under the  Oregon Craft and  Floral Supply Co.
name and eight stores  (in southern California) under  the H&H Craft and  Floral
Supply  Co. name. In  July 1994, the Company  acquired Leewards Creative Crafts,
Inc., an arts and crafts retailer with  98 stores located in the midwestern  and
northeastern  United States. These acquisitions have created a dominant position
for the Company  in those  markets. The Company  intends to  continue to  review
acquisition opportunities in existing and new markets.

    The Company operates five Michaels Craft and Floral Warehouse stores ("CFW")
using  a  "warehouse superstore"  format developed  in  1993. The  typical store
following the CFW format occupies up to 40,000 square feet of selling space  and
generally offers merchandise at discounted retail prices. In order to maintain a
lower cost structure than a conventional craft store, the CFW store offers fewer
customer  service amenities and utilizes new  computer systems that provide full
point-of-sale scanning, automated receiving  of merchandise, and that  eliminate
the  need for retail price  marking of individual product.  The Company plans to
open two to three additional CFW stores during 1995.

    The Company  has developed  a standardized  procedure which  allows for  the
efficient  opening  of  new  stores and  their  integration  into  the Company's
information and distribution systems.  The Company develops  the floor plan  and
inventory  layout, and  organizes the  advertising and  promotions in connection
with the  opening  of each  new  store. In  addition,  the Company  maintains  a
qualified  store  opening staff  to provide  new  store personnel  with in-store
training. Accordingly, the Company generally opens new stores during the  period
from  February through October  because new store  personnel require significant
in-store training prior to entering the Christmas selling season.

    In March 1995, the  Company purchased Aaron  Brothers Holdings, Inc.,  which
operates  a chain of 71 stores  located predominantly in California. The stores,
which average 7,000 selling square feet  and carry about 6,500 SKUs,  specialize
in  frames, framing  materials, custom  framing services  and art  supplies. The
Company  feels  that  the  Aaron   Brothers  format  complements  the   Michaels
conventional  store strategy and will allow the  Company to enter new areas such
as  urban  areas  or  malls,  in  which  the  conventional  Michaels  store   is
inappropriate, and to access new customers beyond the Michaels target market.

INVENTORY CONTROL/MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    The    Company's   management   information    systems   include   automated
point-of-sale,  merchandising,  distribution  and  financial  applications.  All
orders  from  the stores  to the  Company's  distribution centers  are processed
electronically to  ensure timely  delivery of  warehouse-sourced inventory.  The
Company's   point-of-sale  system   generally  captures   sales  information  by
department. Due to  the large  number of inexpensive  items in  the stores,  the
non-fashion  nature of  the merchandise,  and the  long lead  times involved for
ordering seasonal goods  (up to  nine months),  the Company  does not  currently
capture  item-level sales information, inventory or margin electronically in all
stores. Sales trend  tracking combines  item level  point-of-sale scanning  data
from the five CFW stores and approximately 20 Michaels stores with point-of-sale
department-level  sales from other stores, weekly test counts of certain SKUs in
certain selected stores, and regular  communication from store managers  through
the  district and  regional managers. Inventory  and margins are  monitored on a
perpetual basis  in the  distribution centers  and in  the stores  via  physical
inventories  conducted throughout the  year in groups  of 30 to  40 stores and a
year-end complete physical count in all stores. The Company believes that  these
procedures  and automated  systems, together  with its  other control processes,
allow Michaels to effectively manage and monitor its inventory levels and margin
performance.

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    Inventory per store increased approximately  5% during 1994. Management  has
attributed  the  increase in  part to  early acceptance  of new  imported spring
merchandise coupled with an increased purchase (on a per store basis) of certain
domestic spring merchandise  that sold  out quickly  one year  ago. The  Company
intends  to manage its inventories during the  next year such that inventory per
store in January 1996 may be lower than it was in January 1995.

    In conjunction with the  centralization of certain merchandising,  financial
and operational functions in 1991, the Company developed a Five-Year Information
Technology Plan designed to satisfy the Company's growing management information
needs.  The enhancements  provided for in  this Plan that  have been implemented
include improved ordering capabilities in  the stores using radio frequency  and
bar-code  scanning technologies, item-level scanning and automated receiving for
the CFW stores and a select group of conventional stores, the implementation  of
electronic   data  interchange  with  key  vendors,  a  sophisticated  warehouse
replenishment system, and additional automation in the distribution centers also
using radio frequency and  bar-code scanning technologies. Additional  near-term
enhancements  will include the implementation of merchandise assortment planning
and "planogramming"  capabilities  and  a  broader  base  of  stores  performing
item-level scanning.

COMPETITION

    The  Company  is  the  largest nationwide  specialty  retailer  dedicated to
serving the arts and crafts marketplace. The specialty retail business is highly
competitive. The Company competes primarily  with other nationwide retailers  of
craft  items and related merchandise, regional  and local merchants that tend to
specialize in particular aspects of arts and crafts, and mass merchandisers that
typically dedicate a portion  of their selling space  to a limited selection  of
arts,  crafts, picture framing and seasonal  products. The Company believes that
its  stores  compete  based  on  price,  quality  and  variety  of   merchandise
assortment,  and  customer service,  such  as instructional  demonstrations. The
Company believes the combination of its broad selection of products, emphasis on
customer service, loyal customer base,  and capacity to advertise frequently  in
its markets provides the Company with a competitive advantage.

SERVICE AND TRADE MARKS

    The  name "Michaels"  and the  Michaels logo  are both  federally registered
service marks held by an affiliate of the Company. The name "Aaron Brothers" and
the Aaron Brothers logo are federally registered trademarks.

FRANCHISES

    The Company has granted  to Dupey Management Corporation  the right to  open
royalty-free,  licensed Michaels stores  in an eight-county  area in north Texas
which includes the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

EMPLOYEES

    As of March  27, 1995,  approximately 17,440  persons were  employed by  the
Company,  approximately 7,860  of whom were  employed on a  part-time basis. The
number of part-time  employees is substantially  increased during the  Christmas
selling  season. Of the  Company's full-time employees,  approximately 1,120 are
engaged in various executive,  operating, training and administrative  functions
in  the Company's corporate office, distribution centers and bulk warehouse, and
the remainder are engaged in store operations.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                  AGE                             POSITION
- --------------------  --- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C> <C>
Sam Wyly              60  Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Charles J. Wyly, Jr.  61  Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jack E. Bush          60  Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
R. Don Morris         55  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Douglas B. Sullivan   44  Executive Vice President
David E. Bolen        43  Executive Vice President
Robert H. Rudman      44  Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer
</TABLE>

    Mr. Sam Wyly became a director of  the Company in July 1984 and was  elected
Chairman  of the  Board in  October 1984. In  1963, Mr.  Wyly founded University
Computing Company,  a computer  software  and services  company, and  served  as
President  or Chairman from 1963 until  February 1979. Mr. Wyly co-founded Earth
Resources Company,  an oil  refining and  silver and  gold mining  company,  and
served  as its Executive Committee Chairman from  1968 to 1980. Mr. Wyly and his
brother, Charles J. Wyly, Jr., bought the 20 restaurant Bonanza Steakhouse chain
in 1967. It grew to approximately 600 restaurants by 1989, during which time  he
served  as Chairman. Mr. Wyly currently serves as Chairman of Sterling Software,
Inc., a computer software company that  he co-founded in 1981, and as  President
of  Maverick Capital, Ltd.,  an investment fund management  company. Sam Wyly is
the father of Evan A. Wyly, a director of the Company.

    Mr. Charles J. Wyly, Jr.  became a director of  the Company in October  1984
and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors in February 1985. Mr. Wyly served as
an  officer  and director  of University  Computing Company  from 1964  to 1975,
including President  from 1969  to 1973.  Mr. Wyly  and his  brother, Sam  Wyly,
founded  Earth Resources Company, and Charles J. Wyly, Jr. served as Chairman of
the Board from 1968  to 1980. Mr.  Wyly served as Vice  Chairman of the  Bonanza
Steakhouse  chain from  1967 to  1989. Mr.  Wyly is  a co-founder  and currently
serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sterling Software, Inc. and
as Chairman of Maverick  Capital, Ltd., an  investment fund management  company.
Charles  J. Wyly, Jr. is the father-in-law  of Donald R. Miller, Jr., a director
and Vice President-Market Development of the Company.

    Mr. Bush became  a director  of the Company  and was  elected President  and
Chief  Operating Officer in August 1991. Prior  to joining the Company, Mr. Bush
was Executive Vice President - Operations and Stores for Ames Department Stores,
Inc. Before  joining Ames  in  1990, Mr.  Bush  was President,  Chief  Operating
Officer and a director of Rose's Stores, Inc., a discount store chain. From 1980
to   1985,  he  served  as  Vice   President-Southern  Zone  Manager  for  Zayre
Corporation. Previously, Mr. Bush spent 22 years with J.C. Penney Company, where
he  held  a  variety  of  executive  positions  in  merchandising,   operations,
marketing,   strategic  planning,  specialty  businesses,  discount  stores  and
business development.

    Mr. Morris became Executive  Vice President and  Chief Financial Officer  of
the  Company in August 1990.  From January 1990 until  August 1990 he was Senior
Vice President-Finance  and  Chief  Financial Officer.  From  April  1988  until
January  1990, Mr. Morris was a  director, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Frostcollection, Inc. Prior to  April 1988, Mr. Morris was  Partner-In-Charge
of  the Accounting and Audit  and the Merger and  Acquisition Departments of the
Dallas, Texas office of Arthur Young & Company.

    Mr. Sullivan became Executive Vice President of the Company in August  1990.
From  March 1988  until August 1990,  he was Senior  Vice President-Real Estate.
Prior to his  joining the Company,  Mr. Sullivan had  served with Family  Dollar
Stores, Inc. for 11 years, most recently as Vice President-Real Estate.

                                       6
<PAGE>
    Mr.  Bolen joined the Company as Executive Vice President in July 1994. From
January 1987 until July 1994, he held the positions of Vice President of  Stores
and  more recently  Executive Vice  President and  Chief Operating  Officer with
Leewards Creative  Crafts,  Inc.  Prior  to Leewards,  Mr.  Bolen  held  various
positions with Gemco and Zayre Corporation, principally in store operations.

    Mr.  Rudman became Executive Vice  President and Chief Merchandising Officer
of the Company  in September  1994. He  joined the  Company in  October 1991  as
Senior  Vice  President-Merchandising  and Marketing.  From  October  1990 until
October 1991, he  was Director  of Merchandising  for Best  Products, a  catalog
showroom retailer. From September 1989 until October 1990, Mr. Rudman was Senior
Vice  President-Merchandising/Marketing  and Distribution  for  Silk Greenhouse,
Inc., a chain of retail silk floral and accessory stores which filed a  petition
under  federal bankruptcy laws  in November 1990. From  May 1988 until September
1989, he  served as  Vice President-Non-Foods  Merchandise for  Pace  Membership
Club,  prior  to which  time he  was Vice  President and  Divisional Merchandise
Manager of McCrory's, a chain of variety stores.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

    The Company's  Michaels  stores generally  are  situated in  strip  shopping
centers  located near malls and on well-traveled roads. Almost all stores are in
leased premises with lease terms generally  ranging from five to ten years.  The
base  rental rates  generally range  from $75,000  to $175,000  per year. Rental
expense for stores open during the full 12-month period of fiscal 1994  averaged
$142,000.  The leases  are generally renewable,  with increases  in lease rental
rates. A majority of  the existing leases contain  provisions pursuant to  which
the  lessor has provided leasehold improvements to prepare for opening. However,
the Company  has been  paying and  anticipates continuing  to pay  for a  larger
portion of future improvements directly as opposed to financing them through the
lessor.

    During  1993, the Company purchased a  total of seven properties (consisting
of six parcels of land and seven buildings) at a cost of $8.8 million, generally
acquiring such properties by bidding  for them in reorganization proceedings  of
other  retail companies. Three of the properties have since been sold and leased
back for a specified period of time and certain of the remaining properties  are
being  marketed for sale. It is the  Company's present intention to acquire land
and/or buildings  only  in unusual  circumstances  where the  economics  of  the
transactions appear favorable to the Company and the locations involved fit into
the Company's expansion strategy.

                                       7
<PAGE>
    The  following table indicates the number of the Company's stores located in
each state, province, or commonwealth.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            NUMBER OF STORES
                                                                    --------------------------------
STATE                                                                MICHAELS      AARON BROTHERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>
Alabama...........................................................           5
Alaska............................................................           1
Arizona...........................................................          11                4
Arkansas..........................................................           3
California........................................................          77               65
Colorado..........................................................           9
Connecticut.......................................................           1
Florida...........................................................          14
Georgia...........................................................          16
Illinois..........................................................          21
Indiana...........................................................           9
Iowa..............................................................           6
Kansas............................................................           3
Kentucky..........................................................           3
Louisiana.........................................................           4
Maryland..........................................................           1
Massachusetts.....................................................           8
Michigan..........................................................          17
Minnesota.........................................................           9
Mississippi.......................................................           1
Missouri..........................................................          11
Nebraska..........................................................           1
Nevada............................................................           4                2
New Hampshire.....................................................           2
New Jersey........................................................           7
New Mexico........................................................           2
New York..........................................................          10
North Carolina....................................................          10
Ohio..............................................................          19
Oklahoma..........................................................           7
Ontario...........................................................           8
Oregon............................................................           9
Pennsylvania......................................................           9
Puerto Rico.......................................................           2
Rhode Island......................................................           1
South Carolina....................................................           4
Tennessee.........................................................           8
Texas.............................................................          34
Utah..............................................................           4
Virginia..........................................................           5
Washington........................................................          12
West Virginia.....................................................           1
Wisconsin.........................................................           6
                                                                                             --
                                                                           ---
  Total...........................................................         395               71
                                                                                             --
                                                                                             --
                                                                           ---
                                                                           ---
</TABLE>

    The Company leases a 210,000 square  foot building in Irving, Texas for  use
as a distribution center and as the Company's corporate headquarters, and leases
four  nearby facilities for supplemental warehouse and office space. The Company
also   leases    a   400,000    square   foot    building   in    Buena    Park,

                                       8
<PAGE>
California  for use as  a distribution center  and leases a  350,000 square foot
building in Lexington, Kentucky for the  same purpose. In addition, the  Company
leases  a 160,000  square foot building  in Phoenix,  Arizona for use  as a bulk
warehouse facility. Further, the Company has  entered into a lease on a  500,000
square  foot facility in Jacksonville, Florida, which will become operational as
a distribution center in June 1995.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

    The Company is a defendant from time to time in routine lawsuits  incidental
to  its business.  The Company believes  that none of  such current proceedings,
individually or in the aggregate, will  have a materially adverse effect on  the
Company.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

    The  Company did not submit any matter  to a vote of security holders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

                                    PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.

    Michaels Common Stock began  trading in the  over-the-counter market in  May
1984  and was quoted through the NASDAQ National Market System from May 21, 1985
until December 10,  1986. From December  10, 1986 until  September 3, 1991,  the
Common Stock was traded on the American Stock Exchange. Since September 3, 1991,
the Common Stock has been quoted through the NASDAQ National Market System under
the symbol "MIKE."

    The  following  table  sets forth  the  high  and low  sales  prices  of the
Company's Common Stock  for each  quarterly period  within the  two most  recent
fiscal years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1994                                                   HIGH      LOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------  -------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
First....................................................... $44 3/4  $31
Second......................................................  46 1/2   30 1/2
Third.......................................................  45       29 1/2
Fourth......................................................  45 3/4   32 1/4
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1993                                                   HIGH      LOW
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------  -------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
First....................................................... $34      $26 1/4
Second......................................................  33       25 1/4
Third.......................................................  39       26 3/8
Fourth......................................................  36 1/2   31 7/8
</TABLE>

    On  April 21, 1995, the last reported sale  price of the Common Stock on the
NASDAQ National  Market  System was  $29.25,  and as  of  such date  there  were
approximately 1,155 holders of record of the Common Stock.

    The  Company's present plan is to retain earnings for the foreseeable future
for use in the Company's business and  the financing of its growth. The  Company
did not pay any dividends on its Common Stock during fiscal 1993 and 1994.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

    The  selected financial information required by this item is included in the
Company's 1994 Annual Report  to Shareholders (the  "1994 Annual Report")  under
the  heading "Financial Highlights." Such  information is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

    The information required  by this  item is  included in  the Company's  1994
Annual  Report on pages 17 and 18 under the heading "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Such information  is
incorporated herein by reference.

                                       9
<PAGE>
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

    The  financial statements and  supplementary data required  by this item are
included in this Annual Report  on Form 10-K, or  are included in the  Company's
1994 Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference, as indicated in the
following Index to Financial Statements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND                                                              1994 ANNUAL
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES                                                                  REPORT PAGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Report of Independent Auditors............................................................             26
Consolidated Balance Sheets at
 January 29, 1995 and January 30, 1994....................................................             19
Consolidated Statements of Income for
 the fiscal years ended January 29, 1995,
 January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993....................................................             20
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
 the fiscal years ended January 29, 1995,
 January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993....................................................             21
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'
 Equity for the fiscal years ended
 January 29, 1995, January 30, 1994
 and January 31, 1993.....................................................................             22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................             23
</TABLE>

    All  schedules are omitted since the  required information is not present or
is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules,  or
because  the  information required  is  included in  the  consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

    None.

                                       10
<PAGE>
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

    The  information concerning the directors of the company is set forth in the
Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Company's
Annual Meeting  of  Shareholders  to  be  held  on  June  6,  1995  (the  "Proxy
Statement")  under  the heading  "Election of  Directors," which  information is
incorporated herein by reference. The name,  age and position of each  executive
officer of the Company is set forth under the heading "Executive Officers of the
Registrant"  in Item 1 of this  report, which information is incorporated herein
by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

    The information concerning executive compensation is set forth in the  Proxy
Statement  under  the heading  "Management  Compensation", which  information is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

    The information concerning security  ownership of certain beneficial  owners
and  management is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading "Principal
Shareholders and Management Ownership," which information is incorporated herein
by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

    The information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is
set forth in the Proxy Statement under the heading "Certain Transactions", which
information is incorporated herein by reference.

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

    (a) The following documents  are filed as  a part of  this Annual Report  on
Form 10-K:

        (1) Financial Statements:

           The financial statements filed as a part of this report are listed in
           the "Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules"
           at Item 8.

        (2) Financial Statement Schedules:

           The  financial statement schedules filed as a part of this report are
           listed in the "Index to Financial Statements and Financial  Statement
           Schedules" at Item 8.

        (3) Exhibits:

           The  exhibits  filed  as  a  part of  this  report  are  listed under
           "Exhibits" at subsection (c) of this Item 14.

    (b) Reports of Form 8-K:

       No report on Form 8-K  was filed on behalf  of the Registrant during  the
       last quarter of the period covered by this report.

    (c) Exhibits:

<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
      2.1  --         Agreement  and Plan of  Merger, dated as  of May 10,  1994, among Michaels
                      Stores, Inc., LWA  Acquisition Corporation and  Leewards Creative  Crafts,
                      Inc.(13)
      2.2  --         First  Amendment to Agreement and Plan of  Merger dated as of June 2, 1994
                      among Michaels  Stores, Inc.,  LWA  Acquisition Corporation  and  Leewards
                      Creative Crafts, Inc.(14)
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
      2.3  --         Stock  Purchase Agreement, dated  as of February  16, 1994, among Michaels
                      Stores, Inc., Treasure House Stores, Inc. and the stockholders of Treasure
                      House Stores, Inc.(15)
      2.4  --         Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement(15)
      2.5  --         Agreement and Plan of  Merger, dated as of  March 3, 1994, among  Michaels
                      Stores, Inc. and the other parties listed therein.(13)
      2.6  --         Amendment  No. 1 to  Agreement and Plan  of Merger, dated  as of March 31,
                      1994,  among  Michaels   Stores,  Inc.  and   the  other  parties   listed
                      therein.(13)
      2.7  --         Stock  Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 8, 1995, among Aaron Brothers
                      Holdings, Inc., ABAM Investors  Limited Partnership, and Michaels  Stores,
                      Inc.(1)
      3.1  --         Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated.(8)
      3.2  --         Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(3)
      4.1  --         Form of Common Stock Certificate.(4)
      4.2  --         Common  Stock and Warrant  Agreement dated as of  October 16, 1984 between
                      Michaels Stores, Inc.  and Peoples  Restaurants, Inc.,  including form  of
                      Warrant.(10)
      4.3  --         First  Amendment to Common  Stock and Warrant  Agreement dated October 31,
                      1984 between the First Dallas Group, Ltd. and Michaels Stores, Inc.(10)
      4.4  --         Second Amendment to Common Stock and Warrant Agreement dated November  28,
                      1984  between  First  Dallas  Investments-Michaels  I,  Ltd.  and Michaels
                      Stores, Inc.(10)
      4.5  --         Third Amendment to Common Stock  and Warrant Agreement dated February  27,
                      1985  between First Dallas Investments-Michaels  I, Ltd., The First Dallas
                      Group, Ltd., Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Michaels Stores, Inc.(2)
      4.6  --         Indenture, dated as of January 22, 1993, between Michaels Stores, Inc. and
                      NationsBank  of  Texas,   N.A.,  as   Trustee,  including   the  form   of
                      4 3/4%/6 3/4% Step-up Convertible Subordinated Note included therein.(10)
     10.1  --         Asset  Purchase and Territorial Development Agreement dated March 25, 1983
                      among Dupey Enterprises, Inc.,  Dupey Management Corporation, Michael  and
                      Patricia Dupey Family Trust, Mike Dupey and Patty Dupey.(5)
     10.2  --         Amendment  to Asset  Purchase and Territorial  Development Agreement dated
                      March 30, 1985.(10)
     10.3  --         Release and Settlement  Agreement dated  February 15,  1988 between  Dupey
                      Management Corporation, Michael J. Dupey, Patricia Dupey, Michaels Stores,
                      Inc. and B.B. Tuley.(8)
     10.4  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees 401(k) Plan.(8)
     10.5  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees 401(k) Trust.(6)
     10.6  --         Form  of  Indemnity Agreement  between Michaels  Stores, Inc.  and certain
                      officers and directors of the Registrant.(10)
     10.7  --         Form of Employment  Agreement between  Michaels Stores,  Inc. and  certain
                      directors of the Registrant.(7)(12)
     10.8  --         Form  of Consulting  Agreement between  Michaels Stores,  Inc. and certain
                      directors of the Registrant.(7)(12)
     10.9  --         Form of Employment Agreement between Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain key
                      executives of the Registrant.(7)(12)
    10.10  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees Stock Purchase Plan.(9)
    10.11  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Key Employee Stock Compensation Program, as  amended
                      effective February 25, 1992.(3)(12)
    10.12  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated August 1,
                      1992.(3)(12)
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>
    10.13  --         Form  of Non-Statutory Stock Option  Agreement covering options granted to
                      certain directors and consultants  of the Company  other than pursuant  to
                      the  Michaels Stores, Inc. Key Employee Stock Compensation Program and the
                      Michaels Stores, Inc. 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.(10)(12)
    10.14  --         Credit Agreement dated  June 24,  1993 between Michaels  Stores, Inc.  and
                      NationsBank of Texas, N.A.(11)
    10.15  --         Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 1993.(8)
    10.16  --         Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 1994.(8)
    10.17  --         Credit  Agreement dated April 29, 1994,  between Michaels Stores, Inc. and
                      NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (the "Credit Agreement").(8)
    10.18  --         First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated April 26, 1995.(1)
    10.19  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated March 31,
                      1994.(1)
     11    --         Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.(1)
     13    --         Portions of 1994 Annual  Report to Shareholders  that are incorporated  by
                      reference into Items 6, 7 and 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.(1)
     21.1  --         Subsidiaries of Michaels Stores, Inc.(1)
     23    --         Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.(1)
     27    --         Financial Data Schedule.(1)
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1)  Filed herewith.
(2)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-1 (No. 33-9456) and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)  Previously filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration  Statement
     on Form S-8 (No. 33-54726) and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-1 (No. 2-89370) and incorporated herein by reference.
(5)  Previously  filed  as   an  Exhibit  to   the  Peoples  Restaurants,   Inc.
     Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 2-85737) and incorporated herein by
     reference.
(6)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-8 (No. 33-11985) and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)  Previously filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on  Form
     10-K for the year ended January 29, 1989 and refiled herewith.
(8)  Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  January  30,  1994 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(9)  Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  February  2,  1992 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(10) Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  January  31,  1993 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(11) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
     10-Q  for  the quarter  ended  August 1,  1993  and incorporated  herein by
     reference.
(12) Management contract  or compensatory  plan or  arrangement required  to  be
     filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c).
(13) Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-3 (No. 33-53639) and incorporated herein by reference.
(14) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
     10-Q for  the  quarter  ended  May  1,  1994  and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(15) Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-3 (No. 33-52311) and incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>

                                       13
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant  to  the requirements  of  Section 13  or  15(d) of  the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                          MICHAELS STORES, INC.

Date: April 28, 1995                      By:           /s/ SAM WYLY

                                          --------------------------------------
                                                         Sam Wyly
                                            CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                               AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Pursuant to the requirements  of the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934,  this
report  has  been  signed  below  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<C>                                      <S>                               <C>
                                         Chairman of the Board of
                   /s/ SAM WYLY           Directors and Chief Executive
- --------------------------------------    Officer (Principal Executive     April 28, 1995
               Sam Wyly                   Officer)

           /s/ CHARLES J. WYLY, JR.
- --------------------------------------   Vice Chairman of the Board of     April 28, 1995
         Charles J. Wyly, Jr.             Directors

                 /s/ JACK E. BUSH
- --------------------------------------   President, Chief Operating        April 28, 1995
             Jack E. Bush                 Officer and Director

                                         Executive Vice President and
                /s/ R. DON MORRIS         Chief Financial Officer
- --------------------------------------    (Principal Financial and         April 28, 1995
             R. Don Morris                Accounting Officer)

                 /s/ EVAN A. WYLY
- --------------------------------------   Vice President and Director       April 28, 1995
             Evan A. Wyly

- --------------------------------------   Director
            William O. Hunt

                /s/ F. JAY TAYLOR
- --------------------------------------   Director                          April 28, 1995
             F. Jay Taylor

- --------------------------------------   Director
           Richard E. Hanlon

          /s/ DONALD R. MILLER, JR.
- --------------------------------------   Vice President-Market             April 28, 1995
         Donald R. Miller, Jr.            Development, and Director

             /s/ MICHAEL C. FRENCH
- --------------------------------------   Director                          April 28, 1995
           Michael C. French
</TABLE>

                                       14
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                             NUMBERED
  NO.                    DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                                        PAGE
- ------                   ----------------------                                                    ------------
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                          <C>
      2.1  --         Agreement  and Plan of  Merger, dated as  of May 10,  1994, among Michaels
                      Stores, Inc., LWA  Acquisition Corporation and  Leewards Creative  Crafts,
                      Inc.(13)
      2.2  --         First  Amendment to Agreement and Plan of  Merger dated as of June 2, 1994
                      among Michaels  Stores, Inc.,  LWA  Acquisition Corporation  and  Leewards
                      Creative Crafts, Inc.(14)
      2.3  --         Stock  Purchase Agreement, dated  as of February  16, 1994, among Michaels
                      Stores, Inc., Treasure House Stores, Inc. and the stockholders of Treasure
                      House Stores, Inc.(15)
      2.4  --         Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement(15)
      2.5  --         Agreement and Plan of  Merger, dated as of  March 3, 1994, among  Michaels
                      Stores, Inc. and the other parties listed therein.(13)
      2.6  --         Amendment  No. 1 to  Agreement and Plan  of Merger, dated  as of March 31,
                      1994,  among  Michaels   Stores,  Inc.  and   the  other  parties   listed
                      therein.(13)
      2.7  --         Stock  Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 8, 1995, among Aaron Brothers
                      Holdings, Inc., ABAM Investors  Limited Partnership, and Michaels  Stores,
                      Inc.(1)
      3.1  --         Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated.(8)
      3.2  --         Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(3)
      4.1  --         Form of Common Stock Certificate.(4)
      4.2  --         Common  Stock and Warrant  Agreement dated as of  October 16, 1984 between
                      Michaels Stores, Inc.  and Peoples  Restaurants, Inc.,  including form  of
                      Warrant.(10)
      4.3  --         First  Amendment to Common  Stock and Warrant  Agreement dated October 31,
                      1984 between the First Dallas Group, Ltd. and Michaels Stores, Inc.(10)
      4.4  --         Second Amendment to Common Stock and Warrant Agreement dated November  28,
                      1984  between  First  Dallas  Investments-Michaels  I,  Ltd.  and Michaels
                      Stores, Inc.(10)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                             NUMBERED
  NO.                    DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                                        PAGE
- ------                   ----------------------                                                    ------------
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                          <C>
      4.5  --         Third Amendment to Common Stock  and Warrant Agreement dated February  27,
                      1985  between First Dallas Investments-Michaels  I, Ltd., The First Dallas
                      Group, Ltd., Sam Wyly, Charles J. Wyly, Jr. and Michaels Stores, Inc.(2)
      4.6  --         Indenture, dated as of January 22, 1993, between Michaels Stores, Inc. and
                      NationsBank  of  Texas,   N.A.,  as   Trustee,  including   the  form   of
                      4 3/4%/6 3/4% Step-up Convertible Subordinated Note included therein.(10)
     10.1  --         Asset  Purchase and Territorial Development Agreement dated March 25, 1983
                      among Dupey Enterprises, Inc.,  Dupey Management Corporation, Michael  and
                      Patricia Dupey Family Trust, Mike Dupey and Patty Dupey.(5)
     10.2  --         Amendment  to Asset  Purchase and Territorial  Development Agreement dated
                      March 30, 1985.(10)
     10.3  --         Release and Settlement  Agreement dated  February 15,  1988 between  Dupey
                      Management Corporation, Michael J. Dupey, Patricia Dupey, Michaels Stores,
                      Inc. and B.B. Tuley.(8)
     10.4  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees 401(k) Plan.(8)
     10.5  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees 401(k) Trust.(6)
     10.6  --         Form  of  Indemnity Agreement  between Michaels  Stores, Inc.  and certain
                      officers and directors of the Registrant.(10)
     10.7  --         Form of Employment  Agreement between  Michaels Stores,  Inc. and  certain
                      directors of the Registrant.(7)(12)
     10.8  --         Form  of Consulting  Agreement between  Michaels Stores,  Inc. and certain
                      directors of the Registrant.(7)(12)
     10.9  --         Form of Employment Agreement between Michaels Stores, Inc. and certain key
                      executives of the Registrant.(7)(12)
    10.10  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Employees Stock Purchase Plan.(9)
    10.11  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. Key Employee Stock Compensation Program, as  amended
                      effective February 25, 1992.(3)(12)
    10.12  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated August 1,
                      1992.(3)(12)
    10.13  --         Form  of Non-Statutory Stock Option  Agreement covering options granted to
                      certain directors and consultants  of the Company  other than pursuant  to
                      the  Michaels Stores, Inc. Key Employee Stock Compensation Program and the
                      Michaels Stores, Inc. 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan.(10)(12)
    10.14  --         Credit Agreement dated  June 24,  1993 between Michaels  Stores, Inc.  and
                      NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (the "Credit Agreement").(11)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                             NUMBERED
  NO.                    DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                                        PAGE
- ------                   ----------------------                                                    ------------
<S>        <C>        <C>                                                                          <C>
    10.15  --         Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 1993.(8)
    10.16  --         Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 1994.(8)
    10.17  --         Credit  Agreement dated April 29, 1994,  between Michaels Stores, Inc. and
                      NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (the "Credit Agreement").(8)
    10.18  --         First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated April 26, 1995.(1)
    10.19  --         Michaels Stores, Inc. 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated March 31,
                      1994.(1)
     11    --         Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.(1)
     13    --         Portions of 1994 Annual  Report to Shareholders  that are incorporated  by
                      reference into Items 6, 7 and 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.(1)
     21.1  --         Subsidiaries of Michaels Stores, Inc.(1)
     23    --         Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.(1)
     27    --         Financial Data Schedule.(1)

<PAGE>
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1)  Filed herewith.
(2)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-1 (No. 33-9456) and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)  Previously filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration  Statement
     on Form S-8 (No. 33-54726) and incorporated herein by reference.
(4)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-1 (No. 2-89370) and incorporated herein by reference.
(5)  Previously  filed  as   an  Exhibit  to   the  Peoples  Restaurants,   Inc.
     Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 2-85737) and incorporated herein by
     reference.
(6)  Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-8 (No. 33-11985) and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)  Previously filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on  Form
     10-K for the year ended January 29, 1989 and refiled herewith.
(8)  Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  January  30,  1994 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(9)  Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  February  2,  1992 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(10) Previously  filed as an  Exhibit to the Registrant's  Annual Report on Form
     10-K for  the  year ended  January  31,  1993 and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(11) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
     10-Q  for  the quarter  ended  August 1,  1993  and incorporated  herein by
     reference.
(12) Management contract  or compensatory  plan or  arrangement required  to  be
     filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c).
(13) Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-3 (No. 33-53639) and incorporated herein by reference.
(14) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
     10-Q for  the  quarter  ended  May  1,  1994  and  incorporated  herein  by
     reference.
(15) Previously  filed as an Exhibit  to the Registrant's Registration Statement
     on Form S-3 (No. 33-52311) and incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>










                         STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT




                              ACQUISITION OF

                       AARON BROTHERS HOLDINGS, INC.


                                    BY


                           MICHAELS STORES, INC.



<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I.
     Definitions
          Section 1.01.  Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

ARTICLE II.
     Purchase and Sale
          Section 2.01.  Purchase and Sale of Stock. . . . . . . . . . .  5
          Section 2.02.  Purchase Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
          Section 2.03.  Escrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

ARTICLE III.
     Representations and Warranties
          Section 3.01.  Ownership of the Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
          Section 3.02.  Organization and Good Standing; Qualification .  6
          Section 3.03.  Capitalization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
          Section 3.04.  Corporate Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
          Section 3.05.  Authorization and Validity. . . . . . . . . . .  7
          Section 3.06.  Subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
          Section 3.07.  No Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
          Section 3.08.  Consents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
          Section 3.09.  Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
          Section 3.10.  Liabilities and Obligations . . . . . . . . . .  9
          Section 3.11.  Employee Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
          Section 3.12.  Employee Benefit Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
          Section 3.13.  Absence of Certain Changes. . . . . . . . . . . 13
          Section 3.14.  Title; Leased Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
          Section 3.15.  Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
          Section 3.16.  Adverse Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
          Section 3.17.  Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
          Section 3.18.  Patents, Trademarks, Service Marks and
                         Copyrights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
          Section 3.19.  Trade Secrets and Customer Lists. . . . . . . . 19
          Section 3.20.  Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
          Section 3.21.  Compliance with Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
          Section 3.22.  Finder's Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
          Section 3.23.  Litigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
          Section 3.24.  Accuracy of Information Furnished . . . . . . . 22
          Section 3.25.  Condition of Fixed Assets . . . . . . . . . . . 22
          Section 3.26.  Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
          Section 3.27.  Books of Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
          Section 3.28.  Corporate Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
          Section 3.29.  Distributions and Repurchases . . . . . . . . . 23
          Section 3.30.  Banking Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
          Section 3.31.  Ownership Interests of Interested Persons . . . 23

<PAGE>

          Section 3.32.  Investments in Competitors. . . . . . . . . . . 23
          Section 3.33.  Environmental Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
          Section 3.34.  Certain Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
          Section 3.35.  HSR Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
          Section 3.36.  No Knowledge of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

ARTICLE IV.
     Representations and Warranties of the Shareholder
          Section 4.01.  No Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

ARTICLE V.
     Representations and Warranties of Michaels
          Section 5.01.  Organization and Good Standing. . . . . . . . . 25
          Section 5.02.  Authorization and Validity. . . . . . . . . . . 25
          Section 5.03.  No Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.04.  Finder's Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.05.  [Intentionally Omitted] . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.06.  Corporate Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.07.  HSR Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.08.  Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
          Section 5.09.  No Knowledge of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ARTICLE VI.
     The Company's and the Shareholder's Covenants
          Section 6.01.  Consummation of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . 27
          Section 6.02.  Business Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
          Section 6.03.  Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
          Section 6.04.  Material Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
          Section 6.05.  [Intentionally Omitted] . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
          Section 6.06.  Employee Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
          Section 6.07.  Employee Benefit Plans and Taxes. . . . . . . . 28
          Section 6.08.  Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
          Section 6.09.  Changes in Inventory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
          Section 6.10.  Capital Assets; Payments of Liabilities . . . . 29
          Section 6.11.  Mortgages, Liens and Guaranties . . . . . . . . 29
          Section 6.12.  No Negotiation with Others. . . . . . . . . . . 29
          Section 6.13.  Distributions and Repurchases . . . . . . . . . 29

ARTICLE VII.
     Michaels' Covenants
          Section 7.01.  Consummation of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ARTICLE VIII.
     Michaels' Conditions Precedent
          Section 8.01.  Representations and Warranties. . . . . . . . . 30
          Section 8.02.  Covenants and Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . 30

<PAGE>

          Section 8.03.  Legal Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
          Section 8.04.  Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
          Section 8.05.  Resignations of Directors and Officers. . . . . 30
          Section 8.06.  Code Section 1445(b)(3) Affidavit . . . . . . . 31
          Section 8.07.  Release of Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
          Section 8.08.  Closing Deliveries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
          Section 8.09.  Revolving Portion of Bank Debt. . . . . . . . . 31

ARTICLE IX.
     The Company's and the Shareholder's Conditions Precedent
          Section 9.01.  Representations and Warranties. . . . . . . . . 31
          Section 9.02.  Covenants and Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
          Section 9.03.  Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
          Section 9.04.  Closing Deliveries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
          Section 9.05.  Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ARTICLE X.
     Closing Deliveries
          Section 10.01. Deliveries of the Company and the Shareholder . 32
          Section 10.02. Deliveries of Michaels. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ARTICLE XI.
     Post-Closing Matters
          Section 11.01. Further Instruments of Transfer . . . . . . . . 34
          Section 11.02. [Intentionally Omitted] . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
          Section 11.03. [Intentionally Omitted] . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
          Section 11.04. Bankruptcy Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
          Section 11.05. Davis Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ARTICLE XII.
     Remedies
          Section 12.01. Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
          Section 12.02. Indemnification by Michaels . . . . . . . . . . 38
          Section 12.03. Conditions of Indemnification . . . . . . . . . 38
          Section 12.04. Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
          Section 12.05. Exclusivity of Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
          Section 12.06. Costs, Expenses and Legal Fees. . . . . . . . . 39
          Section 12.07. Specific Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
          Section 12.08. Tax Effect of Indemnification . . . . . . . . . 40

ARTICLE XIII.
     Termination
          Section 13.01. Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40


<PAGE>

ARTICLE XIV.
     Miscellaneous
          Section 14.01. Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
          Section 14.02. Assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
          Section 14.03. Parties In Interest; No Third Party
                         Beneficiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
          Section 14.04. Entire Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
          Section 14.05. Severability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.06. [Intentionally Omitted].. . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.07. Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.08. Captions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.09. Gender and Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.10. Reference to Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
          Section 14.11. Confidentiality; Publicity and Disclosures. . . 42
          Section 14.12. Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
          Section 14.13. [Intentionally Omitted] . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
          Section 14.14. Service of Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
          Section 14.15. Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

<PAGE>

                                    SCHEDULES

Schedule A - Ownership of Stock
Schedule 2.02(c) - Form of Closing Statement
Schedule 2.03 - Form of Escrow Agreement

Disclosure Schedule
Schedule 8.03 - Form of Company and Shareholder Legal Opinion
Schedule 8.05 - Schedule of Company Resignations
Schedule 8.06 - Tax Affidavit
Schedule 8.07 - Form of Release and Waiver
Schedule 9.05 - Form of Michaels Legal Opinion
Schedule 10.01(m) - Form of Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement
Schedule 10.01(r) - Side Letter Agreement

<PAGE>

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     This Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of March 8,
1995, among Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), ABAM Investors Limited Partnership, a Cayman Islands limited
partnership (which is the holder of all of the outstanding capital stock of
the Company) (the "Shareholder"), and Michaels Stores, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Michaels"),

                           W I T N E S S E T H :
                           -------------------

     WHEREAS, the Shareholder holds all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of the Company, as set forth on Schedule A (the "Stock"),
and desires to sell, and Michaels desires to purchase, the Stock;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations,
warranties and covenants herein contained, and on the terms and subject to
the conditions herein set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                ARTICLE I.

                               DEFINITIONS

     SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS.  As used in this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

     (a)  "Aaron Brothers" shall mean Aaron Brothers, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

     (b)  "Art Marts" shall mean Aaron Brothers Art Marts, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

     (c)  "Audited Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.09.

     (d)  "Bank Debt" shall mean, as of the close of business on the Closing
Date, the outstanding obligations of Aaron Brothers to Lender pursuant to the
Credit Agreement, such amount to include the principal amount of the
indebtedness, and any accrued and unpaid interest, unpaid fees, expenses and
any other obligations which may be owed by Aaron Brothers to Lender
thereunder and are required to be paid.

     (e)  "Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.04.

     (f)  "best knowledge", "have no knowledge of", or "do not know of" and
similar phrases shall mean (i) in the case of a natural person, the
particular fact was known, or not known, as the context requires, to such
person after diligent investigation, reasonable under the circumstances, and
inquiry by such person, reasonable under the circumstances, and (ii) in the
case of an entity, the particular fact was known, or not known, as the
context requires, to any

<PAGE>

Executive of such entity after diligent investigation and inquiry by the
appropriate personnel of such entity.

     (g)  "Cash Compensation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(a).

     (h)  "Cash Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b).

     (i)  "CERCLA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.33(a).

     (j)  "Closing" shall mean the closing of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, which shall occur at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the
Closing Date in the offices of Siller Wilk & Mencher LLP, 747 Third Avenue,
New York, New York 10017, or at such other time and place as shall be
mutually agreed in writing by the parties hereto.

     (k)  "Closing Date" shall mean March 8, 1995 or such other date as may
be mutually agreed in writing, but in no event later than March 17, 1995.

     (l)  "Closing Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(c).

     (m)  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     (n)  "Commitments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.15(a).

     (o)  "Company Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.03.

     (p)  "Company Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.03.

     (q)  "Compensation Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(b).

     (r)  "Confidentiality Agreement" means the confidentiality agreement
executed by Michaels in favor of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

     (s)  "Controlled Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.12(g).

     (t)  "Credit Agreement" shall mean that certain Credit and Security
Agreement, dated March 31, 1988, as amended, by and between Lender and Aaron
Brothers.

     (u)  "Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.01.

     (v)  "Davis Cases" shall mean (i) Princeton Gateway Associates, Ltd. v.
Aaron Brothers Art Marts, Inc. et. al., Superior Court of New Jersey, Law
Division--Morris County, Docket No. MRS-L-2985-92 and (ii) Aaron Brothers,
Inc. v. William G. Davis, et. al., Superior Court of California, Los Angeles
County, Case No. BC059508.

                                     -2-

<PAGE>

     (w)  "Disclosure Schedule" means the disclosure schedule prepared by the
Company and delivered to Michaels pursuant to this Agreement.

     (x)  "Employee Benefit Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.12(a).

     (y)  "Employee Policies and Procedures" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.11(d).

     (z)  "Employment Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(c).

     (aa) "Environmental Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.33(a).

     (ab) "ERISA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.12(a).

     (ac) "Escrow Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

     (ad) "Escrow Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

     (ae) "Escrow Deposit" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

     (af) "Escrowed Amount" shall mean $1,500,000.

     (ag) "Executive" shall mean any of Messrs. George P. Orban, Anthony J.
Cincotta, William F. McLeod, Norman Hullinger and Stephen I. Siller, and Ms.
Betty Smith.

     (ah) "Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.09.

     (ai) "Fixed Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.25.

     (aj) "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied.

     (ak) "herein", "hereof" and "hereto" shall have the meanings set forth
in Section 14.10.

     (al) "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     (am) "indemnifying party" and "party to be indemnified" shall have the
meanings set forth in Section 12.03.

     (an) "Lender" shall mean MNC Credit Corp. or its successors and assigns
under the Credit Agreement.

                                     -3-

<PAGE>

     (ao) "Material Adverse Change" shall mean, as regards the Company or any
Subsidiary, or all of them, a material adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, assets or liabilities, of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

     (ap) "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, as regards the Company or any
Subsidiary, or all of them, a material adverse effect on the condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, assets or liabilities, of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

     (aq) "ordinary course of business" means the usual and customary way in
which the Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, has conducted its
business since January 31, 1994.

     (ar) "Overall Foreign Loss" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.20(p).

     (as) "Personal Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.14(b).

     (at) "Proprietary Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.18(a).

     (au) "Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a).

     (av) "RCRA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.33(a).

     (aw) "Real Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a).

     (ax) "Safe Harbor Lease" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.20(i).

     (ay) "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     (az) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation, partnership, joint venture
or other legal entity of which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 100%
of the stock or other equity interests the holders of which are generally
entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other
governing body of such corporation or other legal entity; and shall include
within the meaning of the term each Subsidiary, as defined above, of any
Subsidiary of the Company.

     (ba)     "Superfund" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.33(d).

     (bb)     "Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean all federal, state, local, foreign
and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem,
transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use,
withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation,
premium, property, windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees
assessments or changes of any kind whatever, together with any interest and
penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto.


                                     -4-

<PAGE>

     (bc)  "tax exempt entity" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.20(j).

     (bd)  "Unaudited Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.09.

     (be)  "United States Real Property Interest" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.20(l).

     (bf)  "Year-End Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.09.

                                ARTICLE II.

                             PURCHASE AND SALE

     SECTION 2.01. PURCHASE AND SALE OF STOCK.  Subject to and upon the terms
and conditions contained herein, at the Closing, the Shareholder shall sell,
transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Michaels, free and clear of all
adverse claims, security interests, liens, claims and encumbrances, and
Michaels shall purchase, accept and acquire from the Shareholder, the Stock.

     SECTION 2.02. PURCHASE PRICE.

     (a)  TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE.  The total purchase price for the Stock (the
"Purchase Price") shall be an amount equal to the following:  $25,000,000
minus the amount of the Bank Debt.

     (b)  NATURE OF CONSIDERATION.  The Purchase Price shall be delivered in
cash ("Cash Consideration").

     (c)  COMPUTATION OF PURCHASE PRICE.  At the Closing, the Company shall
deliver to Michaels a certificate setting forth the amount of the Bank Debt.
At the Closing, Michaels shall then complete the Closing Statement, in the
form attached hereto as Schedule 2.02(c), computing the Purchase Price
subject to the escrow arrangement set forth in Section 2.03 below.

     SECTION 2.03. ESCROW.  At the Closing, Michaels shall deposit in escrow
cash equal to the Escrow Amount (the "Escrow Deposit"), pursuant to the terms
of an Escrow Agreement (the "Escrow Agreement") in the form set forth in
Schedule 2.03, to be entered into among the Stockholder, the Representative
(as therein defined), Michaels and Jackson & Walker, L.L.P., as escrow agent
(the "Escrow Agent").  The Escrow Deposit shall be released from escrow,
after provisions for any Damages for which Michaels may be entitled to
indemnified pursuant to Article XII of this Agreement in accordance with the
terms of the Escrow Agreement.

                                    -5-

<PAGE>

                               ARTICLE III.

                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                    OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER

     The Company and the Shareholder jointly and severally represent and
warrant that the following are true and correct as of the date hereof:

     SECTION 3.01. OWNERSHIP OF THE STOCK.  Except as set forth in Section
3.01 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Shareholder owns, beneficially and of
record, good title to the Stock, which constitutes all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company, free and clear of all security
interests, liens, adverse claims, encumbrances, equities, proxies, options or
shareholders' agreements.  At the Closing, the Shareholder will convey to
Michaels good and valid title to all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of the Company, free and clear of any security interests, liens,
adverse claims, encumbrances, equities, proxies, options, shareholders'
agreements or restrictions.

     SECTION 3.02. ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING; QUALIFICATION.  The
Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its state of incorporation, with all requisite
corporate power and authority to carry on the business in which it is
engaged, to own the properties it owns, to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.   The Company is duly
qualified and licensed to do business and is in good standing in all
jurisdictions where the nature of its business makes such qualification
necessary, which jurisdictions are listed in Section 3.02 of the Disclosure
Schedule, except where the failure to be qualified or licensed would not have
a Material Adverse Effect.  The Company does not have any assets, employees
or offices in any state other than the states listed in Section 3.02 of the
Disclosure Schedule and other than as otherwise disclosed in Section 3.02.

     SECTION 3.03. CAPITALIZATION.  The authorized capital stock of the
Company consists of (i) 150,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share (the "Company Common Stock"), of which 1 share is issued and
outstanding, and (ii) 100,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per
share ("Company Preferred Stock"), of which 10,000 shares are issued and
outstanding, and no shares of such capital stock are held in the treasury of
the Company.  All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company
are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Except as
set forth in Section 3.03 of the Disclosure Schedule, there exist no options,
warrants, subscriptions or other rights to purchase, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for, the capital stock of the Company.
Except as set forth in Section 3.03 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the
Shareholder nor the Company is a party to or bound by, nor do they have any
knowledge of, any agreement, instrument, arrangement, contract, obligation,
commitment or understanding of any character, whether written or oral,
express or implied, relating to the sale, assignment, encumbrance,
conveyance, transfer or delivery of any capital stock of the Corporation.  No
shares of capital stock of the Company have been issued or disposed of in
violation of the preemptive rights of any of the Company's

                                    -6-

<PAGE>

shareholders.  All accrued dividends on the capital stock of the Company,
whether or not declared, have been paid in full.

     SECTION 3.04. CORPORATE RECORDS.  The copies of the Certificate of
Incorporation and all amendments thereto and the Bylaws, as amended, of the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries that have been delivered to Michaels are
true, correct and complete copies thereof, as in effect on the date hereof.
To the best knowledge of the Company with respect to matters before April 6,
1988, the minute books of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, copies of
which have been delivered or made available to Michaels, contain accurate
minutes of all meetings of, and accurate consents to all actions taken
without meetings by, the Board of Directors (and any committees thereof) and
the shareholders of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries since the
formation of the Company or such Subsidiary.

     SECTION 3.05. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY.  The execution, delivery and
performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other agreements
contemplated hereby, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by the Company and the
Shareholder.  This Agreement and each other agreement to be executed by the
Company or the Shareholder in connection herewith have been or will be as of
the Closing Date duly executed and delivered by the Company and the
Shareholder and constitute or will constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company and the Shareholder, as the case may be,
enforceable against the Company and the Shareholder in accordance with their
respective terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the
availability of equitable remedies (whether enforcement is sought by an
action or proceeding in equity or at law).  Except as set forth in Section
3.05 of the Disclosure Schedule, the sale of the Stock by the Shareholder to
Michaels will not impair the ability or authority of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries to carry on its business as now conducted in any material
respect.

     SECTION 3.06. SUBSIDIARIES.  The Company does not own, directly or
indirectly, any of the capital stock of any other corporation or any equity,
profit sharing, participation or other interest in any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other entity, except the Subsidiaries listed in
Section 3.06 of the Disclosure Schedule.  Except as set forth in Section 3.06
of the Disclosure Schedule, each Subsidiary is duly organized and validly
existing in good standing under the laws of the state in which it is
incorporated, and except as set forth in Section 3.06 of the Disclosure
Schedule, is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each
jurisdiction wherein failure to qualify to do business could adversely affect
the Subsidiary.  The Company has delivered to Michaels true, complete and
correct copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of each
Subsidiary, as in effect on the date hereof.  The authorized capital of each
Subsidiary is set forth in Section 3.06 of the Disclosure Schedule.  All
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary are duly
authorized and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable
and are owned by the Company free and clear of all security interests, liens,
adverse claims, encumbrances, equities, proxies, options or shareholders'
agreements.  There are in existence no outstanding options, warrants or
similar rights granted by any Subsidiary, or any agreements to which any
Subsidiary is a party, for the

                                    -7-

<PAGE>

issuance or sale by it of any securities except to the Company.  Except as
set forth in Section 3.06 of the Disclosure Schedule, each Subsidiary has
obtained or duly applied for all such material licenses, permits and
certificates from government agencies and authorities as are necessary to the
conduct of its business which, if not obtained, could result in a Material
Adverse Effect, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not result in the loss or impairment of, or any default under, any such
license, permit or certificate.

     SECTION 3.07. NO VIOLATION.  Except as set forth in Section 3.07 of the
Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, in each case by the Company
or the Shareholder, will (i) conflict with, or result in a violation or
breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default
under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any
Subsidiary or any agreement, indenture or other instrument under which the
Company or any Subsidiary is bound or to which the Stock or any of the assets
of the Company or capital stock or any of the assets of any Subsidiary are
subject, or result in the creation or imposition of any security interest,
lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Stock or any of the assets of the
Company or the capital stock or any of the assets of any Subsidiary, or (ii)
violate or conflict with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation of any court or any public, governmental or regulatory agency or
body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Stock or the assets of the
Company or the capital stock or any of the assets of any Subsidiary, which
conflict or violation would have a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.08. CONSENTS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.08 of the
Disclosure Schedule, no consent, authorization, approval, permit or license
of, or filing with, any governmental or public body or authority, any lender
or lessor or any other person or entity is required to authorize, or is
required in connection with, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby, on the part of the Company
or the Shareholder, except where the failure to obtain any such consent,
authorization, approval, permit or license, or to make any such filing, could
not have a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.09. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The Company has furnished to
Michaels the audited consolidated balance sheet and related audited
consolidated statements of operations, retained earnings and cash flows for
the year ended January 31, 1994, including the notes thereto (the "Audited
Statements"), as well as unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related
unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the eleven
months ended January 1, 1995 (the "Unaudited Statements") (collectively, the
"Financial Statements").  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.09 of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Financial Statements are in accordance with the
books and records of the Company and the Subsidiaries, fairly present the
consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company and
the Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated and have been
prepared in conformity with GAAP; provided, however, that the Unaudited
Statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments, do not contain
footnote disclosures and are not audited.  The Company has also furnished to
Michaels the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and related unaudited
consolidated statements

                                    -8-

<PAGE>

of operations, shareholder's equity and cash flows for the year ended January
29, 1995, excluding notes thereto (the "Year-End Statements").  The Year-End
Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the Company and
the Subsidiaries, fairly present the consolidated financial position and
results of operations and the cash flows of the Company and the Subsidiaries
as of the date and for the period indicated, and have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.09 of the Disclosure
Schedule, there will not be any material changes in the Year-End Statements
in connection with the audit thereof by Price Waterhouse, the Company's
independent auditors.

     SECTION 3.10.  LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS.  Other than those set forth
in Section 3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule or reflected in the Financial
Statements or the Year End Statements, there are no material liabilities or
obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary, accrued, contingent or
otherwise which arose outside of the ordinary course of business and which
are not fully covered by insurance (except for any applicable deductible).
Except as set forth in Section 3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, all reserves
shown in the Financial Statements are appropriate, reasonable and sufficient
to provide for losses thereby contemplated.  Except as set forth in the
Financial Statements or in Section 3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary is liable upon or with respect to, or
obligated in any other way to provide funds in respect of or to guarantee or
assume in any manner, any debt, obligation or dividend of any person,
corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity,
other than of the Company or any Subsidiary, and neither the Company, any
Subsidiary nor the Shareholder know of any basis for the assertion of any
other claims or liabilities of any nature or in any amount which claim or
liability, if imposed on the Company or any Subsidiary, would have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.11.  EMPLOYEE MATTERS.

     (a)  CASH COMPENSATION.  Section 3.11(a) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and accurate list of the names, titles and cash
compensation, including without limitation wages, salaries, bonuses
(discretionary and formula) and other cash compensation (the "Cash
Compensation") of all employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries who are
currently compensated at a rate in excess of $50,000 per year and who earned
in excess of such amount during the Company's or such Subsidiary's preceding
fiscal year.  In addition, Section 3.11(a) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and accurate description of (i) all increases in Cash
Compensation of employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries during the
current and immediately preceding fiscal years of the Company and (ii) any
promised increases in Cash Compensation of employees of the Company and the
Subsidiaries that have not yet been effected in excess of 4% of base
compensation.

     (b)  COMPENSATION PLANS.  Section 3.11(b) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and accurate list of all compensation plans, arrangements
or practices (the "Compensation Plans") sponsored by the Company or the
Subsidiaries or to which the Company or any Subsidiary contributes on behalf
of its employees, other than Employee Benefit Plans listed in Section 3.12(a)
of the Disclosure Schedule.  The Compensation Plans include without

                                    -9-

<PAGE>

limitation plans, arrangements or practices that provide for severance pay,
deferred compensation, incentive, bonus or performance awards, and stock
ownership or stock options.  The Company has provided or made available to
Michaels a copy of each written Compensation Plan and a written description
of each unwritten Compensation Plan.  Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of
the Disclosure Schedule, each of the Compensation Plans can be terminated or
amended at will by the Company or its Subsidiaries.

     (c)  EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.  Section 3.11(c) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and accurate list of all employment agreements (the
"Employment Agreements") to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party
with respect to its employees.  The Employment Agreements include without
limitation employee leasing agreements, employee services agreements and
noncompetition agreements.  The Company has provided or made available to
Michaels a copy of each written Employment Agreement and a written
description of each unwritten Employment Agreement.

     (d)  EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.  Section 3.11(d) of the
Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and accurate list of all employee
manuals, policies, procedures and work-related rules (the "Employee Policies
and Procedures") that presently apply to employees of the Company or any
Subsidiary.  The Company has provided or made available to Michaels a copy of
all written Employee Policies and Procedures and a written description of all
unwritten Employee Policies and Procedures.  Each of the Employee Policies
and Procedures can be amended or terminated at will by the Company or the
appropriate Subsidiary, as the case may be.

     (e)  UNWRITTEN AMENDMENTS.  No unwritten amendments have been made,
whether by oral communication, pattern of conduct or otherwise, with respect
to any Compensation Plans, Employment Agreements or Employee Policies and
Procedures.

     (f)  LABOR COMPLIANCE.  Except as set forth in Section 3.11(f) of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each Subsidiary:

          (i)  has been and is in material compliance with all laws, rules,
     regulations and ordinances respecting employment and employment practices,
     terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours (including those
     relating to workers' compensation benefits), and

          (ii)  is not liable for any arrears of wages or penalties for failure
     to comply with any of the foregoing matters set forth in (i) above.

     Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the Disclosure Schedule, since
April 6, 1988, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has engaged in any
unfair labor practice or discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability or handicap in its employment
conditions or practices which would have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                   -10-

<PAGE>

          Except as set forth in Section 3.11(f) of the Disclosure Schedule,
     there are presently no

          (i)  unfair labor practice charges or complaints or racial, color,
     religious, sex, national origin, age, disability or handicap
     discrimination charges or complaints pending or, to the knowledge of the
     Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary before any
     federal, state or local court, board, department, commission or agency
     nor, to the knowledge of the Company, does any basis therefor exist or

          (ii)  existing or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
     labor strikes, disputes, grievances, controversies or other labor
     troubles affecting the Company or any Subsidiary, nor does any basis
     therefor exist.

     (g)  UNIONS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has, since April 6,
1988, ever been a party to any agreement with any union, labor organization
or collective bargaining unit.  No employees of the Company or any Subsidiary
are represented by any union, labor organization or collective bargaining
unit in connection with their employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.
To the best knowledge of the Company, except as set forth in Section 3.11(g)
of the Disclosure Schedule, the employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries
have no intention to and have not, since April 6, 1988, to the knowledge of
the Company threatened to organize or join a union, labor organization or
collective bargaining unit.

     (h)  ALIENS.  All employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries are
citizens of, or are authorized to be employed in, the United States.

     SECTION 3.12.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.

     (a)  IDENTIFICATION.  Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and accurate list of all employee benefit plans (the
"Employee Benefit Plans") (within the meaning of Section 3(2) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) sponsored by
the Company or any Subsidiary or to which the Company or any Subsidiary
contributes on behalf of its employees and all Employee Benefit Plans
previously sponsored or contributed to on behalf of its employees within the
three years preceding the date hereof.  The Company has provided or made
available to Michaels copies of all plan documents, determination letters,
pending determination letter applications, trust instruments, insurance
contracts, administrative services contracts, annual reports, actuarial
valuations, summary plan descriptions, administrative forms and other
documents that constitute a part of or are incident to the administration of
the Employee Benefit Plans.  Each of the Employee Benefit Plans can be
terminated or amended at will by the Company or the appropriate Subsidiary,
as the case may be, subject to COBRA and any other applicable requirements of
ERISA or any other law.  No unwritten amendment exists with respect to any
Employee Benefit Plan.

                                   -11-

<PAGE>

     (b)  ADMINISTRATION.  Each Employee Benefit Plan has been administered
and maintained in all material respects in compliance with all laws, rules
and regulations.

     (c)  EXAMINATIONS.  No Employee Benefit Plan is currently the subject of
an audit, investigation, enforcement action or other similar proceeding
conducted by any state or federal agency.

     (d)  PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS.  Since April 6, 1988, no prohibited
transactions (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code) have occurred
with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan.

     (e)  CLAIMS AND LITIGATION.  No threatened (to the best knowledge of the
Company) or pending claims, suits or other proceedings exist with respect to
any Employee Benefit Plan other than normal benefit claims filed by
participants or beneficiaries.

     (f)  QUALIFICATION.  The Company or the appropriate Subsidiary has
received a favorable determination letter or ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service for each existing Employee Benefit Plan intended to be qualified
within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code and/or tax-exempt within the
meaning of Section 501(a) of the Code.  To the best knowledge of the Company,
no proceedings exist or have been threatened that could result in the
revocation of any such favorable determination letter or ruling.

     (g)  FUNDING STATUS.  No accumulated funding deficiency (within the
meaning of Section 412 of the Code), whether waived or unwaived, exists with
respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or any plan sponsored by any member of a
controlled group (within the meaning of Section 412(n)(6)(B) of the Code) in
which the Company or any Subsidiary is a member (a "Controlled Group").  With
respect to each Employee Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA, the
assets of each such plan are at least equal in value to the present value of
accrued benefits determined on an ongoing basis as of the date hereof.  With
respect to each Employee Benefit Plan described in Section 501(c)(9) of the
Code, the assets of each such plan are at least equal in value to the present
value of accrued benefits as of the date hereof.

     (h)  EXCISE TAXES.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or any member
of a Controlled Group has any liability to pay excise taxes with respect to
any Employee Benefit Plan under applicable provisions of the Code or ERISA.

     (i)  MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor
any member of a Controlled Group is or, to the best knowledge of the Company,
since April 6, 1988, ever has been obligated to contribute to a multiemployer
plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.

     (j)  PBGC.  No facts or circumstances exist that would result in the
imposition of liability against the Company by the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Company as a result of any act or omission by the Company, any Subsidiary or
any member of a Controlled Group.  No report-

                                    -12-

<PAGE>

able event (within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA) for which the notice
requirement has not been waived has occurred with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan subject to the requirements of Title IV of ERISA.

     (k)  MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE CLAIMS.  Section 3.12(k) of the Disclosure
Schedule contains a complete and accurate list of all claims made (without
identifying specific individuals) under any medical or dental care plan or
commitment offered by the Company or any Subsidiary to its employees
involving hospitalization, medical or dental care claims that have exceeded
$10,000 per year for an individual since the implementation of and relating
to the Company's new medical plan on April 1, 1994.

     (l)  RETIREES.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any
obligation or commitment to provide medical, dental or life insurance
benefits to or on behalf of any of its employees who may retire or any of its
former employees who have retired from employment with the Company or any
Subsidiary.

     SECTION 3.13.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except as set forth in
Section 3.13 of the Disclosure Schedule, since January 29, 1995, neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary has

     (a)   suffered any Material Adverse Change, whether or not caused by any
deliberate act or omission of the Company, any Subsidiary or the Shareholder;

     (b)   contracted for the purchase of any capital assets having a cost in
excess of $10,000 or paid any capital expenditures in excess of $10,000;

     (c)   incurred any indebtedness for borrowed money or issued or sold any
debt securities outside of the ordinary course of business;

     (d)   incurred or discharged any liabilities or obligations except in
the ordinary course of business; provided, however, neither the Company nor
any Subsidiary has paid any legal fees;

     (e)   paid any amount on any indebtedness prior to the due date,
forgiven or cancelled any debts or claims or released or waived any rights or
claims; provided, however, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has (i)
paid any principal on the term loan portion of the Bank Debt and (ii) paid
any amount of principal on the revolving portion of the Bank Debt except in
the ordinary course of business;

     (f)   mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any security interest, lien,
lease or other charge or encumbrance any of its properties or assets, other
than after-acquired property which is subject to a lien in favor of the
Lender in accordance with the Credit Agreement;

     (g)   suffered any damage or destruction to or loss of any assets
(whether or not covered by insurance) that could have a Material Adverse
Effect;

                                    -13-

<PAGE>

     (h)   acquired or disposed of any assets except in the ordinary course
of business;

     (i)   written up or written down the carrying value of any of its assets;

     (j)   changed the costing system or depreciation methods of accounting
for its assets;

     (k)   waived any material rights or forgiven any material claims;

     (l)   lost or terminated any employee, customer or supplier, the loss or
termination of which has or could have a Material Adverse Effect;

     (m)   increased the compensation of any director, officer, key employee
or consultant or paid any bonuses to any of the foregoing;

     (n)   increased the compensation of any employee except in the ordinary
course of business; provided, however, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
has paid any bonuses to any employee;

     (o)   made any payments to or loaned any money to any person or entity
referred to in Section 3.31;

     (p)   formed or acquired or disposed of any interest in any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other entity;

     (q)   redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired, or sold, granted or
otherwise disposed of, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock or
securities or any rights to acquire such capital stock or securities, or
agreed to change the terms and conditions of any such stock, securities or
rights;

     (r)   entered into any agreement with any person or group, or modified
or amended in any material respect the terms of any such existing agreement,
except in the ordinary course of business;

     (s)   entered into, adopted or amended any Employee Benefit Plan; or

     (t)   entered into any other commitment or transaction or experienced
any other event that is material to this Agreement or to any of the other
agreements and documents executed or to be executed pursuant to this
Agreement or to the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or that has
materially and adversely affected, or could materially and adversely affect,
the condition (financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities,
business or prospects of the Company or the appropriate Subsidiary.


                                     -14-
<PAGE>

     SECTION 3.14.  TITLE; LEASED ASSETS.

     (a)  REAL PROPERTY.  Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries
owns any real property.  The leased real property referred to in Section
3.14(c) below constitutes the only real property used in the conduct of the
business of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

     (b)  PERSONAL PROPERTY.  Except as set forth in Section 3.14(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Company and the Subsidiaries have good and valid
title to all tangible and intangible personal property owned by them
(collectively, the "Personal Property").  The Personal Property and the
leased personal property referred to in Section 3.14(c) below constitute the
only personal property used in the conduct of the business of the Company and
the Subsidiaries.

     (c)  LEASES.  A list and brief description of all leases of real and
personal property to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party, either
as lessor or lessee, are set forth in Schedule 3.14(c). Except as set forth
in Section 3.14(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, all such leases are valid and
enforceable in all material respects in accordance with their respective
terms except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the availability of
equitable remedies.

     (d)  RIGHT TO USE ASSETS.  Except for those assets acquired since
January 29, 1995, which, other than inventory acquired in the ordinary course
of business, store fixtures costing approximately $45,000, Tarzana store roof
repairs costing approximately $20,000, and other assets that have a purchase
price of $10,000 or less, individually, not to exceed $50,000 in the
aggregate, are listed in Schedule 3.14(d), all tangible and intangible assets
used in the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries are
reflected in the Financial Statements in a manner that is in conformity with
GAAP (except to the extent GAAP does not require any such assets to be so
reflected in the Financial Statements).  Either the Company or a Subsidiary
owns, leases or otherwise possesses a right to use all assets used in the
conduct of the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, except where the
failure to have such right would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.15.  COMMITMENTS.

     (a)  COMMITMENTS; DEFAULTS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the
Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into,
nor is the Stock, the assets or the business of the Company or any Subsidiary
bound by, whether or not in writing, any

         (i)  partnership or joint venture agreement;

         (ii)  deed of trust, mortgage or other security agreement;

         (iii)  guaranty or suretyship, indemnification or contribution
     agreement or performance bond;

                                     -15-

<PAGE>

         (iv)  employment, consulting or compensation agreement or arrangement,
    including the election or retention in office of any director or officer;

         (v)  labor or collective bargaining agreement;

         (vi)  debt instrument, loan agreement or other obligation relating to
    indebtedness for borrowed money or money lent or to be lent to another;

         (vii)  deed or other document evidencing an interest in or contract
    to purchase or sell real property;

         (viii)  agreement with dealers or sales or commission agents, public
    relations or advertising agencies, accountants or attorneys outside the
    ordinary course of business;

         (ix)  lease of real or personal property, whether as lessor, lessee,
    sublessor or sublessee;

         (x)  agreement between the Company or any Subsidiary and any
    affiliate of the Company;

         (xi)  agreement relating to any material matter or transaction in
    which an interest is held by a person or entity that is an affiliate of
    the Company;

         (xii)  any agreement for the acquisition of services, supplies,
    equipment, fixtures or other personal property and involving more than
    $50,000 in the aggregate or purchase orders for inventory exceeding
    approximately $2,425,000 in the aggregate;

         (xiii)  powers of attorney;

         (xiv)  contracts containing noncompetition covenants;

         (xv)  any other contract or arrangement that involves either an
    unperformed commitment in excess of $25,000 or that is not terminable on
    less than 30 days notice;

         (xvi)  agreement relating to any material matter or transaction in
    which an interest is held by any person or entity referred to in Section
    3.31;

         (xvii)  agreement providing for the purchase from a supplier of all
    or substantially all of the requirements of the Company or any Subsidiary
    of a particular product or service; or

                                     -16-

<PAGE>

         (xviii)  any other agreement or commitment not made in the ordinary
    course of business or that is material to the business or financial
    condition of the Company or any Subsidiary.

All of the foregoing are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Commitments."  True, correct and complete copies of the written Commitments,
and true, correct and complete written descriptions of the oral Commitments,
have heretofore been delivered or made available to Michaels.  Except as set
forth in Section 3.15(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no existing
defaults, events of default or events, occurrences, acts or omissions that,
with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute defaults
by the Company or any Subsidiary, and no penalties have been incurred nor are
amendments pending, with respect to the Commitments which are leases of real
property.  No material defenses, off-sets or counterclaims with respect to
the Commitments have been asserted or, to the best knowledge of the Company
and the Shareholder, may be made by any party thereto, nor has the Company or
any Subsidiary waived any rights thereunder, except as described in Section
3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has
received written notice of any default with respect to any material
Commitment.

    (b)  NO CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF COMMITMENT.  Except as
contemplated hereby, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor the
Shareholder has received written notice of any plan or intention of any other
party to any Commitment to exercise any right to cancel or terminate any
Commitment, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor the Shareholder
knows of any fact that would justify the exercise of such a right.  Neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary nor the Shareholder currently contemplates, or
has reason to believe any other person or entity currently contemplates, any
amendment or change to any Commitment.  Except as listed in Schedule 3.15,
none of the suppliers of the Company or any Subsidiary has refused, or
communicated that it will or may refuse, to supply goods or services, as the
case may be, or has communicated that it will or may substantially reduce the
amounts of goods or services that it is willing to sell to, the Company or
any Subsidiary.

    SECTION 3.16.  ADVERSE AGREEMENTS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.16
of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is a party
to any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate
restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, rule or
regulation that has, or so far as the Company or the Shareholder can now
foresee, may in the future, assuming the Company was continued to be owned by
the Shareholder, have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.17.  INSURANCE.  The Company and the Subsidiaries carry
property, liability, workers' compensation and such other types of insurance
as is customary in the industry of the insured.  A list and brief description
of all insurance policies of the Company and the Subsidiaries are set forth
in Section 3.17 of the Disclosure Schedule.  All of such policies are valid
and enforceable policies, insure the operations of Aaron Brothers and Art
Marts, as appropriate, and to the best knowledge of the Company, are issued
by insurers of recognized responsibility in amounts and against such risks
and losses as is customary in the industry of the

                                     -17-

<PAGE>

insured.  Such insurance has been since April 6, 1988 and shall be
outstanding and duly in force without interruption up to and including the
Closing Date.  True, complete and correct copies of all such policies and/or
binders have been provided or made available to Michaels on or prior to the
date hereof.

    SECTION 3.18.  PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND COPYRIGHTS.

    (a)  OWNERSHIP.  The Company and each Subsidiary own all patents,
trademarks, service marks and copyrights, if any, necessary to conduct its
business, or possesses adequate licenses or other rights, if any, therefor,
without any conflict with the rights of others except any such conflict which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
Set forth in Section 3.18 of the Disclosure Schedule is a true and correct
description of the following (the "Proprietary Rights"):

         (i)  all trademarks, tradenames, service marks and other trade
    designations, including common law rights which are known to the Company,
    registrations and applications therefor, and all patents, copyrights and
    applications currently owned, in whole or in part, by the Company or any
    Subsidiary with respect to the business of the Company and the
    Subsidiaries, and all licenses, royalties, assignments and other similar
    agreements relating to the foregoing to which the Company or any Subsidiary
    is a party (including expiration date if applicable); and

         (ii)  all agreements relating to technology, know-how or processes
    that the Company or any Subsidiary is licensed or authorized to use by
    others, or which it licenses or authorizes others to use.

    (b)  CONFLICTING RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES.  The Company (or the
appropriate Subsidiary) has the sole and exclusive right to use the
Proprietary Rights without infringing or violating the rights of any third
parties in any material respect.  Use of the Proprietary Rights does not
require the consent of any other person and the Proprietary Rights are freely
transferable.  No claim has been asserted by any person to the ownership of
or right to use any Proprietary Right or challenging or questioning the
validity or effectiveness of any license or agreement constituting a part of
any Proprietary Right, and neither the Company nor the Shareholder knows of
any valid basis for any such claim.  Each of the Proprietary Rights is valid
and subsisting, has not been cancelled, abandoned or otherwise terminated
and, if applicable, has been duly issued or filed.

    (c)  CLAIMS OF OTHER PERSONS.  The Company and the Shareholder have no
knowledge of any claim that, or inquiry as to whether, any product, activity
or operation of the Company or any Subsidiary infringes upon or involves, or
has resulted in the infringement of, any proprietary right of any other
person, corporation or other entity; and no proceedings have been instituted,
are pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, are threatened that
challenge the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary with respect thereto
which, if asserted, could have


                                     -18-

<PAGE>

a Material Adverse Effect.  The Company has not given and is not bound by any
agreement of indemnification for any Proprietary Right as to any property
manufactured, used or sold by it.

    SECTION 3.19.  TRADE SECRETS AND CUSTOMER LISTS.  Either the Company or
the appropriate Subsidiary has the right to use, free and clear of any claims
or rights of others except claims or rights specifically set forth in Section
3.19 of the Disclosure Schedule or other claims which would not have a
Material Adverse Effect, all trade secrets, customer lists and proprietary
information required for the marketing of all merchandise and services
formerly (since April 6, 1988) or presently sold or marketed by the Company
or such Subsidiary.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is using or in
any way making use of any confidential information or trade secrets of any
third party, including without limitation any past or present employee of the
Company or any Subsidiary, except with the consent of such third party.

    SECTION 3.20.  TAXES.

    (a)  FILING OF TAX RETURNS.  The Company and each Subsidiary has duly and
timely filed (or has available extensions of time to file) with the
appropriate governmental agencies all income, excise, corporate, franchise,
property, sales, use, payroll, withholding, ad valorem, transfer, employment,
stamp, occupation, windfall profits and other tax returns (including
information returns) and reports required to be filed by the United States or
any state or any political subdivision thereof or any foreign jurisdiction
("Tax Returns").  All such Tax Returns, which are not closed by virtue of the
applicable statute of limitations, are complete and accurate and properly
reflect the Taxes of the Company and each Subsidiary for the periods covered
thereby.

    (b)  PAYMENT OF TAXES.  Except as set forth in Section 3.20 of the
Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each Subsidiary have paid or accrued all
Taxes that have become due with respect to any returns that it has filed and
any assessments of which it is aware.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
is delinquent in the payment of any Tax, assessment or governmental charge.

    (c)  NO PENDING DEFICIENCIES, DELINQUENCIES, ASSESSMENTS OR AUDITS.
Except as set forth in Section 3.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Tax
deficiency or delinquency has been asserted against the Company or any
Subsidiary.  There is no unpaid assessment, proposal for additional Taxes,
deficiency or delinquency in the payment of any of the Taxes of the Company
or any Subsidiary that is presently due.  There is no taxing authority audit
of the Company or any Subsidiary pending or, to the best knowledge of the
Company, each Subsidiary and the Shareholders, threatened, and the results of
any completed audits are properly reflected in the Financial Statements.
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has violated any federal, state, local
or foreign Tax law except where such violation would not have a Material
Adverse Effect.

    (d)  NO EXTENSION OF LIMITATION OR ASSESSMENT PERIOD.  Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary has granted an extension to any taxing authority
of the limitation period during


                                     -19-

<PAGE>

which any Tax liability may be assessed or collected or agreed to any
extension of the time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

    (e)  ALL WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED.  All monies required to be
withheld by the Company and each Subsidiary and paid to governmental agencies
for all Taxes (including any amounts required to be withheld pursuant to
Sections 1441-1446 of the Code) have been (i) collected or withheld and
either paid to the respective governmental agencies or set aside in accounts
for such purpose or (ii) properly reflected in the Financial Statements.

    (f)  TAX LIENS.  There are no liens for Taxes upon any assets of the
Company or any Subsidiary.

    (g)  TAX LIABILITY IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Except as set forth in
Section 3.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, the liabilities (including deferred
Taxes) shown in the Financial Statements for Taxes are and will be adequate
accruals and have been and will be accrued in a manner consistent with the
practices utilized for accruing Tax liabilities in the Company's and the
Subsidiaries' most recently completed Tax year and take into account net
operating losses, investment credits and other carryovers for periods ended
prior to the Closing Date.

    (h)  FOREIGN PERSON.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is a foreign
person, as such term is referred to in Section 1445(f)(3) of the Code.

    (i)  SAFE HARBOR LEASE.  None of the assets of the Company or any
Subsidiary constitute property that Michaels, or any affiliate of Michaels,
will be required to treat as being owned by another person pursuant to the
"Safe Harbor Lease" provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Code prior to
repeal by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982.

    (j)  TAX EXEMPT ENTITY.  None of the assets of the Company or any
Subsidiary are or will be subject to a lease to a "tax exempt entity" as such
term is defined in Section 168(h)(2) of the Code.

    (k)  COLLAPSIBLE COMPANY.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary have,
since April 6, 1988, consented, and the Shareholders will not permit the
Company or any Subsidiary to elect, to have the provisions of Section
341(f)(2) of the Code apply to it.

    (l)  UNITED STATES REAL PROPERTY INTEREST.  Neither the Stock nor any
other interest in the Company is a "United States real property interest"
within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code.

    (m)  REQUEST FOR RULINGS.  There are no outstanding requests for rulings
with any taxing or revenue authority that would affect the operations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries.


                                     -20-

<PAGE>

    (n)  CLOSING AGREEMENTS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has
executed, become subject to or entered into any closing agreement pursuant to
Section 7121 of the Code or any similar or predecessor provision thereof
under the Code of other law.

    (o)  CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING METHOD.  Except as set forth in Section 3.20 of
the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary has received
approval to make, or agreed to or otherwise adopted, a change in accounting
method which could materially affect any whole or partial taxable period of
the Company or any Subsidiary ending after the Closing Date. Except as set
forth in Section 3.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary is required to include in income any adjustment under Section
481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of state or local law and neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary has an application pending with any taxing
authority requesting permission for a change in accounting method.

    (p)  OTHER TAX MATTERS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary owns any
interest in any entity that is characterized as a partnership under the Code.
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has made any payments, is obligated
to make any payments or is a party to any agreement that does or could
obligate them or any assignee of such an agreement to make any payments that
are or would not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.  Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary has sustained an "overall foreign loss" within the
meaning of Section 904(f) of the Code. The Company and each of its
Subsidiaries have not participated in or cooperated with any "international
boycott" within the meaning of Section 999 of the Code.

    SECTION 3.21.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.21
of the Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each of the Subsidiaries has
complied with all laws, regulations and licensing requirements and has filed
with the proper authorities all necessary statements and reports, except
where the failure to so comply or file would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.  To the best knowledge of the Company and, except as set forth in
Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, there are no existing violations by
the Company, any Subsidiaries or the Shareholder of any federal, state or
local law or regulation that could affect the property or business of the
Company and the Subsidiaries.  The Company and each of the Subsidiaries
possesses all necessary licenses, franchises, permits and governmental
authorizations to conduct its business as now conducted, all of which are
listed in Section 3.21 of the Disclosure Schedule, except where the failure
to possess any such licenses, franchises, permits or government
authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.22.  FINDER'S FEE.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor
the Shareholder has incurred any obligation for any finder's, broker's or
agent's fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 3.23.  LITIGATION.  Except as described in Section 3.23 of the
Disclosure Schedule, there are no legal actions or administrative proceedings
or investigations instituted, or to the best knowledge of the Company or the
Shareholder threatened, or filed but not served, against or affecting, or
that could affect, the Company, any Subsidiary, any of the Stock, or the


                                     -21-

<PAGE>

business of the Company or any Subsidiary.  Except as set forth in Section
3.23 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor
the Shareholder are (i) subject to any continuing court or administrative
order, writ, injunction or decree applicable specifically to the Company or
any Subsidiary or to their respective business, assets, operations or
employees or (ii) in default with respect to any such order, writ, injunction
or decree.  Neither the Company, any Subsidiary nor the Shareholder know of
any basis for any such action, proceeding or investigation which, if
instituted, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.24.  ACCURACY OF INFORMATION FURNISHED.  All information
furnished and made available to Michaels by the Company, any Subsidiary or
any Shareholder hereby or in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby is true, correct and complete in all material respects.  Such
information, to the best knowledge of the Company and the Shareholder, states
in all material respects all facts required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
such statements are made and taken together with all information furnished or
made available to Michaels, true, correct and complete.

    SECTION 3.25.  CONDITION OF FIXED ASSETS.  All of the furniture,
fixtures, structures and equipment (the "Fixed Assets"), when taken as a
whole, which is owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries and is reflected in
the Financial Statements and is used by the Company or a Subsidiary in its
business are, in the aggregate and considering their age, in good condition
and repair for their intended use in the ordinary course of business,
reasonable wear and tear and ordinary course breakdowns excepted, and conform
in all material respects with all applicable ordinances, regulations and
other laws and there are no known material latent defects therein.

    SECTION 3.26.  INVENTORY.  Except as set forth in Section 3.26 of the
Disclosure Schedule, all of the inventory owned by the Company and the
Subsidiaries is in good, current, standard and merchantable condition and is
not obsolete or defective.  Inventories are valued on the books and records
of the Company at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis with a LIFO adjustment)
or market. Purchase commitments for merchandise are not in excess of normal
requirements based on the Company's and the Subsidiaries' historical business
needs and present market conditions and, taken as a whole, are not at prices
in excess of market prices.

    SECTION 3.27.  BOOKS OF ACCOUNT.  Except as set forth in Section 3.27 of
the Disclosure Schedule, since April 6, 1988, the books of account of the
Company and the Subsidiaries have been kept accurately in the ordinary course
of business, the transactions entered therein represent bona fide
transactions and the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the
Company and the Subsidiaries have been properly recorded in such books.

    SECTION 3.28.  CORPORATE NAME.  There are no actions, suits or
proceedings pending, or to the best knowledge of the Company or the
Shareholder threatened, against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary
that could result, in any material respect, in any impairment of the right of
the Company or any such Subsidiary to use the names "Aaron Brothers Holdings,
Inc.," "Aaron Brothers Art Marts, Inc.", "Aaron Brothers, Inc." and "Aaron
Brothers."  The use of the names "Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc.," "Aaron
Brothers Art Marts, Inc.", "Aaron


                                     -22-

<PAGE>

Brothers, Inc." and "Aaron Brothers" does not infringe the rights of any
third party nor, to the knowledge of the Company, are they confusingly
similar with the corporate name of any third party.  After the Closing Date,
no person or business entity other than the Company and the Subsidiaries
will, to the knowledge of the Company, be authorized, directly or indirectly,
to use the names "Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc.," "Aaron Brothers Art Marts,
Inc.", "Aaron Brothers, Inc." and "Aaron Brothers" or any name confusingly
similar thereto.

    SECTION 3.29.  DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES.  No distribution, payment
or dividend of any kind has been declared or paid by the Company or any
Subsidiary on any of its capital stock at any time since April 6, 1988.  No
repurchase of any of the capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary has
been approved or effected by the Company or any Subsidiary at any time since
April 6, 1988.

    SECTION 3.30.  BANKING RELATIONS.  Set forth in Section 3.30 of the
Disclosure Schedule is a complete and accurate list of all arrangements that
the Company and the Subsidiaries have with any bank or other financial
institution, indicating with respect to each relationship the type of
arrangement maintained (such as checking account, borrowing arrangements,
safe deposit box, etc.) and the person or persons authorized in respect
thereof.

    SECTION 3.31.  OWNERSHIP INTERESTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS.  Except as set
forth in Section 3.31 of the Disclosure Schedule, no officer, supervisory
employee, director or shareholder of the Company or any Subsidiary, or their
respective spouses or children, to the best of the Company's knowledge, owns
directly or indirectly, on an individual or joint basis, any material
interest in, or serves as an officer or director of, any supplier of the
Company or any Subsidiary, or any organization that has a material contract
or arrangement with the Company or any Subsidiary.

    SECTION 3.32.  INVESTMENTS IN COMPETITORS.  No Shareholder owns directly
or indirectly any interests or has any investment in any corporation,
business or other person that is a competitor of the Company or any
Subsidiary.

    SECTION 3.33.  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

    (a)  ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.33 of the
Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor any of their
respective assets is currently in violation of, or subject to any existing,
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened investigation or
inquiry by any governmental authority or to any remedial obligations under,
any laws or regulations pertaining to health or the environment (hereinafter
sometimes collectively called "Environmental Laws"), which could have a
Material Adverse Effect, including without limitation (i) the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C.
Sections 9601 ET SEQ.), as amended from time to time ("CERCLA") (including
without limitation as amended pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986), and regulations promulgated under CERCLA, (ii)
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. Sections 6901
ET SEQ.), as amended from time to

                                     -23-

<PAGE>

time ("RCRA"), and regulations promulgated thereunder, (iii) statutes, rules
or regulations, whether federal, state or local, relating to asbestos or
polychlorinated biphenyls, and (iv) the provisions contained in any similar
state statutes or regulations relating to environmental matters applicable to
the Company or any Subsidiary, and this representation and warranty would
continue to be true and correct following disclosure to the applicable
governmental authorities of all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances,
if any, pertaining to the assets and operations of the Company and the
Subsidiaries.

    (b)  USE OF ASSETS.  Except as set forth in Section 3.33 of the
Disclosure Schedule, the assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries have not,
since April 6, 1988, been used in a manner that would be in violation of any
of the Environmental Laws, including without limitation CERCLA, RCRA, and any
similar state statutes or regulations relating to environmental matters
applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary, which violation could have a
Material Adverse Effect.

    (c)  PERMITS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has obtained or is
required to obtain, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any
knowledge of any reason Michaels will be required to obtain, any permits,
licenses or similar authorizations to construct, occupy, operate or use any
buildings, improvements, fixtures and equipment owned or leased by the
Company or any Subsidiary by reason of any Environmental Laws, which, if not
obtained, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

    (d)  SUPERFUND LIST.  None of the assets owned or, to the best of the
Company's knowledge, leased by the Company or any Subsidiary are on any
federal or state "Superfund" list or subject to any environmentally related
liens which, if so listed, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 3.34.  CERTAIN PAYMENTS.  To the best knowledge of the Company
and the Shareholder, neither the Company nor the Shareholder nor any
director, officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary has paid or
caused to be paid, directly or indirectly, since April 6, 1988, in connection
with the business of the Company or any Subsidiary:

    (a)  to any government or agency thereof or any agent of any supplier or
customer any bribe, kick-back or other similar payment; or

    (b)  any illegal contribution to any political party or candidate (other
than from personal funds of directors, officers or employees not reimbursed
by their respective employers or as otherwise permitted by applicable law).

    SECTION 3.35.  HSR ACT.  The "ultimate parent entity" of the Company has
filed a Premerger Notification and Report Form required under the HSR Act
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has not
received any requests for additional information.  The applicable waiting
period under the HSR Act has expired.


                                     -24-

<PAGE>


    SECTION 3.36.  NO KNOWLEDGE OF DEFAULT.  To the best knowledge of the
Company, any of the Subsidiaries and the Shareholder, neither the Company,
the Subsidiaries, nor the Shareholder is aware of any facts or circumstances
that would serve as the basis for a claim by the Company, any of the
Subsidiaries or the Shareholder against Michaels of a material breach of any
of the representations and warranties of Michaels contained in this
Agreement.  The Company, the Subsidiaries and the Shareholder shall be deemed
to have waived in full any breach of any of Michaels' representations and
warranties of which the Company, any of the Subsidiaries or the Shareholder
has such awareness to its best knowledge at the Closing.

                                ARTICLE IV.

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDER

    The Shareholder represents and warrants that the following are true and
correct as of the date hereof and will be true and correct through the
Closing Date as if made on that date:

    SECTION 4.01. NO VIOLATION.  Neither the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby nor
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will (i)
conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default under the agreement of limited
partnership of Shareholder or any agreement, indenture or other instrument
under which Shareholder is bound, or result in the creation or imposition of
any security interest, lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Stock, or (ii)
violate or conflict with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation of any court or any public, governmental or regulatory agency or
body having jurisdiction over Shareholder or the Stock.

                                ARTICLE V.

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MICHAELS

    Michaels represents and warrants that the following are true and correct
as of the date hereof and will be true and correct through the Closing Date
as if made on that date:

    SECTION 5.01. ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.  Michaels is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
state of its incorporation, with all requisite corporate power and authority
to carry on the business in which it is engaged, to own the properties it
owns, to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 5.02. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY.  The execution, delivery and
performance by Michaels of this Agreement and the other agreements
contemplated hereby, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by Michaels.  This Agreement
and each other agreement contemplated hereby have been or will


                                    -25-


<PAGE>

be as of the Closing Date duly executed and delivered by Michaels and
constitute or will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
Michaels, enforceable against Michaels in accordance with their respective
terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the availability of
equitable remedies (whether enforcement is sought by an action or proceeding
in equity or by law).

    SECTION 5.03. NO VIOLATION.  Neither the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby nor
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will (i)
conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Michaels or any agreement, indenture or other
instrument under which Michaels is bound or (ii) violate or conflict with any
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation of any court or any
public, governmental or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over
Michaels or the properties or assets of Michaels.

    SECTION 5.04. FINDER'S FEE.  Michaels has not incurred any obligation
for any finder's, broker's or agent's fee in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 5.05. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].

    SECTION 5.06. CORPORATE APPROVALS.  The Board of Directors of Michaels
has approved and authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby, and no other corporate or shareholder
action is required by Michaels with respect thereto.

    SECTION 5.07. HSR ACT.  Michaels has filed a Premerger Notification and
Report Form required under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and has not received any requests for
additional information.  The applicable waiting period under the HSR Act has
expired.

    SECTION 5.08. CONSENT.  No consent, authorization, approval, permit or
license of, or filing with, any governmental or public body or authority, any
lender or lessor or any other person or entity is required to authorize, or
is required in connection with, the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby on the part of Michaels,
where the failure to obtain any such consent, authorization, approval, permit
or license, or to make any such filing, could have a material adverse effect
on Michaels' ability to consummate the transactions contemplated in, and
perform its obligations under, this Agreement.

    SECTION 5.09. NO KNOWLEDGE OF DEFAULT.  To the best knowledge of
Michaels and except as brought to the attention of the Company, its
Subsidiaries or the Shareholder and reflected in Schedule 5.09 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Michaels is not aware of any facts or circumstances that
would serve as the basis for a claim by Michaels against the Shareholder of a
material breach of any of the representations and warranties of the Company
or the Shareholder contained in this Agreement.  Michaels shall be deemed to
have waived in full any breach of any of the


                                    -26-

<PAGE>

Company's or the Shareholder's representations and warranties of which
Michaels has such awareness to its best knowledge at the Closing unless
Michaels has brought such issues to the attention of the Company, its
Subsidiaries or the Shareholder prior to Closing which issues are set forth
in Schedule 5.09 of the Disclosure Schedule.

                                ARTICLE VI.

               THE COMPANY'S AND THE SHAREHOLDER'S COVENANTS

     The Company and the Shareholder jointly and severally agree that between
the date hereof and the Closing:

    SECTION 6.01. CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT.  The Company and the
Shareholder shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and
conditions.

    SECTION 6.02. BUSINESS OPERATIONS.  The Company and the Subsidiaries
shall operate their businesses in the ordinary course.

    SECTION 6.03. ACCESS.  The Company and the Shareholder shall permit
Michaels and its authorized representatives full access to, and make
available for inspection, all of the assets and business of the Company and
the Subsidiaries, including their respective employees and suppliers, and
permit Michaels and its authorized representatives to inspect and make copies
of all documents, records and information with respect to the affairs of the
Company and the Subsidiaries as Michaels and its representatives may request,
all for the sole purpose of permitting Michaels to become familiar with the
business and assets and liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries, the
foregoing to be upon reasonable prior notice and subject to the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement.

    SECTION 6.04. MATERIAL CHANGE.  The Company and the Shareholder shall
promptly inform Michaels in writing of (a) any notice of, or other
communication relating to, a default or event that, with notice or lapse of
time, or both, would become a default, received by the Company, or any
Subsidiary, subsequent to the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing
Date, under any Commitment material to the Company's or any Subsidiary's
financial condition, properties, business or results of operations and to
which the Company or any Subsidiary is subject; and (b) any Material Adverse
Change that, if known to the Company or any Subsidiary prior to the date of
the Disclosure Schedule, would have been required to have been disclosed in
the Disclosure Schedule. Notwithstanding the disclosure to Michaels of any
such material adverse change, the Company and the Shareholder shall not be
relieved of any indemnification obligations for, nor shall the providing of
such information by the Company to Michaels be deemed a waiver by Michaels
of, the breach of any representation or warranty of the Company and the
Shareholder contained in this Agreement.

    SECTION 6.05. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].


                                    -27-

<PAGE>

    SECTION 6.06. EMPLOYEE MATTERS.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
shall, without the prior written approval of Michaels, except as disclosed in
the Disclosure Schedule or as required by law:

    (a)  increase the Cash Compensation of any director, officer, consultant
or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary;

    (b)  adopt, amend or terminate any Compensation Plan;

    (c)  adopt, amend or terminate any Employment Agreement;

    (d)  adopt, amend or terminate any Employee Policies and Procedures;

    (e)  institute, settle or dismiss any employment litigation;

    (f)  enter into, modify, amend or terminate any agreement with any union,
labor organization or collective bargaining unit; or

    (g)  take any action with respect to any past or present employee of the
Company or any Subsidiary that could, in the judgment of the Company before
the Closing, have a Material Adverse Effect.

    SECTION 6.07. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND TAXES.  Neither the Company nor
any Subsidiary shall, without the prior written approval of Michaels, except
as required by law:

    (a)  adopt, amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan;

    (b)  take any action that would deplete the assets of any Employee
Benefit Plan, other than payment of benefits in the ordinary course to
participants and beneficiaries;

    (c)  fail to pay any premium or contribution due or with respect to any
Employee Benefit Plan, after taking into account any grace periods;

    (d)  fail to file any return or report with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan after taking into account extensions to do the same;

    (e)  take any action that could materially and adversely affect any
Employee Benefit Plan; or

    (f)  make any new elections, or any changes in current elections, with
respect to Taxes.

    SECTION 6.08. CONTRACTS.  Except with Michaels' prior written consent,
neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall waive any right or cancel any
contract, debt or claim nor


                                    -28-

<PAGE>

assume or enter into any contract, lease, license, obligation, indebtedness,
commitment, purchase or sale except in the ordinary course of business and
except with respect to the Bank Debt.

    SECTION 6.09. CHANGES IN INVENTORY.  Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary shall alter the physical contents or character of its inventory or
the mixture of products in its inventory so as to affect the nature of its
business in any material respect.

    SECTION 6.10.  CAPITAL ASSETS; PAYMENTS OF LIABILITIES.  Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary shall, without the prior written approval of
Michaels (i) acquire or dispose of any capital asset having an initial cost
of $25,000 or more or (ii) discharge or satisfy any lien or encumbrance or
pay or perform any obligation or liability other than (a) liabilities and
obligations reflected in the Financial Statements or in the Year-End
Statements or (b) current liabilities and obligations incurred in the
ordinary course of business since January 29, 1995 (and, in either case (a)
or (b) above, only as required by the express terms of the agreement or other
instrument pursuant to which the liability or obligation was incurred) or (c)
any one or more of the litigations referred to in Section 3.23 of the
Disclosure Schedule in amounts in excess of reserves set forth in the
Year-End Statements plus any other amounts that may be set forth in Section
3.23 of the Disclosure Schedule.

    SECTION 6.11.  MORTGAGES, LIENS AND GUARANTIES.  Neither the Company nor
any Subsidiary shall, without the prior written approval of Michaels, enter
into or assume any mortgage, pledge, conditional sale or other title
retention agreement, permit any security interest, lien, encumbrance or claim
of any kind to attach to any of its assets, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, or guarantee or otherwise become contingently liable for any
obligation of another, except obligations arising by reason of endorsement
for collection and other similar transactions in the ordinary course of
business, or make any capital contribution or investment in any corporation,
business or other person.

    SECTION 6.12.  NO NEGOTIATION WITH OTHERS.  Neither the Company nor any
Shareholder shall initiate, solicit or participate in negotiations with (and
the Company and the Shareholder shall use their best efforts to prevent any
affiliate, shareholder, director, officer, employee or other representative
or agent of the Company from initiating, negotiating with, soliciting or
participating in negotiations with) directly or indirectly any third party or
providing any confidential information or data to any third party with
respect to the sale of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary or any
transaction inconsistent with those contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 6.13.  DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES.  No distribution, payment
or dividend of any kind will be declared or paid by the Company or any
Subsidiary, nor will any repurchase of any of the Stock be approved or
effected.


                                    -29-

<PAGE>

                                ARTICLE VII.

                            MICHAELS' COVENANTS

    Michaels agrees that between the date hereof and the Closing:

    SECTION 7.01. CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT.  Michaels shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and conditions.

                                ARTICLE VIII.

                      MICHAELS' CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

    Except as may be waived in writing by Michaels, the obligations of
Michaels hereunder are subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing
Date of each of the following conditions:

    SECTION 8.01. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and
warranties of the Company and the Shareholder contained herein shall have
been true and correct in all respects when initially made and shall be true
and correct in all respects as of the Closing Date; and Michaels shall have
received a certificate of the Company's Chairman, President, any of its Vice
Presidents or its Secretary, and of the Shareholder, dated as of the Closing
Date, to the foregoing effect.

    SECTION 8.02. COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS.  The Company and the Shareholder
shall have performed and complied with all covenants and conditions required
by this Agreement to be performed and complied with by the Company and the
Shareholder prior to the Closing Date; and Michaels shall have received a
certificate of the Company's Chairman, President, any of its Vice Presidents
or its Secretary, and of the Shareholder, dated as of the Closing Date, to
the foregoing effect.

    SECTION 8.03. LEGAL OPINION.  Counsel to the Company and the Shareholder
shall have delivered to Michaels its opinion, dated as of the Closing Date,
in the form of Schedule 8.03.

    SECTION 8.04. PROCEEDINGS.  No action, proceeding or order by or in any
court or governmental body or agency shall have been instituted or entered to
restrain or prohibit the carrying out of the transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 8.05. RESIGNATIONS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  Michaels shall
have received the resignations of the directors and officers of the Company
and all Subsidiaries as set forth in Schedule 8.05, or a certification of the
Secretary of the Company and the Secretary of each of the Subsidiaries that
each such officer and director has been removed from each such office.


                                    -30-

<PAGE>

    SECTION 8.06. CODE SECTION 1445(b)(3) AFFIDAVIT.  Michaels shall have
received an affidavit in the form of Schedule 8.06 of the Company signed
under penalty of perjury by the president of the Company and dated not more
than 20 days prior to the Closing Date.  The notice required by Treasury
Regulation Section 1.897-2 has been properly delivered by the Company to the
service and a copy of the notice evidencing delivery shall be received by
Michaels as of the Closing Date.

    SECTION 8.07. RELEASE OF CLAIMS.  Michaels shall have received duly
executed documents in the form of Schedule 8.07, pursuant to which the
Shareholder and each officer and director releases, relinquishes and waives
any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, judgments or
controversies of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, that such
Shareholder may have against the Company and/or the Subsidiaries as of the
Closing Date, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation claims
by such Shareholder against the Company and/or the Subsidiaries with respect
to dividends, violation of preemptive rights, or payment of salaries or other
compensation; provided, however, such releases shall not apply to payment of
salaries for officers, claims under existing contracts and shall not apply to
indemnification obligations in favor of such officers and directors.

    SECTION 8.08. CLOSING DELIVERIES.  Michaels shall have received all
documents referred to in Section 10.01.

    SECTION 8.09. REVOLVING PORTION OF BANK DEBT.  The revolving portion of
the Bank Debt shall not be less than $4,500,000.

                                ARTICLE IX.

         THE COMPANY'S AND THE SHAREHOLDER'S CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

    Except as may be waived in writing by the Company and the Shareholder,
the obligations of the Company and the Shareholder hereunder is subject to
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions:

    SECTION 9.01. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  The representations and
warranties of Michaels contained herein shall be true and correct in all
respects as of the Closing Date; and Michaels shall have delivered to the
Company and the Shareholder a certificate of Michaels' President or any of
its Vice Presidents, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.

    SECTION 9.02. COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS.  Michaels shall have performed
and complied in all material respects with all covenants and conditions
required by this Agreement to be performed and complied with by it prior to
the Closing Date; and Michaels shall have delivered to the Company and the
Shareholder a certificate of Michaels' President or any of its Vice
Presidents, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.


                                    -31-

<PAGE>

    SECTION 9.03. PROCEEDINGS.  No action, proceeding or order by or in any
court or governmental body or agency shall have been instituted or entered to
restrain or prohibit the carrying out of the transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 9.04. CLOSING DELIVERIES.  The Company or the Shareholder, as
the case may be, shall have received all documents referred to in Section
10.02.

    SECTION 9.05. OPINION.  Counsel to Michaels shall have delivered to the
Company and the Shareholder its opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, in the
form of Schedule 9.05.

                                ARTICLE X.

                            CLOSING DELIVERIES

    SECTION 10.01. DELIVERIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER.  At the
Closing, the Company and the Shareholder shall deliver to Michaels the
following, all of which shall be in the forms set forth in Schedules to this
Agreement or in forms reasonably acceptable to counsel for Michaels:

    (a)    certificates representing all of the Stock, duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer to Michaels by delivery under applicable law, or
accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer in blank;

    (b)   a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company and
any corporate Shareholder authorizing the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and all related documents and agreements, each certified by
the Secretary of that corporation as being true and correct copies of the
originals thereof subject to no modifications or amendments;

    (c)  a certificate of the Chairman, the President, any Vice President or
the Secretary of the Company, and of the Shareholder, dated the Closing Date,
as to the truth and correctness of the representations and warranties of the
Company and the Shareholder, respectively, contained herein on and as of the
Closing Date, except for changes permitted or contemplated hereby;

    (d)  a certificate of the Chairman, the President, any Vice President or
the Secretary of the Company, and of the Shareholder, dated the Closing Date,
(i) as to the performance of and compliance by the Company and the
Shareholder, respectively, with all covenants contained herein on and as of
the Closing Date and (ii) certifying that all conditions precedent of the
Company and the Shareholder, respectively, to the Closing have been satisfied
or waived;

    (e)  a certificate of the Secretary of the Company certifying as to the
incumbency of the directors and officers of the Company and as to the
signatures of such directors and officers who have executed documents
delivered at the Closing on behalf of the Company;


                                    -32-

<PAGE>

    (f)  a certificate, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretary of State of Delaware establishing that the Company is in existence,
has paid all franchise taxes and otherwise is in good standing to transact
business in its state of incorporation;

    (g)  certificates, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretaries of State of the states in which the Company is qualified to do
business, to the effect that the Company is qualified to do business and is
in good standing as a foreign corporation in each of such states;

    (h)  a certificate, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretary of State of Delaware establishing that Art Marts, Inc. is in
existence, has paid all franchise taxes and otherwise is in good standing to
transact business in its state of incorporation;

    (i)  certificates, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretaries of State of the states in which Art Marts, Inc. is qualified to
do business, to the effect that the Company is qualified to do business and
is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each of such states;

    (j)  a certificate, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretary of State of Delaware establishing that Aaron Brothers is in
existence, has paid all franchise taxes and otherwise is in good standing to
transact business in its state of incorporation;

    (k)  certificates, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretaries of State of the states in which Aaron Brothers is qualified to do
business, to the effect that the Company is qualified to do business and is
in good standing as a foreign corporation in each of such states;

    (l)  an opinion of Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP, counsel to the Company
and the Shareholder, dated as of the Closing Date, in the form attached as
Schedule 8.03.

    (m)  an executed Noncompetition and Confidentiality Agreement between
each of (i) the Shareholder, (ii) George P. Orban, (iii) Anthony J. Cincotta,
(iv) Betty Smith, (v) Norman Hullinger, (vi) William McLeod and Michaels in
substantially the form attached as Schedule 10.01(m);

    (n)  the resignations or removal of the directors and officers of the
Company and the Subsidiaries as required by this Agreement;

    (o)  the affidavit referred to in Section 8.06;

    (p)  executed documents in the form of Schedule 8.07 attached hereto,
provided that each such person receives a reciprocal release from the Company
and such Subsidiary in favor of the Shareholder and each such officer and
director;

    (q)  executed Escrow Agreement from the Stockholder in the form of
Schedule 2.03; and


                                    -33-

<PAGE>

    (r)  an executed side letter agreement concerning certain indemnification
matters to be entered into by and between Michaels and Shareholder in the
form of Schedule 10.01(r).

    SECTION 10.02. DELIVERIES OF MICHAELS.  At the Closing, Michaels shall
deliver the following to the Company or the appropriate party:

    (a)  the Cash Consideration (less the cash, if any, placed in escrow) as
set forth on the Closing Statement in immediately available funds;

    (b)   a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of Michaels
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all
related documents and agreements, each certified by Michaels' Secretary as
being true and correct copies of the originals thereof subject to no
modifications or amendments;

    (c)  a certificate of the President or any Vice President of Michaels,
dated the Closing Date, as to the truth and correctness of the
representations and warranties of Michaels contained herein on and as of the
Closing Date;

    (d)  a certificate of the President or any Vice President of Michaels,
dated the Closing Date, (i) as to the performance of and compliance by
Michaels with all covenants contained herein on and as of the Closing Date
and (ii) certifying that all conditions precedent of Michaels to the Closing
have been satisfied;

    (e)  a certificate of the Secretary of Michaels certifying as to the
incumbency and signatures of the officers of Michaels who have executed
documents delivered at the Closing on behalf of Michaels;

    (f)  a certificate, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, of the
Secretary of State of Michaels' state of incorporation, establishing that
Michaels is in existence, has paid all state taxes and otherwise is in good
standing to transact business in such state;

    (g)  an opinion of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P., counsel to Michaels, dated
as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Schedule 9.05; and

    (h)  an executed Escrow Agreement from Michaels.

                                ARTICLE XI.

                           POST-CLOSING MATTERS

    SECTION 11.01. FURTHER INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER.  Following the Closing,
at the request of the other, each of Michaels and the Shareholder shall
deliver any further instruments of transfer and take all reasonable action as
may be necessary or appropriate to (i) vest in Michaels good title to the
Stock and (ii) carry out more effectively the provisions of this


                                    -34-


<PAGE>

Agreement and to establish and protect the rights created in favor of the
parties hereunder or thereunder.

    SECTION 11.02. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].

    SECTION 11.03. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].

    SECTION 11.04. BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS.  For a period lasting thirteen
months after the Closing Date, Michaels shall not cause or permit the filing
of a voluntary petition under the United States Bankruptcy Code (the
"Bankruptcy Code") on behalf of the Company or a Subsidiary, and in the event
an involuntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code is filed against the
Company or a Subsidiary, Michaels shall cause that entity to oppose entry of
an order for relief and timely file a motion to dismiss the involuntary
petition.

    SECTION 11.05. DAVIS CASES.  The Company and its Subsidiaries will
transfer all of their respective right, title and interest in and to the
Davis Cases to Shareholder or Shareholder's designee. The Company will pay
all legal fees and expenses incurred through the Closing Date except those
legal fees of Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP and will pay all costs, expenses,
damages, or amounts paid in settlement in an amount not to exceed $50,000 in
connection with the resolution or disposition of the Davis Cases (including
without limitation reasonable fees and expenses of Robinson, St. John &
Wayne, New Jersey counsel and actual, reasonable expenses of Siller, Wilk &
Mencher, LLP, but excluding any fees of Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP).  To the
extent the Shareholder or Shareholder's designee is awarded or recovers any
damages, fees or costs in connection with the disposition or resolution of
the Davis Cases, such amount shall first be provided to the Company or its
Subsidiaries to reimburse them for any costs, expenses or damages incurred
and paid after the Closing Date pursuant to this Section 11.05.  Shareholder
or Shareholder's designee will agree to assume all liability in excess of
$50,000 incurred in connection with the disposition of the Davis Cases.

                                ARTICLE XII.

                                 REMEDIES

    SECTION 12.01. INDEMNIFICATION.

    (a)  INDEMNIFICATION FROM ESCROW DEPOSIT.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Article, and limited in all cases to the Escrow Deposit,
the Shareholder agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Michaels and its
directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys and affiliates harmless
from and against all losses, claims, obligations, demands, assessments,
penalties, liabilities, costs, damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses in each case, to the extent not insured (collectively, "Damages"),
asserted against or incurred by such indemnitees by reason of or resulting
from the following:

                                    -35-

<PAGE>


         (i)  all Damages incurred by Michaels by reason of or resulting from
     a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of the Company or the
     Shareholder which is contained (A) herein, or in any exhibit, schedule
     or certificate delivered hereunder, or (B) in any agreement executed
     in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;

         (ii) all Damages incurred by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Michaels
     by reason of or resulting from any defaults, events of default or events,
     occurrences, acts or omissions that, with the giving of notice or lapse
     of time or both, which occurrences, acts or omissions the landlord asserts
     in writing constitute defaults by the Company or its Subsidiaries under
     any real property leases, which default was existing on or before the
     Closing Date except as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement because of lease provisions relating to radius clauses,
     change-in-control provisions, non-assignment clauses or similar lease
     terms which are violated as a result of the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the ownership and the
     combined operation of the stores by Michaels or the Company and its
     Subsidiaries immediately after the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement;

         (iii) the amount of $100,000 per each store location for the Hermosa
     Beach and Stockton store locations if (A) the landlord at either store
     location asserts that under the relevant lease (x) the landlord's consent
     to the indirect change in control of the tenant is required or (y) a
     deemed assignment of the lease has occurred, and (B) consent to such
     change in control or assignment is required and (C) in either case the
     landlord fails to grant such consent and the result is the Company or
     any Subsidiary no longer occupies the premises;

         (iv) all Damages incurred by the Company, its Subsidiaries or Michaels
     after the date hereof by reason of or resulting from the assets and
     facilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries presently being in violation
     of any Environmental Laws that are not disclosed in the Disclosure
     Schedules to the extent that the Damages incurred with respect to such
     facilities or any one store or corporate headquarters location exceeds
     $2,500 at such location and the remediation costs incurred are reasonable;
     provided, however, to the extent that (A) a lease agreement provides the
     Company or its Subsidiaries with indemnity from the landlord with respect
     to violations of Environmental Laws, the Company or its Subsidiaries will
     first pursue its rights under the indemnity, (B) a lease agreement
     provides the Company or its Subsidiaries with indemnity from the landlord
     with respect to violations of Environmental Laws and a contractual right
     of offset, the Company or its Subsidiaries will first pursue its rights
     under the offset, and (C) neither the Company, its Subsidiaries, Michaels
     nor their affiliates will report existing violations of Environmental Laws
     to governmental authorities unless it is obligated by law to do so;

                                    -36-

<PAGE>


         (v)  all Damages incurred in connection with the letter agreement
     entered into by and between Trenwith Capital, Inc. and Aaron Brothers,
     Inc. dated August 29, 1994;

         (vi) all Damages incurred with respect to any claims made by North
     American Capital with respect to fees based upon the extension of the Bank
     Debt by the Lenders;

         (vii) all Damages incurred in excess of $50,000 incurred by the
     Company, its Subsidiaries or Michaels, after the Closing Date including,
     without limitation, legal fees of Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP and legal
     fees and expenses of Robinson, St. John & Wayne in connection with the
     Davis Cases;

         (viii) all Damages incurred by the Company, its Subsidiaries or
     Michaels if, after the date hereof and before April 30, 1996, any of the
     partners of the Shareholder other than George P. Orban, Retail
     Enterprises, Inc., Anthony J. Cincotta, Norman Hullinger, William F.
     McLeod and Betty Smith, directly or indirectly, for themselves or on
     behalf of any corporation, person, firm, partnership, association or
     other entity, engage in or participate in any business which engages in
     competition with the business conducted by Aaron Brothers at the date
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated; provided
     however, that this provision shall not prohibit a partner of the
     Shareholder, directly or indirectly, from holding an aggregate equity
     interest of less than 1%, or such partner and his affiliates holding
     less than 5%, in any business engaged in the direct or indirect
     competition with the business conducted by Aaron Brothers at the date
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated; and

         (ix) all Damages not covered by insurance (and net of any applicable
     deductible payments which shall be paid by the Company or its
     Subsidiaries) incurred by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in
     connection with litigation brought by the following plaintiffs (none of
     which claims to the best knowledge of the Company are workers'
     compensation claims): Kimberly Myers, Maria Angelica Kulch, Goldie Yim
     Ting, Lizabeth Shahinian, Zerlene Ratzlaff, Rosa Bumpus, Dorothea
     Hawkins, Phyllis Oster, Nelson & Rexon, John Powell and La Mesa
     Community Redevelopment Agency.

    (b)  INDEMNIFICATION LIMITATIONS.  Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 12.01(a), (i) Michaels shall not be entitled to such indemnification
unless, and only to the extent that, the aggregate amount of all Damages
incurred by the Company, Art Marts and Aaron Brothers together or Michaels
shall exceed the amount which is $100,000 in the aggregate, and (ii) no claim
for Damages under Section 12.01(a) shall be made after April 30, 1996.  The
$100,000 limitation contained in Section 12.01(b)(i) above shall not apply to
Damages incurred pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(vii) above.

                                    -37-

<PAGE>

    SECTION 12.02. INDEMNIFICATION BY MICHAELS.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Article, Michaels hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold the Company and the Shareholder and its or their respective directors,
officers, partners (and their officers and directors), agents, attorneys and
affiliates harmless from and against all Damages asserted against or incurred
by any of such indemnitees by reason of or resulting from a breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant of Michaels contained herein or in any
exhibit, schedule or certificate delivered hereunder, or in any agreement
executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

    SECTION 12.03. CONDITIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION.  The respective obligations
and liabilities of the Company and the Shareholder and Michaels (the
"indemnifying party") to the other (the "party to be indemnified") under
Sections 12.01 and 12.02 with respect to claims resulting from the assertion
of liability by third parties shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:

    (a)  Within 20 days (or such earlier time as might be required to avoid
prejudicing the indemnifying party's position) after receipt of notice of
commencement of any action evidenced by service of process or other legal
pleading, the party to be indemnified shall give the indemnifying party
written notice thereof together with a copy of such claim, process or other
legal pleading, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to undertake
the defense thereof by representatives of its own choosing and at its own
expense (provided that until the dollar indemnification threshold set forth
in Section 12.01(b) is exceeded, the Company under Michaels' ownership, shall
pay such expenses if the indemnifying party is the Shareholder); provided
that the party to be indemnified may participate in the defense with counsel
of its own choice, the fees and expenses of which counsel shall be paid by
the party to be indemnified unless (i) the indemnifying party has agreed in
writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) the indemnifying party has failed
to assume the defense of such action or (iii) the named parties to any such
action (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party
and the party to be indemnified and the party to be indemnified has been
advised by counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to
it that are different from or additional to those available to the
indemnifying party (in which case, if the party to be indemnified informs the
indemnifying party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at
the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have
the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of the party to be
indemnified, it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall
not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially
similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same
general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and
expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for the
party to be indemnified, which firm shall be designated in writing by the
party to be indemnified).

    (b)  In the event that the indemnifying party, by the 30th day after
receipt of notice of any such claim (or, if earlier, by the 10th day
preceding the day on which an answer or other pleading must be served in
order to prevent judgment by default in favor of the person asserting such
claim), does not elect to defend against such claim, the party to be
indemnified will (upon

                                    -38-

<PAGE>

further notice to the indemnifying party) have the right to undertake the
defense, compromise or settlement of such claim on behalf of and for the
account and risk of the indemnifying party and at the indemnifying party's
expense, subject to the right of the indemnifying party to assume the defense
of such claims at any time prior to settlement, compromise or final
determination thereof.

    (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying party shall not
settle any claim without the consent of the party to be indemnified, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, unless such settlement involves
only the payment of money and the claimant provides to the party to be
indemnified a release from all liability in respect of such claim.  If the
settlement of the claim involves more than the payment of money, the
indemnifying party shall not settle the claim without the prior consent of
the party to be indemnified, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. If an indemnified party withholds such consent, the indemnifying
party's obligation to the indemnified party with respect to such claim shall
be further limited to the amount, in excess of the threshold amount set forth
in Section 12.01(b)(i), proposed to be paid by the indemnifying party in the
settlement which is the subject of such requested consent.

    (d)  The party to be indemnified and the indemnifying party will each
cooperate with all reasonable requests of the other.

    SECTION 12.04. WAIVER.  No waiver by any party of any default or breach
by another party of any representation, warranty, covenant or condition
contained in this Agreement, any exhibit or any document, schedule,
instrument or certificate contemplated hereby shall be deemed to be a waiver
of any subsequent default or breach by such party of the same or any other
representation, warranty, covenant or condition.  No act, delay, omission or
course of dealing on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or
remedy under this Agreement or at law or in equity shall operate as a waiver
thereof or otherwise prejudice any of such party's rights, powers and
remedies.  All remedies, whether at law or in equity, shall be cumulative and
the election of any one or more shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
pursue other available remedies.

    SECTION 12.05. EXCLUSIVITY OF REMEDIES.  The remedies provided in this
Article with respect to breaches of this Agreement (including claims which
are in the nature of breaches of this Agreement but may be denoted by other
descriptive legal terms) are exclusive of any and all other rights or
remedies available to one party against the other, either at law or in equity.

    SECTION 12.06. COSTS, EXPENSES AND LEGAL FEES.  Subject to the provisions
of Section 14.13, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated, each party hereto shall bear its own costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees and expenses), except that each party hereto that
is shown to have breached this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated
hereby agrees to pay the costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses) incurred by any other party in successfully (i) enforcing
any of the terms of this Agreement against such breaching party or (ii)
proving that another party breached any of the terms of this Agreement;
notwithstanding the foregoing, all costs and expenses of the Company and the

                                    -39-

<PAGE>

Shareholder in respect of all actions through the Closing (or related to the
Closing, through March 17, 1995) shall be paid by, and be the obligation of,
Aaron Brothers; provided, however, that Aaron Brothers shall not be obligated
to pay legal fees of Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP in excess of $200,000 for
services provided after January 31, 1995 (excluding, however, the fees and
expenses attributable to general Aaron Brothers operating matters, such as
leases, and the arbitration and legal actions concerning the Sacramento D.A.
and James Nakamura provided the amounts for all such matters are not material
and are consistent with billings in prior periods), such excess being the
obligation of Shareholder.  This limitation does not apply to reasonable,
actual expenses incurred by Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP.

    SECTION 12.07. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  The Company and the Shareholder
acknowledge that a refusal by the Company or the Shareholder to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby will cause irreparable harm to Michaels,
for which there may be no adequate remedy at law and for which the
ascertainment of damages would be difficult.  Therefore, Michaels shall be
entitled, in addition to, and without having to prove the inadequacy of,
other remedies at law, to specific performance of this Agreement, as well as
injunctive relief (without being required to post bond or other security).

    SECTION 12.08. TAX EFFECT OF INDEMNIFICATION.  Notwithstanding any term
or provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any indemnity payments owed
by one party to another party to this Agreement shall be reduced by any tax
benefits to the party claiming indemnity hereunder and increased by any tax
detriments to the party claiming indemnity hereunder.

                               ARTICLE XIII.

                               TERMINATION

    SECTION 13.01. TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated:

    (a)  At any time prior to the Closing Date by mutual agreement of all
parties;

    (b)  At any time prior to the Closing Date by Michaels if any
representation or warranty of the Company or the Shareholder contained in
this Agreement or in any certificate or other document executed and delivered
by the Company or the Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement is or becomes
untrue or breached in any material respect or if the Company or the
Shareholder fails to comply in any material respect with any covenant
contained herein, and the cumulative effect of all thereof results in a
Material Adverse Effect, and any such misrepresentation, noncompliance or
breach is not cured, waived or eliminated within 10 days after receipt by the
Company and the Shareholder of written notice thereof;

    (c)  At any time prior to the Closing Date by the Company if any
representation or warranty of Michaels contained in this Agreement or in any
certificate or other document executed and delivered by Michaels pursuant to
this Agreement is or becomes untrue or breached in any material respect or if
Michaels fails to comply in any material respect with any covenant

                                    -40-

<PAGE>

contained herein, and the cumulative effect of all thereof results in a
material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise),
operations, assets or liabilities of Michaels, and any such
misrepresentation, noncompliance or breach is not cured, waived or eliminated
within 10 days after receipt by Michaels of written notice thereof;

    (d)  On the Closing Date, but prior to the actual Closing, by Michaels if
the conditions stated in Article VIII have not been satisfied by the Closing
Date; or

    (e)  On or after the Closing Date by the Company if the conditions stated
in Article IX have not been satisfied by the Closing Date.

In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to subparagraph (b), (c),
(d) or (e) above, Michaels, the Company and the Shareholder shall each be
entitled to pursue, exercise and enforce any and all remedies, rights, powers
and privileges available at law or in equity.  In the event of a termination
of this Agreement under the provisions of this Article, a party not then in
material breach of this Agreement shall stand fully released and discharged
of any and all obligations under this Agreement.

                               ARTICLE XIV.

                              MISCELLANEOUS

    SECTION 14.01. AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by all the parties
hereto.

    SECTION 14.02. ASSIGNMENT.  Neither this Agreement nor any right created
hereby or in any agreement entered into in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be assignable by any party hereto, except by
Michaels to a subsidiary of Michaels, provided that (i) in case of any such
assignment, the assigning party shall not be released from its obligations
hereunder and (ii) Michaels shall not have the right to assign its
obligations under Article XI.

    SECTION 14.03. PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  Except
as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. Neither this
Agreement nor any other agreement contemplated hereby shall be deemed to
confer upon any person not a party hereto or thereto any rights or remedies
hereunder or thereunder.

    SECTION 14.04. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement and the agreements
contemplated hereby constitute the entire agreement of the parties regarding
the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them,
with respect to the subject matter hereof.

                                    -41-

<PAGE>

    SECTION 14.05. SEVERABILITY.  If any provision of this Agreement is held
to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws
effective during the term hereof, such provision shall be fully severable and
this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining
provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be
affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its
severance herefrom.  Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as part of this
Agreement a provision as similar in its terms to such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and
enforceable.

    SECTION 14.06. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].

    SECTION 14.07. GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS (BUT NOT THE RULES GOVERNING
CONFLICTS OF LAWS) OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

    SECTION 14.08. CAPTIONS.  The captions in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of
the terms or provisions hereof.

    SECTION 14.09. GENDER AND NUMBER.  When the context requires, the gender
of all words used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter and
the number of all words shall include the singular and plural.

    SECTION 14.10.  REFERENCE TO AGREEMENT.  Use of the words "herein",
"hereof", "hereto" and the like in this Agreement shall be construed as
references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article,
Section or provision of this Agreement, unless otherwise noted.

    SECTION 14.11.  CONFIDENTIALITY; PUBLICITY AND DISCLOSURES.  Each party
shall (and the Company shall direct its directors, officers, employees and
representatives to) keep this Agreement, the status of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and this Agreement's terms confidential, and
shall make no press release (other than an initial press release to be made
by Michaels announcing this transaction, the contents of which shall be
provided to Shareholder prior to release) or public disclosure, either
written or oral, regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
without the prior knowledge and written consent of the other parties hereto;
provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any disclosure (i) by press
release, filing or otherwise that Michaels has determined in its good faith
judgment to be required by federal securities laws or the rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, (ii) to attorneys, accountants,
investment bankers or other agents of the parties assisting the parties in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) by
Michaels in connection with obtaining financing for the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and conducting an examination of the
operations and assets of the Company, (iv) as may be deemed necessary by

                                    -42-

<PAGE>

Michaels in connection with other potential acquisition transactions, or (v)
as otherwise required by law.  The Shareholder shall have no obligations in
respect of any disclosures the Company may make after the Closing.  In the
event that the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated for any
reason whatsoever, the parties hereto agree not to disclose or use, directly
or indirectly, any confidential information they may have concerning the
affairs of the other parties, except for information that is required by law
to be disclosed.  Confidential information includes, but is not limited to,
the following:  financial records, surveys, reports, plans, store data,
proposals, financial information, information relating to personnel,
contracts, stock ownership, liabilities and litigation; provided that should
the transactions contemplated hereby not be consummated, nothing contained in
this Section shall be construed to prohibit the parties hereto from operating
businesses in competition with each other.

    SECTION 14.12.  NOTICE.  Any notice or communication hereunder or in any
agreement entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby must be in writing and addressed to the party to be notified, given by
causing the same to be delivered the next day by a nationally recognized
overnight courier service, or by depositing the same in the United States
mail, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt
requested, or by delivering the same in person or by facsimile transmission.
Such notice shall be deemed received on the date on which it is
hand-delivered or one business day after being sent by facsimile transmission
(provided such facsimile transmission is accompanied or immediately followed
by delivery by another method permitted hereunder) or on the third business
day following the date on which it is so mailed, or on the day actually
delivered by any such courier service.  For purposes of notice, the addresses
of the parties shall be as follows:

        If to Michaels:      Michaels Stores, Inc.
                             5931 Campus Circle Drive
                             Irving, Texas 75063
                             Attn:  Kristen L. Magnuson

        with a copy to:      Jackson & Walker, L.L.P.
                             901 Main Street, 60th Floor
                             Dallas, Texas 75202
                             Attn:  Charles D. Maguire, Jr.

        If to the Company    Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc.
        or the Shareholder:  1270 S. Goodrich Blvd.
                             City of Commerce, California  90022
                             Attn:  George P. Orban

                             (After the Closing, to the Shareholder c/o Siller,
                             Wilk & Mencher, LLP as noted below)

        in each case with a  Siller, Wilk & Mencher, LLP
        mandatory copy to:   747 Third Avenue

                                    -43-

<PAGE>

                             New York, New York  10017
                             Attn:  Stephen I. Siller

Any party may change its address for notice by written notice given to the
other parties in accordance with this Section.

    SECTION 14.13.  [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].

    SECTION 14.14.  SERVICE OF PROCESS.  Service of any and all process that
may be served on any party hereto in any suit, action or proceeding arising
out of this Agreement may be made in the manner and to the address set forth
in Section 14.12 and service thus made shall be taken and held to be valid
personal service upon such party by any party hereto on whose behalf such
service is made.

    SECTION 14.15.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                                    -44-

<PAGE>

          EXECUTED as of the date first above written.


                                  MICHAELS:
                                  ---------

                                  MICHAELS STORES, INC.


                                  By:___________________________

                                  Its:__________________________


                                  COMPANY:
                                  --------

                                  AARON BROTHERS HOLDINGS, INC.


                                  By:___________________________

                                  Its:__________________________



                                  SHAREHOLDER:
                                  ------------

                                  ABAM INVESTORS LIMITED
                                  PARTNERSHIP

                                  By:  PYRAM, INC.
                                  Its: General Partner



                                       By:______________________
                                            Stephen I. Siller
                                            President


                                    -45-

<PAGE>

                                  By:  CHUSA ART CORPORATION
                                  Its: General Partner



                                       By:_______________________
                                            Thomas C. Dircks
                                            Secretary


                                  By:  RETAIL ENTERPRISES, INC.
                                  Its: General Partner



                                       By:_________________________
                                            George P. Orban
                                            President






<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.7








                               EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                  by and between
                               MICHAELS STORES, INC.
                                       and










<PAGE>

   THIS AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of the 22nd day of March, 1989,
by and between MICHAELS STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation, (hereinafter
referred to as the "Company") and             (hereinafter referred to as the
"Executive").

   WHEREAS, the Company wishes to attract and retain well-qualified executive
and key personnel and to assure both itself and Executive of continuity of
management in the event of any actual or threatened change of control of the
Company;

   WHEREAS, Executive has heretofore been employed by the Company and is
experienced in the business of the Company;

   NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

   1.  TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall commence on the date hereof
and shall continue in effect through March 21, 1992; provided, however, that
commencing on March 22, 1990 and each March 22 thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not
later than the September 22 immediately preceding such March 22, the Company
shall have given notice that it does not wish


<PAGE>

to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such
notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change in Control shall have
occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of thirty-six (36) months
beyond the term in effect immediately before such Change in Control.

   2.  EMPLOYMENT. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of
Section 8 of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to employ Executive,
and Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, for the
period commencing on the Change of Control Date and ending on the 65th
birthday of Executive (the "Employment Period"), to exercise such authority
and perform such executive duties as are commensurate with the authority
being exercised and duties being performed by Executive immediately prior to
the Change of Control Date, which services shall be performed at the location
where Executive was employed immediately prior to the Change of Control Date.

   3.  BASE COMPENSATION. The Company agrees to pay Executive during the
Employment Period a salary, payable in cash at intervals not less frequently
than twice monthly, which is not less than his annual salary immediately
prior to the

                                    -2-

<PAGE>

Change of Control Date, with the opportunity for increases, from time to time
thereafter, which are in accordance with the Company's regular practices in
effect prior to the Change of Control Date.

   4.  DISCRETIONARY BONUSES. During the Employment Period, Executive shall
be entitled to participate in an equitable manner with all other key
management personnel of the Company in discretionary bonuses paid to the
Company's key management employees. No other compensation provided for in this
Agreement shall be deemed a substitute for Executive's right to participate
in such discretionary bonuses when and as declared by the Board of Directors
or by any committee thereof.

   5.  OTHER COMPENSATION.

       (a)  PARTICIPATION IN RETIREMENT AND MEDICAL PLANS. During the
Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive employee benefits
under, and participate in, all employee benefit plans to which Executive was
entitled immediately prior to the Change of Control Date, including but not
limited to any applicable pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employee stock ownership or Section 401(k) thrift and savings plans
(collectively, "Retirement Plans"), and any disability, life insurance or
medical and dental plans provided


                                    -3-


<PAGE>

by the Company to executives with comparable duties; provided, however, that
this provision shall not be construed to require the Company to establish any
new plans.

   (b) EXECUTIVE BENEFITS; EXPENSES. During the Employment Period, Executive
shall be entitled to receive any fringe benefits and perquisites which may be
or become applicable to the Company's executive employees, including but not
limited to participation in the Company's Key Employee Stock Compensation
Program, and any other stock option or incentive plans adopted by the Board
of Directors, a reasonable expense account, and any other benefits and
perquisites which are commensurate with the responsibilities and functions to
be performed by Executive under this Agreement. The Company shall reimburse
Executive for all out-of-pocket expenses which Executive shall incur in
connection with his services for the Company. During the Employment Period,
Executive shall be entitled to the use of a Company automobile in accordance
with the Company's practices in effect prior to the Change of Control Date
for providing automobiles to its executives. In addition, during the
Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to legal and financial
planning benefits consistent with benefits made available by the Company to
its executives prior to the Change of Control Date.

                                    -4-


<PAGE>

   (c) PARTICIPATION IN OTHER AGREEMENTS. During the Employment Period,
Executive shall continue to be treated as an employee under the provisions of
all agreements and other documents relating to the Company's Key Employee
Stock Compensation Program or any deferred compensation arrangements.

   6.  VACATION SICK LEAVE AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE. During the Employment
Period, Executive shall be entitled, without loss of pay, to absent himself
voluntarily from the performance of his employment under this Agreement for
the following purposes:

   (a) Executive shall be entitled to an annual vacation in accordance with
the Company's practices in effect prior to the Change of Control Date for its
senior management officials.

   (b) Upon Executive's request, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to
grant to Executive a leave or leaves of absence with or without pay at such
time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors in
its reasonable discretion may determine.

   (c) In addition, Executive shall be entitled to an annual sick leave in
accordance with the Company's practices in effect prior to the Change of
Control Date for its senior management officials.

                                    -5-




<PAGE>

   7. CONTROL.

   (a) CHANGE OF CONTROL. Except as provided in this Section 7(a),
for purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall mean a
change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported
in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), (as such disclosure requirement may in the
future be otherwise identified), whether or not the Company is then
subject to such reporting requirement; provided that, without
limitation, a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if
(A) any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Exchange Act), other than Mr. Sam Wyly, Mr. Charles J. Wyly,
Jr., or any affiliate of either of them, is or becomes the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the
Company's then outstanding securities; or (B) during any period of
three consecutive years (not including any period prior to the
execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of
such period constitute the Board of Directors, including for this
purpose any new director whose election by the Board, or nomination
for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote
of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office
who either were

                              -6-

<PAGE>

directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any
reason to constitute a majority thereof.

   (b) CHANGE OF CONTROL DATE. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term Change of Control Date shall mean the date upon which a Change
of Control as defined in Section 7(a) hereof is deemed to have
occurred.

   8. TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT PERIOD.

   The Employment Period shall terminate upon the occurrence of any
of the following events:

   (a) any termination by the Company of the employment of Executive
with the Company for any reason other than death, physical or
mental incapacity, or

   (b) the resignation of Executive upon the occurrence of any of
the following:

        (i) a significant change in the nature or scope of
Executive's authorities or duties from those described in Section 2;

                              -7-

<PAGE>

       (ii) a reduction in or delay in payment of total
compensation from that provided in Section 3, 4 and 5;

      (iii) the material breach by the Company of any other
provision of this Agreement; or

       (iv) a determination made by Executive, in his sole
discretion, that as a result of a Change in Control of the Company
and a change in circumstances thereafter affecting his position, he
is unable to fully exercise the authorities, powers, functions or
duties attached to his or her position and contemplated by Section
2 of this Agreement.

   9. CALCULATION OF TERMINATION PAY. For purposes of this
Agreement, Termination Date shall mean the date upon which the
Employment Period terminates pursuant to Section 8 hereof. If the
Employment Period is terminated pursuant to Section 8 hereof after
a Change of Control, but prior to the third anniversary of the
Change of Control Date, the Company shall pay to Executive as
termination pay the amounts determined as follows:

   (a) an amount equivalent to three (3) times one hundred percent
(100%) of Executive's aggregate monthly salary for the twelve (12)
months immediately prior to the Termination Date; and

                              -8-

<PAGE>

   (b) an amount equivalent to three (3) times one hundred percent
(100%) of Executive's aggregate bonuses for the twelve (12) months
immediately prior to the Termination Date; and

   (c) an amount equivalent to three (3) times one hundred percent
(100%) of the aggregate monthly equivalent cash values of those
benefits which Executive shall have received during the twelve (12)
months immediately prior to the Termination Date in the form of (i)
a car allowance or company car, (ii) those contributions by the
Company on behalf of Executive pursuant to a Section 401(k) or
other tax-advantaged savings plan established or to be established
by the Company; and (iii) those legal and financial planning
benefits made available by the Company to Executive; and

   (d) in addition to the benefits to which Executive is entitled
under any pension, deferred compensation or retirement benefit plan
or plans maintained by the Company, or any successor plan or plans
thereto (hereinafter referred to as the "Pension Plans"), a lump
sum equal to the actuarial equivalent of the excess of (x) the
retirement pension (determined as a straight life annuity
commencing at age sixty-five (65)) which Executive would have
accrued under the terms of the Company's Pension Plans (without
regard to any amendment to such Pension

                              -9-

<PAGE>

Plans made subsequent to the Change in Control Date and on or prior
to the Termination Date, which amendment adversely affects in any
manner the computation of retirement benefits thereunder),
determined as if Executive were fully vested thereunder and had
accumulated (after the Termination Date) thirty-six (36) months of
service credit thereunder at a level of one hundred percent (100%)
of Executive's average rate of compensation during the twelve (12)
months immediately prior to the Termination Date and (y) the
retirement pension (determined as a straight life annuity
commencing at age sixty-five (65)) which Executive had been accrued
pursuant to the provisions of the Pension Plans.

   10. CONTINUATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS. For a period of
thirty-six (36) months following the Termination Date, the Company
shall arrange to provide Executive with life, medical, dental,
health, accident and disability insurance benefits substantially
similar to those that Executive is receiving or is entitled to
receive immediately prior to the Termination Date, which benefits
shall in no event be less than those benefits in effect immediately
prior to the Change of Control Date.

   11. PAYMENT OF LEGAL EXPENSES. The Company shall also pay
Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by Executive as a
result of any termination pursuant to Section 8 hereof,

                              -10-

<PAGE>

including, but not limited to, all such fees and expenses, if any,
incurred in contesting or disputing any such termination or in
seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this
Agreement.

   12. DISBURSEMENT OF TERMINATION PAY. The aggregate amount of all
termination payments that are payable to Executive as provided in
Section 9 hereof shall be determined in good faith by the Company
within 15 days following the Termination Date, and such termination
payments shall be distributed by the Company to Executive, at the
election of Executive (which election shall be made within thirty
(30) days following the Termination Date), either (A) in one lump
sum within ninety (90) days following the Termination Date or (B)
in thirty-six (36) equal monthly installments beginning thirty (30)
days following the Termination Date and continuing every thirty
(30) days thereafter.

   13. NOTICES. Any notices, demands and other communications
provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing
and if sent by registered or certified mail to Executive at the
last address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the
case of the Company, at its principal executive offices to the
attention of the President, with a copy to the attention of the
General Counsel.

                              -11-

<PAGE>

   14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

   (a) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon any corporate or other successor of the Company which shall
acquire, directly or indirectly, by merger, consolidation, purchase
or otherwise, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

   (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by Executive's personal or legal representatives,
executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees and legatees. If Executive should die while he or she is
entitled to receive any amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement,
all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement to Executive's devisee, legatee or other designee or, if
there is no such designee, to Executive's estate.

   15. AMENDMENTS. No amendments or additions to this Agreement
shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

   16. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed in all
respects, whether as to validity, construction, capacity,
performance or otherwise, by the laws of the State of Texas, except
to the extent that federal law shall be deemed to apply.

                              -12-

<PAGE>

   17. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the
other provisions hereof.

   18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains all the terms
agreed upon by the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and
communications.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on
the day and year first hereinabove written.


                                     EXECUTIVE:

                                     --------------------------------

ATTEST:                              MICHAELS STORES, INC.

- ---------------------------          By:-----------------------------
                                           B. B. Tuley, President




                              -13-




<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.8









                                    AGREEMENT

                                  by and between

                               MICHAELS STORES, INC.

                                       and



<PAGE>

   THIS AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of the 22nd day of March,
1989, by and between MICHAELS STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation,
(hereinafter referred to as the "Company") and
hereinafter referred to as the "Consultant").

   WHEREAS, the Company wishes to attract and retain certain key consultants
and advisors and to assure itself of continuity of strategy and policy in the
event of any actual or threatened change of control of the Company; and

   WHEREAS, Consultant has heretofore been retained by the Company and is
experienced in the business of the Company;

   NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

   1. TERMS OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall commence on the date hereof
and shall continue in effect through March 21, 1992; provided, however, that
commencing on March 22, 1990 and each March 22, thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless,
not later than the September 22 immediately preceding such March 22, the
Company shall have given notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement;
provided, further, that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to
extend,


<PAGE>

if a Change in Control shall have occurred during the original or extended
term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period
of thirty-six (36) months beyond the term in effect immediately before such
Change in Control.

   2. CONSULTING PERIOD. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions
of Section 6 of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to retain
Consultant, and Consultant hereby agrees to offer his services to the
Company, for the period commencing on the Change of Control Date and ending
on the 65th birthday of Consultant (the "Consulting Period"), to perform such
consulting services as are commensurate with the services being performed by
Consultant immediately prior to the Change of Control Date, which services shall
be performed at the location where Consultant was located immediately prior to
the Change of Control Date.

   3. BASE COMPENSATION. The Company agrees to pay Consultant during the
Consulting Period, in cash at intervals not less frequently than once
monthly, consulting fees in an amount not less than Consultant's average
monthly consulting fees for the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the
Change of Control Date.


                                    -2-

<PAGE>

    4. OTHER COMPENSATION.

       (a) PARTICIPATION IN RETIREMENT AND MEDICAL PLANS. During the
Consulting Period, Consultant shall be entitled to receive benefits under,
and participate in, all benefit plans to which Consultant was entitled
immediately prior to the Change of Control Date, including but not limited to
any applicable pension, retirement, deferred compensation, stock ownership or
Section 401(k) thrift and savings plans (collectively, "Retirement Plans"),
and any disability, life insurance or medical and dental plans provided by
the Company to key advisors with comparable duties; provided, however, that
this provision shall not be construed to require the Company to establish any
new plans.

       (b) CONSULTANT BENEFITS; EXPENSES. During the Consulting Period,
Consultant shall be entitled to receive any fringe benefits and perquisites
which may be or become applicable to the Company's other key advisors,
including but not limited to participation in the Company's Key Employee
Stock Compensation Program, and any other stock option or incentive plans
adopted by the Board of Directors, a reasonable expense account, and any
other benefits and perquisites which are commensurate with the
responsibilities and functions to be performed by Consultant under this
Agreement. The Company shall reimburse Consultant for all out-of-pocket
expenses which


                                     -3-


<PAGE>

Consultant shall incur in connection with his services for the Company.
During the Consulting Period, Consultant shall be entitled to the use of a
Company automobile in accordance with the Company's practices in effect prior
to the Change of Control Date for providing automobiles to its key advisors.
In addition, during the Consulting Period, Consultant shall be entitled to
legal and financial planning benefits consistent with benefits made available
by the Company to its key advisors prior to the Change of Control Date.

       (c) PARTICIPATION IN OTHER AGREEMENTS. During the Consulting Period,
Consultant shall continue to be treated as a key advisor and consultant under
the provisions of all agreements and other documents relating to the
Company's Key Employee Stock Compensation Program or any deferred
compensation arrangements.

    5. CONTROL.

       (a) CHANGE OF CONTROL. Except as provided in this Section 5(a), for
purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall mean a change in
control of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to
Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (as such disclosure
statement may in the future be otherwise


                                  -4-

<PAGE>

identified), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting
requirement; provided that, without limitation, a Change of Control shall be
deemed to have occurred if (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Mr. Sam Wyly, Mr. Charles J.
Wyly, Jr., or any affiliate of either of them, is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or (B)
during any period of three consecutive years (not including any period prior
to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such
period constitute the Board of Directors, including for this purpose any new
director whose election by the Board, or nomination for election by the
Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3)
of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the
beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof.

       (b) CHANGE OF CONTROL DATE. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
Change of Control Date shall mean the date upon which a Change of Control as
defined in Section 5(a) hereof is deemed to have occurred.


                                   -5-














<PAGE>

   6.  TERMINATION OF THE CONSULTING PERIOD.

   The Consulting Period shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:

   (a) any termination by the Company of the consulting agreements or
contracts between Consultant and the Company, including but not limited to
that certain Consultation Agreement dated January 1, 1986 (as amended June 1,
1986 and March 25, 1988) between the Company and Consultant for any reason
other than death, physical or mental incapacity, or

   (b) the resignation of Consultant upon the occurrence of any of the
following:

     (i) a significant change in the nature of scope of Consultant's duties
from those described in Section 2;

     (ii) a reduction in or delay in payment of total compensation from that
provided in Section 3 and 4;

     (iii) the material breach by the Company of any other provision of this
Agreement; or

     (iv) a determination made by Consultant, in his sole discretion, that as
a result of a Change in Control of

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

the Company and a change in circumstance thereafter affecting his position,
he is unable to fully exercise his duties as contemplated by Section 2 of
this Agreement.

   7. CALCULATION OF TERMINATION PAY. For purposes of this Agreement,
Termination Date shall mean the date upon which the Consulting Period
terminates pursuant to Section 6 hereof. If the Consulting Period is
terminated pursuant to Section 6 hereof after a Change of Control, but prior
to the third anniversary of the Change of Control Date, the Company shall pay
to Consultant as termination pay the amounts determined as follows:

   (a) an amount equivalent to three (3) times one hundred percent (100%) of
the Consultant's aggregate consulting fees for the twelve (12) months
immediately prior to the Termination Date; and

   (b) an amount equivalent to three (3) times one hundred percent (100%) of
the aggregate monthly equivalent cash values of those benefits which
Consultant shall have received during the twelve (12) months immediately
prior to the Termination Date in the form of (i) a car allowance or company
car, (ii) those contributions by the Company on behalf of Consultant pursuant
to a Section 401(k) or other tax-advantaged savings plan established or to be
established by the Company,

                                      -7-

<PAGE>

and (iii) those legal and financial planning benefits made available by the
Company to Consultant; and

   (c) in addition to the benefits to which Consultant is entitled under any
pension, deferred compensation or retirement benefit plan or plans maintained
by the Company, or any successor plan or plans thereto (hereinafter referred
to as the "Pension Plans"), a lump sum equal to the actuarial equivalent of
the excess of (x) the retirement pension (determined as a straight life
annuity commencing at age sixty-five (65)) which Consultant would have
accrued under the terms of the Company's Pension Plans (without regard to any
amendment to such Pension Plans made subsequent to the Change in Control Date
and on or prior to the Termination Date, which amendment adversely affects in
any manner the computation of retirement benefits thereunder), determined as
if Consultant were fully vested thereunder and had accumulated (after the
Termination Date) thirty-six (36) months of service credit thereunder at a
level of one hundred percent (100%) of Consultant's average rate of
compensation during the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the
Termination Date and (y) the retirement pension (determined as a straight
life annuity commencing at age sixty-five (65)) which Consultant had then
accrued pursuant to the provisions of the Pension Plans.

                                      -8-

<PAGE>

   8. CONTINUATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS. For a period of thirty-six
(36) months following the Termination Date, the Company shall arrange to
provide Consultant with life, medical, dental, health, accident and
disability insurance benefits substantially similar to those that Consultant
is receiving or is entitled to receive immediately prior to the Termination
Date, which benefits shall in no event be less than those benefits in effect
immediately prior to the Change of Control Date.

   9.  PAYMENT OF LEGAL EXPENSES. The Company shall also pay Consultant all
legal fees and expenses incurred by Consultant as a result of any termination
pursuant to Section 6 hereof, including, but not limited to, all such fees
and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any such
termination or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided
by this Agreement.

   10. DISBURSEMENT OF TERMINATION PAY. The aggregate amount of all
termination payments that are payable to Consultant as provided in Section 7
hereof shall be determined in good faith by the Company within 15 days
following the Termination Date, and such termination payments shall be
distributed by the Company to Consultant, at the election of Consultant
(which election shall be made within thirty (30) days following the
Termination Date), either (A) in one lump

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

sum within ninety (90) days following the Termination Date or (B) in
thirty-six (36) equal monthly installments  beginning thirty (30) days
following the Termination Date and continuing every thirty (30) days thereafter.

   11. NOTICES. Any notices, demands and other communications provided for by
this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or
certified mail to Consultant at the last address he has filed in writing with
the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal executive
offices to the attention of the President, with a copy to the attention of
the General Counsel.

   12. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

   (a) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon any
corporate or other successor of the Company which shall acquire, directly or
indirectly, by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise, all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company.

   (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
Consultant's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Consultant should
die while he or she is entitled to receive any amounts payable

                                      -10-

<PAGE>

pursuant to this Agreement, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement to Consultant's devisee, legatee or other designee
or, if there is no such designee, to Consultant's estate.

   13. AMENDMENTS. No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

   14. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise, by
the laws of the State of Texas, except to the extent that federal law shall
be deemed to apply.

   15. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed
severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

   16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains all the terms agreed upon by
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements, arrangements and communications.

                                      -11-

<PAGE>

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day
and year first hereinabove written.


                                     CONSULTANT:

                                     ______________________________________


ATTEST:                              MICHAELS STORES, INC.

________________________________     By:___________________________________
                                          B. B. Tuley, President



                                      -12-


<PAGE>


                                                                EXHIBIT 10.9













                            EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                               by and between

                            MICHAELS STORES, INC.

                                     and

                            DOUGLAS B. SULLIVAN



<PAGE>


     THIS AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of the 6th day of April,
1989, by and between MICHAELS STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation,
(hereinafter referred to as the ("Company") and DOUGLAS B. SULLIVAN
(hereinafter referred to as the "Executive").

     WHEREAS, the Company wishes to attract and retain well-qualifed
executive and key personnel and to assure both itself and Executive of
continuity of management in the event of any actual or threatened change of
control of the Company; and

     WHEREAS, Executive has heretofore been employed by the Company and is
experienced in the business of the Company;

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties as follows:

     1. TERM OF AGREEMENT.  This Agreement shall commence on the date hereof
and shall continue in effect through April 5, 1992 provided, however, that
commencing on April 6, 1990 and each April 6 thereafter, the term of this
Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless,
not later than the October 6 immediately preceding such April 6, the Company
shall have given notice that it does not wish


<PAGE>


to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that notwithstanding any such
notice by the Company not to extend, if a Change in Control shall have
occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of twelve (12) months beyond
the term in effect immediately before such Change in Control.

     2. EMPLOYMENT.  Unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of
Section 8 of this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to employ Executive,
and Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, for the
period commencing on the Change of Control Date and ending on the 65th
birthday of Executive (the "Employment Period"), to exercise such authority
and perform such executive duties as are commensurate with the authority
being exercised and duties being performed by Executive immediately prior to
the Change of Control Date, which services shall be performed at the location
where Executive was employed immediately prior to the Change of Control Date.

     3. BASE COMPENSATION.  The Company agrees to pay Executive during the
Employment Period a salary, payable in cash at intervals not less frequently
than twice monthly, which is not less than his annual salary immediately
prior to the


                                     -2-


<PAGE>


Change of Control Date, with the opportunity for increases, from time to time
thereafter, which are in accordance with the Company's regular practices in
effect prior to the Change of Control Date.

     4. DISCRETIONARY BONUSES.  During the Employment Period, Executive shall
be entitled to participate in an equitable manner with all other key
management personnel of the Company in discretionary bonuses paid to the
Company's key management employees. No other compensation provided for in
this Agreement shall be deemed a substitute for Executive's right to
participate in such discretionary bonuses when and as declared by the Board
of Directors or by any committee thereof.

     5. OTHER COMPENSATION.

          (a)  PARTICIPATION IN RETIREMENT AND MEDICAL PLANS. During the
Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive employee benefits
under, and participate in, all employee benefit plans to which Executive was
entitled immediately prior to the Change of Control Date, including but not
limited to any applicable pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employee stock ownership or Section 401(k) thrift and savings plans
(collectively, "Retirement Plans"), and any disability, life insurance or
medical and dental plans provided


                                     -3-


<PAGE>


by the Company to executives with comparable duties; provided, however, that
this provision shall not be construed to require the Company to establish any
new plans.

          (b) EXECUTIVE BENEFITS; EXPENSES.  During the Employment Period,
Executive shall be entitled to receive any fringe benefits and perquisites
which may be or become applicable to the Company's executive employees,
including but not limited to participation in the Company's Key Employee
Stock Compensation Program, and any other stock option or incentive plans
adopted by the Board of Directors, a reasonable expense account, and any
other benefits and perquisites which are commensurate with the
responsibilities and functions to be performed by Executive under this
Agreement. The Comany shall reimburse Executive for all out-of-pocket
expenses which Executive shall incur in connection with his services for the
Company. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to the use
of a Company automobile in accordance with the Company's practices in effect
prior to the Change of Control Date for providing automobiles to its
executives. In addition, during the Employment Period, Executive shall be
entitled to legal and financial planning benefits consistent with benefits
made available by the Company to its executives prior to the Change of
Control Date.


                                     -4-


<PAGE>


          (c) PARTICIPATION IN OTHER AGREEMENTS.  During the Employment
Period, Executive shall continue to be treated as an employee under the
provisions of all agreements and other documents relating to the Company's
Key Employee Stock Compensation Program or any deferred compensation
arrangements.

     6. VACATION, SICK LEAVE AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE.  During the Employment
Period, Executive shall be entitled, without loss of pay, to absent himself
voluntarily from the performance of his employment under this Agreement for
the following purposes:

          (a) Executive shall be entitled to an annual vacation in accordance
with the Company's practices in effect prior to the Change of Control Date
for its senior management officials.

          (b) Upon Executive's request, the Board of Directors shall be
entitled to grant to Executive a leave or leaves of absence with or without
pay at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of
Directors in its reasonable discretion may determine.

          (c) In addition, Executive shall be entitled to an annual sick
leave in accordance with the Company's practices in effect prior to the
Change of Control Date for its senior management officials.


                                     -5-


<PAGE>


   7. CONTROL.

         (a) CHANGE OF CONTROL. Except as provided in this Section 7(a), for
purposes of this Agreement, a Change of Control shall mean a change in
control of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to
Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (as such disclosure
requirement may in the future be otherwise identified), whether or not the
Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided that, without
limitation, a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if (A) any
"person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act), other than Mr. Sam Wyly, Mr. Charles J. Wyly, Jr., or any affiliate of
either of them, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Company representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the
Company's then outstanding securities; or (B) during any period of three
consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this
Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the
Board of Directors, including for this purpose any new director whose
election by the Board, or nomination for election by the Company's
stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
directors then still in office who either were


                                     -6-


<PAGE>


directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a
majority thereof.

          (b) CHANGE OF CONTROL DATE.  For purposes of this Agreement, the
term Change of Control Date shall mean the date upon which a Change of
Control as defined in Section 7(a) hereof is deemed to have occurred.

     8. TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT PERIOD.

     The Employment Period shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:

          (a) any termination by the Company of the employment of Executive
with the Company for any reason other than death, physical or mental
incapacity, or

          (b) the resignation of Executive upon the occurrence of any of the
following:

               (i) a significant change in the nature or scope of Executive's
authorities or duties from those described in Section 2;


                                     -7-



<PAGE>

         (ii)   a reduction in or delay in payment of total compensation from
that provided in Section 3, 4 and 5;

         (iii)  the material breach by the Company of any other provision
of this Agreement; or

         (iv)   a determination made by Executive, in his sole discretion,
that as a result of a Change in Control of the Company and a change in
circumstances thereafter affecting his position, he is unable to fully
exercise the authorities, powers, functions or duties attached to his or her
position and contemplated by Section 2 of this Agreement.

   9.  CALCULATION OF TERMINATION PAY.  For purposes of this Agreement,
Termination Date shall mean the date upon which the Employment Period
terminates pursuant to Section 8 hereof. If the Employment Period is
terminated pursuant to Section 8 hereof after a Change in Control, but prior
to the first anniversary of the Change in Control Date, the Company shall pay
to Executive as termination pay the amounts determined as follows:

       (a)  an amount equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive's
aggregate monthly salary for the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the
Termination Date; and

                                    -8-


<PAGE>

       (b)  an amount equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive's
aggregate bonuses for the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the
Termination Date; and

       (c)  an amount equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of the
aggregate monthly equivalent cash values of those benefits which Executive
shall have received during the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the
Termination Date in the form of (i) a car allowance or company car, (ii)
those contributions by the Company on behalf of Executive pursuant to a
Section 401(k) or other tax-advantaged savings plan established or to be
established by the Company, and (iii) those legal and financial planning
benefits made available by the Company to Executive; and

       (d)  in addition to the benefits to which Executive is entitled under
any pension, deferred compensation or retirement benefit plan or plans
maintained by the Company, or any successor plan or plans thereto
(hereinafter referred to as the "Pension Plans"), a lump sum equal to the
actuarial equivalent of the excess of (x) the retirement pension (determined
as a straight life annuity commencing at age sixty-five (65)) which Executive
would have accrued under the terms of the Company's Pension Plans (without
regard to any amendment to such Pension

                                    -9-


<PAGE>

Plans made subsequent to the Change in Control Date and on or prior to the
Termination Date, which amendment adversely affects in any manner the
computation of retirement benefits thereunder), determined as if Executive
were fully vested thereunder and had accumulated (after the Termination Date)
twelve (12) months of service credit thereunder at a level of one hundred
percent (100%) of Executive's average rate of compensation during the twelve
(12) months immediately prior to the Termination Date and (y) the retirement
pension (determined as a straight life annuity commencing at age sixty-five
(65)) which Executive had then accrued pursuant to the provisions of the
Pension Plan.

   10.  CONTINUATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS.  For a period of twelve
(12) months following the Termination Date, the Company shall arrange to
provide Executive with life, medical, dental, health, accident and disability
insurance benefits substantially similar to those that Executive is receiving
or is entitled to receive immediately prior to the Termination Date, which
benefits shall in no event be less than those benefits in effect immediately
prior to the Change of Control Date.

   11.  PAYMENT OF LEGAL EXPENSES.  The Company shall also pay Executive all
legal fees and expenses incurred by Executive as a result of any termination
pursuant to Section 8 hereof,

                                   -10-


<PAGE>

including, but not limited to, all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred
in contesting or disputing any such termination or in seeking to obtain or
enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement.

   12.  DISBURSEMENT OF TERMINATION PAY.  The aggregate amount of all
termination payments that are payable to Executive as provided in Section 9
hereof shall be determined in good faith by the Company within 15 days
following the Termination Date, and such termination payments shall be
distributed by the Company to Executive, at the election of Executive (which
election shall be made within thirty (30) days following the Termination
Date), either (A) in one lump sum within ninety (90) days following the
Termination Date or (B) in twelve (12) equal monthly installments beginning
thirty (30) days following the Termination Date and continuing every thirty
(30) days thereafter.

   13.  NOTICES.  Any notices, demands and other communications provided for
by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered
or certified mail to Executive at the last address he has filed in writing
with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal executive
offices to the attention of the President, with a copy to the attention of
the General Counsel.

                                   -11-


<PAGE>

   14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

       (a)  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
any corporate or other successor of the Company which shall acquire, directly
or indirectly, by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise, all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company.

       (b)  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive should
die while he or she is entitled to receive any amounts payable pursuant to
this Agreement, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement to Executive's devisee, legatee or other designee or, if
there is no such designee, to Executive's estate.

   15.  AMENDMENTS.  No amendments or additions to this Agreement shall be
binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

   16.  APPLICABLE LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise, by
the laws of the State of Texas, except to the extent that federal law shall
be deemed to apply.


                                   -12-


<PAGE>

   17.  SEVERABILITY.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed
severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

   18.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement contains all the terms agreed upon
by the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements, arrangements and communications.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day
and year first hereinabove written.

                                       EXECUTIVE:

                                             /s/ DOUGLAS B. SULLIVAN
                                       --------------------------------------
                                               Douglas B. Sullivan


ATTEST:                                MICHAELS STORES, INC.

   /s/ MARK V. BUSBY
- -------------------------              By:       /s/  B. B. TULEY
                                           ----------------------------------
                                               B. B. Tuley, President



                                   -13-


















































<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.18

                      FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

   THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT is dated as of the 26th day of
April, 1995, and entered into among Michaels Stores, Inc. a Delaware
corporation ("Company"), the Lenders signatory hereto, and NATIONSBANK OF
TEXAS, N.A., a national banking association, individually and as
Administrative Lender (in such latter capacity, the "Administrative Lender").

                                  WITNESSETH:

   WHEREAS, Company, the Lenders and the Administrative Lender entered into a
First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, effective as of June 18, 1994 (as
amended, the "Credit Agreement");

   WHEREAS, Company, the Administrative Lender and the Lenders have agreed to
increase the loan facility and make certain other changes;

   WHEREAS, the Lenders, Company and the Administrative Lender have agreed to
amend the Credit Agreement to make certain changes to the terms therein;

   WHEREAS, the Lenders, the Administrative Lender and Company have agreed to
 modify the Credit Agreement upon the terms and conditions set forth below;

   NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, Company,
the Lenders and the Administrative Lender agree as follows:

   SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS.  Unless specifically defined or redefined below,
capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the
Credit Agreement.

   (a) The definition of BORROWING BASE on page 4 of the Credit Agreement
shall be deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in its stead:

     "BORROWING BASE" means, at the time of determination thereof, an amount
   equal to 50% of Eligible Inventory.

   (b) The definition of COMMITMENT on page 5 of the Credit Agreement shall
be deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in its stead:

     "COMMITMENT" means $200,000,000 as such amount may be terminated or
   reduced in accordance with Section 2.09 hereof from time to time, which
   such amount includes the Letter of Credit Commitment.

   (c) The definition of LETTER OF CREDIT COMMITMENT on page 11 of the Credit
Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in
its stead:


<PAGE>

     "LETTER OF CREDIT COMMITMENT" means an amount equal to the lesser of (a)
   $25,000,000 or (b) the difference between $200,000,000 minus the aggregate
   outstanding Advances under the Loan or (c) the difference between the
   Commitment minus the aggregate outstanding Advances under the Loan.

   (d) The definition of MATURITY DATE on page 12 of the Credit Agreement
shall be deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in its stead:

     "MATURITY DATE" means June 16, 1998 or such earlier date as the Loan
   becomes due and payable, regardless of how such maturity is brought about,
   whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, scheduled reduction or
   otherwise.

   SECTION 2.  AMENDMENT TO COVER PAGE AND PAGE ONE OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
The one place that the number $150,000,000 appears on the cover page of the
Credit Agreement, and the two places that the number $150,000,000 appears on
page 1 of the Credit Agreement shall, in each case, be deleted and the number
$200,000,000 shall be substituted in its stead.

   SECTION 3.  AMENDMENT TO SCHEDULES 5.01 AND 5.05, AND TO EXHIBIT B AND
EXHIBIT C TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.  Schedule 5.01, Schedule 5.05, Exhibit B
and Exhibit C to the Credit Agreement shall each be deleted in their entirety
and the attached Schedule 5.01, Schedule 5.05, Exhibit B and Exhibit C be
substituted in their stead, respectively.

   SECTION 4.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.  This First Amendment shall not be
effective until all proceedings of Company taken in connection with this
First Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Lender and Lenders,
and the Administrative Lender and Lenders shall have each received the
following:

     (a) a loan certificate of Company certifying (i) as to the accuracy of
   its representations and warranties set forth in Article V of the Credit
   Agreement, the other Loan Papers and in this First Amendment, (ii) that
   there exists no Default or Event of Default both before and after giving
   effect to this First Amendment, and the execution, delivery and performance
   of this First Amendment will not cause a Default of Event of Default,
   (iii) that is has complied with all agreements and conditions to be
   complied with by it under the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Papers and
   this First Amendment by the date hereof, and (iv) that no notice of the
   execution of this First Amendment is required under the terms of any other
   agreement of Company and no consent is required under the terms of any
   agreement of Company in connection with this First Amendment;

     (b) new Notes evidencing the Loan for each Lender in form and substance
   acceptable to the Administrative Lender and Lenders;

     (c) an opinion of counsel of Company acceptable to the Lenders with
   respect to this First Amendment and all other Loan Papers executed in
   connection therewith,

                                      2

<PAGE>

   including, without limitation, an opinion with respect to the validity and
   enforceability of the Loan Papers before and after giving effect to this
   First Amendment; and

     (d) such other documents, instruments, and certificates, in form and
   substance satisfactory to the Lenders, as the Lenders shall deem necessary
   or appropriate in connection with this First Amendment and the transactions
   contemplated hereby.

   SECTION 5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Company represents and
warrants to the Lenders and the Administrative Lender that (a) this First
Amendment constitutes its legal, valid, and binding obligations, enforceable
in accordance with the terms hereof (subject as to enforcement of remedies to
any applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws or
principles of equity affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally), (b) there exists no Event of Default or Default under the Credit
Agreement both before and after giving effect to this First Amendment, (c)
its representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement and
other Loan Papers are true and correct on the date hereof both before and
after giving effect to this First Amendment, (d) it has complied with all
agreements and conditions to be complied with by it under the Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Papers by the date hereof (e) the Credit
Agreement, as amended hereby, and the other Loan Papers remain in full force
and effect, and (f) no notice to, or consent of, any Person is required under
the terms of any agreement of Company in connection with the execution of
this First Amendment.

   SECTION 6.  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Company shall execute and deliver such
further agreements, documents, instruments, and certificates in form and
substance satisfactory to the Administrative Lender, as the Administrative
Lender or any Lender may deem necessary or appropriate in connection with
this First Amendment.

   SECTION 7.  COUNTERPARTS.  This First Amendment and the other Loan Papers
may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument. In making proof of any such
agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for any counterpart
other than one signed by the party against which enforcement is sought.

   SECTION 8.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS
REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED
BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE
PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

   SECTION 9.  GOVERNING LAW.  (a) THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL LOAN PAPERS SHALL
BE DEEMED CONTRACTS MADE UNDER THE LAWS OF TEXAS AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS, EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT (A) FEDERAL LAWS GOVERN THE VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, ENFORCEMENT AND
INTERPRETATION OF ALL OR ANY PART OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL LOAN

                                      3

<PAGE>

PAPERS OR (B) STATE LAW GOVERNS UCC COLLATERAL INTERESTS FOR PROPERTIES OF
COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIARIES OUTSIDE THE STATE OF TEXAS. WITHOUT EXCLUDING
ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, COMPANY AND EACH SUBSIDIARY AGREES THAT THE COURTS OF
TEXAS WILL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER PROCEEDINGS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.

   (b) COMPANY AND EACH SUBSIDIARY HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY
LEGAL PROCESS UPON IT. IN ADDITION, COMPANY AND EACH SUBSIDIARY AGREES THAT
SERVICE OF PROCESS MAY BE MADE UPON IT BY REGISTERED MAIL (RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED) DIRECTED TO COMPANY AT ITS ADDRESS DESIGNATED FOR NOTICE UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON
RECEIPT BY COMPANY. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE LENDER OR ANY LENDER TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER
MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

   SECTION 10.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
LAW, COMPANY, EACH SUBSIDIARY AND EACH LENDER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT THAT IT
MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY DISPUTE (WHETHER A CLAIM IN TORT,
CONTRACT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE) ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,
THE OTHER LOAN PAPERS, OR ANY RELATED MATTERS AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH
DISPUTE SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment to Credit Agreement is executed
as of the date first set forth above.


COMPANY:                              MICHAELS STORES, INC.

                                      ____________________________________
                                      By:
                                      Its:

SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE:

    23.33%                            NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS N.A., as
                                      Administrative Lender, and individually
                                      as a Lender
901 Main Street
67th Floor
Dallas, TX 75202
Attn: Joseph G. Taylor                By:_________________________________
                                           Joseph G. Taylor
                                           Senior Vice President

                                      4





<PAGE>


SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

     23.33%                      BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS, as a Lender

Address:
231 S. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60604                By:  __________________________________
Attn: Ken Bell                   Its: __________________________________
Tel: (312) 828-6386



SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

     10.00%                      BANK ONE, TEXAS, as a Lender

Address:
1717 Main Street
3rd Floor                        By:  __________________________________
Dallas, TX 75201                 Its: __________________________________
Attn: Alan L. Miller



SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

     10.00%                      CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH, as
                                 a Lender
Address:
500 N. Akard
Suite 3210                       By:  __________________________________
Dallas, TX 75201                 Its: __________________________________
Attn: Timothy M. O'Conner



SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

     10.00%                      FIRST INTERSTATE BANK OF TEXAS, N.A.,
                                 as a Lender
Address:
1445 Ross Avenue
Third Floor                      By:  __________________________________
Dallas, TX 75202                 Its: __________________________________
Attn: Susan Coulter


                                      5


<PAGE>


SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

     10.00%                      MELLON BANK, N.A., as a Lender

Address:
One Mellon Center
Room 4535                        By:  __________________________________
Pittsburgh, PA 15258-0001        Its: __________________________________
Attn: Marc T. Kennedy



SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

      6.67%                      THE BOATMEN'S NATIONAL BANK OF
                                 ST. LOUIS, as a Lender
Address:
800 Market Street
14th Floor                       By:  __________________________________
St. Louis, MO 63101              Its: __________________________________
Attn: Dwight Erdbruegger


SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE

      6.67%                      UNITED STATES NATIONAL BANK OF
                                 OREGON, as a Lender
Address:
111 Southwest Fifth Ave.
T-29                             By:  __________________________________
Portland, OR 97204               Its: __________________________________
Attn: Blake Howells



                                      6


<PAGE>


AGREED AND ACCEPTED: the following guarantors
agree and accept the above increase the Commitment:


MICHAELS OF CANADA, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



MICHAELS INTERNATIONAL FINANCE, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



5931, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



LEEWANDS CREATIVE CRAFTS, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



TREASURE HOUSE STORES, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________


                                      7


<PAGE>


OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., II, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., III, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., IV, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., V, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., VI, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., VII, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., VIII, INC.
OREGON CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., IX, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



HABIF & ROSS ENTERPRISES, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



RIVERSIDE CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



SAN DIEGO CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO. INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________


                                      8


<PAGE>


MISSION VIEJO CRAFT & FLORAL, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



H.F.C.S., INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



SAN LEANDRO CRAFT AND FLORAL SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



ORANGE CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



H & H CRAFT & FLORAL SUPPLY CO., #9, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________


                                      9


<PAGE>


OC&F NUMBER 18, INC.

By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



MICHAELS OF PUERTO RICO, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



AARON BROTHERS, INC.


**1 By:  ___________________________
**2 Its: ___________________________



AARON BROTHERS HOLDINGS, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________



ART MARTS, INC.


By:  ___________________________
Its: ___________________________


                                      10




<PAGE>

                                                               EXHIBIT 10.19

                            MICHAELS STORES, INC.

                    1994 NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN


   1.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of the 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of
Michaels Stores, Inc. (the "Plan") is to provide employees and key advisors
with a proprietary interest in Michaels Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and its subsidiaries (the "Company") through the granting of options
("Options" or "Options") to purchase shares of the Company's authorized
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:

       a.  Increase the interest in the Company's welfare of those employees
   and key advisors who share primary responsibility for the management,
   growth and protection of the business of the Company;

       b.  Recognize the contributions made by certain employees and key
   advisors to the Company's growth during its development stage;

       c.  Furnish an incentive to such employees and key advisors to
   continue their services for the Company; and

       d.  Provide a means through which the Company may attract able persons
   to engage as employees and key advisors.

   2.  ADMINISTRATION.  The Plan has been established and shall be
administered by a committee of two or more members of the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board of Directors" or "Board") who are not employees of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries (the "Committee"). Except as otherwise
provided by the terms of this Plan or by the Board, the Committee shall have
all the power and authority of the Board hereunder.

   The Committee shall have full and final authority in its discretion, but
subject to the provisions of the PLan, to determine from time to time the
individuals to whom Options shall be granted and the number of shares to be
covered by each Option; to determined the time or times at which Options
shall be granted; to interpret the Plan and the instruments by which Options
will be evidenced; to make, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
to the Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by
which Options shall be evidenced; with the consent of the Participant (as
defined in Section 3), to modify or amend any Option agreement or waive any
conditions or restrictions applicable to any Option or the exercise thereof
and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the
administration of the Plan.

   3.  PARTICIPANTS.  The Committee may, from time to time, select particular
employees and key advisors, including officers and directors, of the Company,
or of any subsidiary of the Company, to whom Options are to be granted, and
upon the grant of such Options, the selected employees and key advisors shall
become Participants in the Plan. As used herein, the term "Participant" means
an employee or key advisor who accepts an Option, or the estate, personal
representative, beneficiary or transferee thereof having the right to
exercise an Option pursuant to its terms.

   4.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  The shares of Common Stock subject to
Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be either shares of authorized but
unissued Common Stock or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company.
The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance
from time to time pursuant to the Plan shall be 1,000,000 provided that the
Committee may adjust the number of shares available for Options, the number
of shares subject to and the exercise price of Options granted hereunder to
reflect a change in capitalization of the Company, such as stock dividend,
stock split, reverse stock split, share combination, exchange of shares,
merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, or the like, of or by
the Company. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock with
respect to which Options may be granted to any Participant during the term of
the Plan shall not exceed 50% of the total number of shares of Common Stock
that may be issued from time to time under the Plan. Shares that by reason of
the expiration of an Option, or for any other reason, are no longer subject
to purchase pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan,


<PAGE>

and shares from time to time rendered in payment of the exercise price of
Options, may be made subject to additional Options granted pursuant to the
Plan.

   5.   GRANT OF OPTIONS.  Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced by
written stock option agreements containing such terms and provisions as are
recommended and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to
and not more favorable than the terms of the Plan. The Committee may from
time to time require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or
advisable. The Company shall execute stock option agreements upon instruction
from the Committee.

   6.   MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STOCK SUBJECT TO OPTIONS.  Subject to Section 4,
the maximum aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time the Option
is granted) of the Common Stock for which any Participant may be granted
Options in any calendar year shall be determined by the Committee in its
discretion.

   7.   OPTION EXERCISE PRICE.  The purchase price of Common Stock subject to
an Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be no less than the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

   8.   RESTRICTIONS. The Committee may, but need not, at the time of
granting of an Option or at any subsequent time impose such restrictions, if
any, on issuance, voluntary disposition and release from escrow of any
Options including, without limitation, permitting exercise of Options only in
installments over a period of years.

   9.   PAYMENT.  Full payment for Common Stock purchased upon the exercise
of an Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be
issued until full payment has been made and Participant shall have none of
the rights of a shareholder until shares of Common Stock are issued to him.
Any federal, state or local taxes required to be paid or withheld at the time
of exercise shall also be paid or withheld in full prior to any delivery of
shares of Common Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in cash, in shares
of Common Stock then owned by the Participant, or in any form of valid
consideration, or a combination of any of the foregoing, as required by the
Committee in its discretion. Shares of Common Stock tendered in payment of
exercise price of any Options may be reissued to the Participant who
tendered the shares of Common Stock as part of the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of other Options granted from time to time pursuant to
the Plan.

   10.  TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.  Options granted under the Plan may be
transferred by the holder thereof upon five days prior written notice to the
Company.

   11.  RIGHTS IN EVENT OF DEATH OR DISABILITY OF PARTICIPANT.  The Committee
shall have discretion to include in each Option agreement such provisions
regarding exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of
the Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.

   12.  STOCK PURCHASED FOR INVESTMENT.  At the discretion of the Committee,
any Option agreement may provide that the Option holder shall, by accepting
an Option, represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by
will or the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise that all shares of
Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of the Option will be acquired for
investment and not for sale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of
any portion of an Option, the person entitled to exercise the same shall
furnish evidence satisfactory to the Company (including a written and signed
representation) to the effect that the shares of Common Stock are being
acquired in good faith and for investment and not for sale or distribution.

   13.  TERMINATION OF OPTION RIGHTS AND AWARDS.  The Committee may provide
in each Option agreement for the circumstances under which Options granted
hereunder may terminate for any reason that the Committee, in its sole
discretion, deems to be appropriate.

   14.  AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUATION.  The Plan may be amended, altered or
discontinued by the Board or, if the Board has delegated this authority to
the Committee, by the Committee, without approval of the stockholders. In the
event any law, or any rule or regulation issued or promulgated by the
Internal Revenue Service, Securities and Exchange Commissions, National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., any stock exchange or quotation
system upon which the Common Stock is listed for trading or other
governmental or quasi-

                                    -2-


<PAGE>


governmental agency having jurisdiction over the Company, its Common Stock or
the Plan requires the Plan to be amended, the Plan will be amended at that
time and all Options then outstanding will be subject to such amendment.

   15.  EMPLOYMENT.  This Plan and any Option granted under this Plan do not
confer upon the Participant any right to be employed or to continue
employment with the Company.

   16.  NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE OPTION.  The granting of an Option pursuant
to the Plan shall not impose any obligation upon the Participant to exercise
such Option.

   17.  TERMINATION.  Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board or, if
the Board has specifically delegated its authority to terminate the Plan to
the Committee, by the Committee, the Plan shall terminate on December 31,
2014, and no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date.

   18.  USE OF PROCEEDS.  The proceeds derived from the sale of stock
pursuant to Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of
the Company.

   19.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN.  The Plan shall be effective as of the
31st day of March, 1994.

                                       MICHAELS STORES, INC.


Dated: As of March 31, 1994            By:
                                          -----------------------------------
                                                    Jack E. Bush,
                                                    PRESIDENT










































<PAGE>
                                                                  EXHIBIT 11

                             MICHAELS STORES, INC.
                   COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                     (In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        WEIGHTED
                                    WEIGHTED         AVERAGE COMMON
                                     AVERAGE           AND COMMON
                                  COMMON SHARES     EQUIVALENT SHARES
                                   OUTSTANDING         OUTSTANDING
                                  -------------     ------------------
                                                                FULLY
                                                   PRIMARY     DILUTED
                                                   -------     --------
<S>                                <C>             <C>         <C>
For the year ended
 January 29, 1995
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding                        19,405         19,405      19,405
Assumed issuance of shares upon
  conversion of convertible
  subordinated debt                                                638
Net shares to be issued upon
  exercise of dilutive stock
  options after applying
  treasury stock method                                741         764
                                     ------        -------      -------
Total average outstanding shares     19,405         20,146      20,807
                                     ======        =======     =======
Net income                                         $35,647     $35,647
Assumed interest on convertible
  subordinated debt less tax
  benefit of $607                                                  969
                                                   -------     -------
Net income for per share computation               $35,647     $36,616
                                                   =======     =======
Earnings per common share                            $1.77       $1.76
                                                     =====       =====
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 11


                               MICHAELS STORES, INC.
                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                     (In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        WEIGHTED
                                    WEIGHTED          AVERAGE COMMON
                                     AVERAGE            AND COMMON
                                  COMMON SHARES      EQUIVALENT SHARES
                                   OUTSTANDING          OUTSTANDING
                                  -------------      ------------------
                                                                 FULLY
                                                      PRIMARY   DILUTED
                                                      -------   -------
<S>                               <C>                 <C>       <C>
For the year ended
 January 30, 1994
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding                         16,592           16,592    16,592
Assumed issuance of shares upon
  conversion of convertible
  subordinated debt at beginning
  of year                                                         2,572
Net shares to be issued upon
  exercise of dilutive stock
  options after applying
  treasury stock method                                   639       645
                                      ------          -------   -------
Total average outstanding shares      16,592           17,231    19,809
                                      ======          =======   =======
Net income                                            $26,287   $26,287
Assumed interest on convertible
  subordinated debt less tax
  benefit of $2,427                                               3,902
                                                      -------   -------
Net income for per share computation                  $26,287   $30,189
                                                      =======   =======
Earnings per common share                               $1.53     $1.52
                                                        =====     =====
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 11

                               MICHAELS STORES, INC.
                     COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                      (In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                WEIGHTED
                                              WEIGHTED       AVERAGE COMMON
                                               AVERAGE         AND COMMON
                                            COMMON SHARES   EQUIVALENT SHARES
                                             OUTSTANDING       OUTSTANDING
                                            -------------   -----------------
                                                                       FULLY
                                                            PRIMARY   DILUTED
                                                            -------   -------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>       <C>
For the year ended January 31, 1993
Weighted average common shares outstanding      15,933      15,933    15,933
Net shares to be issued upon exercise
  of dilutive stock options and warrants
  after applying treasury stock method                         759       920
                                                ------     -------   -------
Total average outstanding shares                15,933      16,692    16,853
                                                ======     =======   =======
Net income                                                 $20,378   $20,378
                                                           =======   =======
Earnings per common share                                    $1.22     $1.21
                                                             =====     =====
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 13

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FISCAL YEAR
                          ----------------------------------------------
                           1994      1993      1992      1991    1990(1)
                          -----   -------   -------   -------   --------
                          (In thousands except per share and store data)
<S>                     <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
  Net sales             $994,563  $619,688  $493,159  $410,899  $362,028
  Operating income        64,036    41,356    34,263    25,643    20,694
  Income before
    extraordinary item    35,647    26,287    20,378    10,739(2)  5,855
  Earnings per share        1.76      1.52      1.21       .87(2)    .57

STORES OPEN AT END OF
  PERIOD                     380       220       168       140       137

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Current assets        $418,532  $291,012  $170,021  $125,873  $ 84,572
  Total assets           686,026   397,830   322,099   180,913   144,238
  Working capital        232,442   181,816   104,462    74,786    44,080
  Long-term debt         138,050    97,750    97,750        --    52,983
  Total liabilities      330,109   212,415   166,822    54,614    97,623
  Shareholders' equity   355,917   185,415   155,277   126,299    46,615

<FN>
(1) Fiscal 1990 was a 53-week fiscal year.
(2) Before extraordinary item related to early retirement of debt.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

In fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994, Michaels Stores, Inc. (the "Company")
added 28, 54 and 184 Michaels stores, respectively, before considering store
closures. During these periods, the Company obtained a substantial portion of
its sales increases from stores added during, or subsequent to, the prior
comparable period and thus not yet included in comparable store sales
comparisons.  During these periods, sales from these newer stores accounted
for approximately 56%, 88% and 93%, respectively, of aggregate sales increases.
The Company intends to add approximately 70 to 75 Michaels stores in fiscal
1995, of which 15 stores have been opened as of April 28, 1995. These new
stores do not include the 71-store acquisition of Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc.
("Aaron Brothers") completed in March 1995. In fiscal 1995 and beyond, sales
increases from newly opened and acquired stores will depend in part on the
availability of suitable store sites, the rate of development of new
stores, and the Company's ability to hire and train qualified managers.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows the percentage of net sales that each item in the
Consolidated Statements of Income represents.  This table should be read in
conjunction with the following discussion and with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements, including the related notes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FISCAL YEAR
                                  -----------------------------
                                   1994        1993        1992
                                   ----        ----        ----
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales                         100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
                                  -----       -----       -----
Cost of sales and
  occupancy expense                64.9        65.2        65.6
Selling, general and
  administrative expense           28.0        28.1        27.5
Store closing and
  conversion costs                  0.7         0.0         0.0
                                  -----        ----        ----
Operating income                    6.4         6.7         6.9
Interest expense                    0.9         1.0         0.0
Other (income) and
  expense, net                     (0.2)       (1.2)        0.1
                                   ----        ----        ----
Income before income taxes          5.7         6.9         6.8
Provision for income taxes          2.1         2.7         2.7
                                   ----        ----        ----
Net income                          3.6%        4.2%        4.1%
                                   ====        ====        ====
</TABLE>

In the discussion below, all percentages given for expense items are calculated
as a percentage of net sales for the applicable year.



<PAGE>


FOR FISCAL 1994 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1993

Net sales in the fiscal year ended January 29, 1995 ("1994"), increased $374.9
million, or 60%, over the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994 ("1993").  The
results for 1994 included sales of 160 stores (net of 24 closures) that were
opened or acquired during the year.  During 1994, sales of the newer stores
accounted for $348.6 million of the increase.  Comparable store sales increased
seven percent in 1994 compared to the prior year.  The Company expects to
achieve comparable store sales increases for 1995 although fluctuations in the
rate of increase may occur during the year.

Cost of sales and occupancy expense for 1994 decreased by 0.3% compared to 1993
due primarily to increases in sales of higher margin custom framing and floral
services, an improvement in the gross margin achieved on seasonal merchandise
sales and greater margin contributions from new and acquired stores, due
principally to new store volume discounts from vendors.  This improvement in
gross margin was partially offset by an increase in occupancy expenses driven
by the Company's shift to new stores with higher average selling square footage
than existing stores, coupled with the Company's expansion into states with
higher occupancy costs such as New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. This
trend of higher occupancy costs in new stores will continue during 1995, and
may offset improvements, if any, in cost of sales as a percentage of sales.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased by 0.1% in 1994 from 1993.
The decrease was due primarily to continued leveraging of the Company's general
and administrative expenditures over a larger revenue base.  Improvements in
these expenses as a percentage of sales during 1995 will depend in part on the
level of sales increases attained.

Interest expense for 1994 was $9.1 million compared to $6.4 million in 1993.
The increase was due to higher bank borrowings coupled with higher interest
rates than in 1993.  The Company expects interest expense during 1995 to
increase over 1994 levels.

Other income (net of other expense) was $2.2 million in 1994 compared to $7.7
million in 1993.  This year's decrease from last year was due to a decline in
the Company's average investment portfolio, which was used to fund the store
expansion program.

The effective tax rate was reduced to 37.6% in 1994 from 38.4% in 1993 primarily
due to the Company's participation in tax advantaged programs, partially offset
by increases in non-deductible goodwill amortization.  The Company expects the
effective tax rate to increase slightly during 1995 due to higher non-deductible
goodwill amortization over 1994 levels.



<PAGE>


FOR FISCAL 1993 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1992

Net sales in 1993 increased $126.5 million, or 26%, over the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1993 ("1992").  The results for 1993 included sales of 54 stores
added during the year.  During 1993, sales of the newer stores accounted for
$111.3 million of the increase.  Comparable store sales increased three percent
in 1993 compared to the prior year.

Cost of sales and occupancy expense for 1993 decreased by 0.4% compared to 1992
due primarily to increases in sales of higher margin custom framing and floral
services, an improvement in the gross margin achieved on seasonal merchandise
sales, greater margin contributions from new stores, and an increase in new
store volume discounts from vendors.  This improvement in gross margin was
partially offset by an increase in occupancy expenses driven by the Company's
shift to new stores with higher average selling square footage than existing
stores, coupled with the Company's expansion into states with higher occupancy
costs such as New York, Ohio, Minnesota and Michigan.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by 0.6% in 1993 from 1992.
The increase was due to expenses associated with the Company's new store opening
program and additional payroll attributed to the increase in custom framing and
floral services, offset in part by a decrease in general and administrative
expenditures, as a percentage of sales, which were spread over a larger revenue
base in 1993.

Interest expense for 1993 was $6.4 million compared to $0.3 million in 1992.
The increase was due primarily to the issuance of convertible subordinated debt
in January 1993.

Other income (net of other expense) was $7.7 million in 1993 compared to other
expense of $0.5 million in 1992, as the Company earned substantial interest,
dividends and capital gains on its investment portfolio during 1993.

The effective tax rate was reduced to 38.4% in 1993 from 39.1% in 1992 primarily
due to the Company's investments in tax-advantaged securities.



<PAGE>


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company acquired 99 stores, net of closures, and opened 61 stores during
fiscal 1994.  Capital expenditures for these stores, and, to a lesser extent,
the remodeling, expansion and relocation of certain existing stores, the
expansion of two distribution facilities, and information system enhancements,
amounted to $68.1 million in fiscal 1994.

In July 1994, the Company paid $7.9 million in cash as part of the total
consideration provided to acquire Leewards Creative Crafts, Inc. ("Leewards"),
and repaid $39.6 million of Leewards' outstanding debt.

Also in July 1994, the Company completed a public offering of 2,353,432 shares
of Michaels common stock.  The $72.2 million of net proceeds from the sale were
used to reduce outstanding bank debt.

In March 1995, the Company acquired the 71-store chain operated by Aaron
Brothers. In addition to this acquisition, the Company plans to add
approximately 70 to 75 stores, including Craft and Floral Warehouse ("CFW")
stores, additional stores in Canada, stores in Puerto Rico, and possibly stores
acquired through other minor acquisitions during 1995.  The Company anticipates
the costs of adding stores (excluding CFW stores) to be approximately $300,000
to $400,000 per store, which includes furniture, fixtures, equipment, and
pre-opening expenses.  Leasehold improvement costs tend to vary among locations.
The inventory investment associated with the typical new store ranges from
approximately $450,000 to $600,000 depending on the store size, operating
format, and date opened; however, due to the Company's typical payment terms
and inventory turnover, the Company's vendors, in effect, finance a significant
component of this initial inventory investment.  In addition to the new store
opening costs and expenses, the Company expects to spend an additional $13.0 to
$16.0 million on store renovation, the continued development of new
point-of-sale and merchandising systems, and the expansion of the Company's
distribution network in fiscal 1995.

Inventory per store has increased for several years.  While the Company believes
that this inventory trend enhances its ability to generate continued increases
in comparable store sales, it intends to manage its inventories during the
next year such that inventory per store in January 1996 may be lower than it
was in January 1995.

At January 29, 1995, the Company had working capital of $232.4 million, compared
to $181.8 million at January 30, 1994.  The Company currently has a bank credit
agreement ("Credit Agreement") which includes an unsecured line of credit and
provides for the issuance of letters of credit.  Borrowings under the Credit
Agreement, which expires June 16, 1997, are limited to the lesser of $150
million or the Company's borrowing base (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in
either case minus the aggregate amount of letters of credit. As of January 29,
1995, the Company had $93.5 million in available unused credit capacity under
the Credit Agreement.

In March 1995, the Company paid approximately $5.3 million in cash and retired
$19.7 million in outstanding debt of Aaron Brothers. The Credit Agreement has
recently been amended to provide a $50 million increase in borrowing capacity,
due primarily to the credit capacity used to retire the Aaron Brothers debt and
fund its working capital needs of approximately $5.0 million, and to extend
its term to June 1998.  Management believes that the Company has sufficient
working capital, operating cash flows, and available unused credit capacity to
sustain current growth plans.



<PAGE>


OTHER MATTERS

The Company's business is seasonal in nature with higher store sales in the
third and fourth quarters.  Historically, the fourth quarter, which includes the
Christmas selling season, has accounted for approximately 37% of the Company's
sales and approximately 55% of its operating income.

Management considers the effect of inflation on 1994 results and its projected
effect on 1995 financial results to be nominal.



<PAGE>


MICHAELS STORES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        JANUARY 29, 1995   JANUARY 30, 1994
                                        ----------------   ----------------
<S>                                     <C>                <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and equivalents                      $  1,907           $    867
  Marketable securities                       15,002             67,956
  Merchandise inventories                    375,096            206,185
  Deferred income taxes                       15,002              2,952
  Prepaid expenses and other                  11,525             13,052
                                            --------           --------
    Total current assets                     418,532            291,012
                                            --------           --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST              204,032            119,555
  Less accumulated depreciation              (62,228)           (43,683)
                                            --------           --------
                                             141,804             75,872
                                            --------           --------
COSTS IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS
  OF ACQUIRED OPERATIONS, NET                117,377             23,503
OTHER ASSETS                                   8,313              7,443
                                            --------           --------
                                             125,690             30,946
                                            --------           --------
                                            $686,026           $397,830
                                            ========           ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable                          $103,649           $ 42,309
  Short-term bank debt                           --              13,000
  Income taxes payable                           --               7,866
  Accrued liabilities and other               82,441             46,021
                                            --------           --------
    Total current liabilities                186,090            109,196
                                            --------           --------
BANK DEBT                                     41,100                --
CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES                96,950             97,750
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER                5,969              5,469
                                            --------           --------
  Total long-term liabilities                144,019            103,219
                                            --------           --------
                                             330,109            212,415
                                            --------           --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, $.10 par value,
    2,000,000 shares authorized,
    none issued                                  --                  --
  Common stock, $.10 par value,
    50,000,000 shares authorized,
    21,354,167 issued and
    outstanding (16,697,357
    in fiscal 1993)                            2,135              1,670
  Additional paid-in capital                 244,561            107,168
  Retained earnings                          109,221             76,577
                                            --------           --------
    Total shareholders' equity               355,917            185,415
                                            --------           --------
                                            $686,026           $397,830
                                            ========           ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>


MICHAELS STORES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FISCAL YEAR
                                          -------------------------
                                          1994       1993       1992
                                          ----       ----       ----
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
NET SALES                               $994,563   $619,688   $493,159
                                        --------   --------   --------
Cost of sales and occupancy expense      644,737    403,869    323,577
Selling, general and administrative
  expense                                278,716    174,463    135,319
Store closing and conversion costs         7,074         --         --
                                        --------    -------   --------
OPERATING INCOME                          64,036     41,356     34,263
Interest expense                           9,103      6,378        263
Other (income) and expense, net           (2,226)    (7,666)       538
                                        --------    -------   --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                57,159     42,644     33,462
Provision for income taxes                21,512     16,357     13,084
                                        --------   --------   --------
NET INCOME                              $ 35,647   $ 26,287   $ 20,378
                                        ========   ========   ========
EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON
  EQUIVALENT SHARE:
    Primary                                $1.77      $1.53      $1.22
    Assuming full dilution                 $1.76      $1.52      $1.21

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON
  EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING:
    Primary                               20,146     17,231     16,692
    Assuming full dilution                20,807     19,809     16,853

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>


MICHAELS STORES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FISCAL YEAR
                                            -----------------------------
                                            1994        1993        1992
                                            ----        ----        ----
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                              $ 35,647    $ 26,287    $ 20,378
  Adjustments:
    Depreciation and amortization           21,512      12,490      10,160
    Other                                     (501)     (3,537)        466
    Change in assets and liabilities
      excluding the effects of
      acquisitions:
         Merchandise inventories          (134,671)    (87,885)    (27,354)
         Prepaid expenses and other          5,747      (6,358)       (451)
         Deferred income taxes and
           other                             7,276        (611)       (190)
         Accounts payable                   37,065      11,545      10,474
         Income taxes payable               (8,363)      3,304         294
         Accrued liabilities and other      (1,979)     15,830       3,032
                                           -------     -------     -------
           Net change in assets and
             liabilities                   (94,925)    (64,175)    (14,195)
                                          --------    --------    --------
           Net cash (used in) provided
             by operating activities       (38,267)    (28,935)     16,809
                                          --------    --------    --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to property and equipment      (68,106)    (46,816)    (19,796)
  Net proceeds from sales of marketable
    securities                              44,484      17,807     (81,633)
  Acquisitions and other                   (43,685)         --      (1,853)
                                          --------    --------    --------
           Net cash used in investing
             activities                    (67,307)    (29,009)   (103,282)
                                          --------    --------    --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net borrowings under bank credit
    facilities                              28,100      13,000         --
  Net proceeds from issuance of long-term
    debt                                        --          --      94,636
  Payment of other long-term liabilities       (89)       (115)       (216)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock    78,603       3,851       6,772
                                          --------    --------    --------
           Net cash provided by financing
             activities                    106,614      16,736     101,192
                                          --------    --------    --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
  EQUIVALENTS                                1,040     (41,208)     14,719
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR      867      42,075      27,356
                                          --------    --------    --------
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR       $  1,907    $    867    $ 42,075
                                          ========    ========    ========

Cash payments for:
  Interest                                $  7,166    $  5,034    $    222
  Income taxes                              17,753      11,620       8,087

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>


MICHAELS STORES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the Three Years Ended January 29, 1995
(In thousands except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            NUMBER            ADDITIONAL
                            OF         COMMON   PAID-IN  RETAINED
                            SHARES      STOCK   CAPITAL  EARNINGS   TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
BALANCE AT
  FEBRUARY 2, 1992         15,058,756  $1,506   $ 94,881 $ 29,912  $126,299
    Exercise of stock
      options and warrants  1,300,191     129      6,643       --     6,772
    Issuance of shares in
      an acquisition          115,383      12      1,816       --     1,828
    Net income                    --       --         --   20,378    20,378
                            --------   ------   -------- --------  --------
BALANCE AT
  JANUARY 31, 1993         16,474,330   1,647    103,340   50,290   155,277
    Exercise of stock
      options                 223,027      23      3,828       --     3,851
    Net income                    --       --         --   26,287    26,287
                           ----------   -----   -------- --------  --------
BALANCE AT
 JANUARY 30, 1994          16,697,357   1,670    107,168   76,577   185,415
  Adjustment for pooling-
  of-interests accounting
  in an acquisition                --      --         --   (1,157)   (1,157)
    Issuance of shares
      in acquisitions       1,992,268     199     58,257       --    58,456
    Proceeds from stock
      offering              2,353,432     235     71,980       --    72,215
    Adjustment for change
      in fair value of
      marketable securities        --      --         --   (1,514)   (1,514)
    Exercise of stock
      options and other       311,110      31      7,156     (332)    6,855
    Net income                     --      --         --   35,647    35,647
                           ----------  ------   -------- --------   -------
BALANCE AT
  JANUARY 29, 1995         21,354,167  $2,135   $244,561 $109,221  $355,917
                           ==========  ======   ======== ========  ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



<PAGE>



                             MICHAELS STORES, INC.

                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      Michaels Stores, Inc. (the "Company") owns and operates a chain of
specialty retail stores.  The Company reports on a 52/53-week fiscal year which
ends on the Sunday closest to January 31; thus, fiscal 1994 ("1994"), fiscal
1993 ("1993")and fiscal 1992 ("1992"), ended on January 29, 1995, January 30,
1994 and January 31, 1993, respectively.

CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

Cash and equivalents are generally comprised of highly liquid instruments with
original maturities of three months or less.  Cash equivalents are carried at
cost which approximates fair value.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Marketable securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices
or dealer quotes as of the last trading day of the fiscal year.

MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

Store merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of average cost
(determined by a retail method) or market.  Distribution center inventories are
valued at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or
market.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
lives of the assets.

COSTS IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF ACQUIRED OPERATIONS

Costs in excess of net assets of acquired operations are being amortized over 40
years on a straight-line basis.  Accumulated amortization was $7,295,000 and
$5,182,000 as of the end of 1994 and 1993, respectively.  The Company
assesses the recoverability of costs in excess of net assets acquired annually
based on existing facts and circumstances.  The Company measures the
recoverability of this asset on an on-going basis based on projected earnings
before interest, depreciation and amortization, on an undiscounted basis.
Should the Company's assessment indicate an impairment of this asset in the
future, an appropriate write-down will be recorded.

STORE PRE-OPENING COSTS

Store pre-opening costs are expensed in the fiscal year in which the store
opens.  In 1994, 1993 and 1992, the Company incurred $6,541,000, $4,893,000 and
$2,377,000, respectively, of store pre-opening costs.



<PAGE>


EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share data are based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding, including common stock equivalents and other dilutive securities.
The assumed conversion of the convertible subordinated notes was dilutive for
the fourth quarter and full year of both 1993 and 1994 and was therefore
included in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share data for those
periods.

DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1994        1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 (In thousands)
<S>                                           <C>          <C>
Property and equipment:
  Land and buildings                          $  7,640     $  7,500
  Fixtures and equipment                       145,253       87,443
  Leasehold improvements                        51,139       24,612
                                              --------     --------
                                              $204,032     $119,555
                                              ========     ========
Accrued liabilities and other:
  Salaries, bonuses and other
    payroll-related costs                     $ 21,527     $ 13,498
  Rent                                          16,524        7,138
  Taxes, other than income and
    payroll                                     13,344        9,337
  Other                                         31,046       16,048
                                              --------     --------
                                              $ 82,441     $ 46,021
                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>

DEBT

In January 1993, the Company issued $97.75 million of convertible subordinated
notes ("Notes") due January 15, 2003.  Interest, payable on January 15 and July
15, is computed at the rate of 4 3/4% from the date of issuance to January 15,
1996, and at 6 3/4% thereafter.  Interest expense is accrued by the Company
based on an effective interest rate of 6.38% (including amortization of deferred
issuance costs) over the full term of the Notes.  The Notes are redeemable at
the option of the Company on or after January 24, 1996 at redemption prices
ranging from 104.14% to 100%.  The Notes are not entitled to any sinking fund.
The Notes are convertible into the Company's common stock at any time, at a
conversion price of $38 per share.  A total of 2,572,368 shares of common stock
were reserved for conversion.  During 1994, a total of $800,000 in $1,000 Notes
were converted to 21,052 shares of the Company's common stock.  The fair value,
based on dealer quotes, of the outstanding Notes as of January 29, 1995 and
January 30, 1994 was $98.6 million and $105.6 million, respectively.

The Company has a bank Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") which includes an
unsecured line of credit and provides for the issuance of letters of credit.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which expires in June 1997, were $41.1
million at January 29, 1995 and borrowings under the Company's prior credit
agreement, which expired in April 1994, were $13.0 million at January 30, 1994.
The weighted average interest rates for outstanding borrowings were 7.7% and
6.0% as of January 29, 1995 and January 30, 1994, respectively.  As of
January 29, 1995, the Company had $93.5 million in available unused borrowing
capacity under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement requires the Company
to maintain various financial ratios and restricts the Company's ability to pay
dividends.



<PAGE>



INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components
of deferred tax liabilities and assets as of the respective year-end balance
sheets are as follows (amounts in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1994       1993
                                                    -------    -------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Tax over book depreciation/amortization           $ 3,546    $ 3,981
  Other - net                                         2,313        937
                                                    -------    -------
Total deferred tax liabilities                        5,859      4,918
                                                    -------    -------
Deferred tax assets:
  Tax inventory in excess of book inventory             748      1,121
  Accrued expenses not deductible until paid         11,114      2,385
  Pre-acquisition net operating loss and alternative
    minimum tax credit carryforwards                  2,687         --
  Other - net                                         1,582        987
                                                    -------    -------
Total deferred tax assets                            16,131      4,493
                                                    -------    -------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)               $10,272    $  (425)
                                                    =======    =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              LIABILITY       DEFERRED
                                                METHOD         METHOD
                                            ---------------  ----------
                                            1994       1993      1992
                                            ----       ----      ----
                                                 (In thousands)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>       <C>
Income tax provision:
  Current                                 $ 7,422    $16,210   $13,219
  Deferred                                 14,090        147      (135)
                                          -------    -------   -------
                                          $21,512    $16,357   $13,084
                                          =======    =======   =======
Reconciliation of income tax
  provision to statutory rate:
Income tax expense at statutory rate      $20,005    $14,925   $11,377
State income taxes, net of
  federal income tax benefit                  858      1,275     1,347
Amortization of intangibles and other         649        157       360
                                          -------    -------   -------
                                          $21,512    $16,357   $13,084
                                          =======    =======   =======
</TABLE>




<PAGE>


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS

The Company operates stores and uses distribution and office facilities and
equipment leased under noncancellable operating leases, the majority of which
provide for renewal options.  Future minimum rentals for all noncancellable
operating leases as of January 29, 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR                                         RENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------
                                             (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>
1995                                              $ 70,276
1996                                                67,131
1997                                                59,408
1998                                                51,921
1999                                                44,210
2000 and thereafter                                133,516
                                                  --------
                                                  $426,462
                                                  ========
</TABLE>

Rental expense applicable to operating leases was $56,181,000, $33,551,000 and
$26,188,000 in 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.

CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a defendant from time to time in routine lawsuits incidental
to its business. The Company believes that none of such current proceedings,
individually or in the aggregate, will have a materially adverse effect on
the Company.

STOCK OPTIONS

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Michaels Stores, Inc.
Key Employee Stock Compensation Program (the "Program"), as amended, under which
3,000,000 shares of common stock have been authorized for issuance.  Selected
employees and key advisors, including directors, of the Company may participate
in the 1992 and 1994 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plans of Michaels Stores, Inc.
(the "Plans"), with 3,000,000 shares of common stock having been authorized for
issuance under each plan.  In addition, stock options have been granted to
certain directors and key advisors other than pursuant to the Program or the
Plans.  The exercise price of all options granted was the fair market value on
the date of grant.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               EXERCISE PRICE
                              SHARES             PER SHARE
                            ---------          --------------
<S>                         <C>                <C>
Exercised during 1992       1,307,838           $3 to $15 1/4
Exercised during 1993         223,027           $3 to $27
Exercised during 1994         308,424           $3 to $27 7/8
Outstanding at
  January 29, 1995          3,336,313           $3 to $41 7/16
Exercisable at
  January 29, 1995          1,336,803           $3 to $39 1/4

</TABLE>

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The Company invests excess cash in a diversified portfolio consisting of a
variety of securities including preferred stocks, mutual funds and government
debt instruments, which may include both investment grade and non-investment
grade securities.  The Company limits its credit exposure to any one entity.
Net realized gains, dividend income, and interest income were $0.1 million, $1.0
million, and $0.3 million, respectively, for 1994 and $4.1 million, $4.0
million, and $1.5 million, respectively, for 1993.  Marketable securities held
by the Company at January 29, 1995 were classified as available-for-sale
securities and carried at fair value under SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for

<PAGE>


Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," which the Company adopted in
the first quarter of 1994.  The aggregate fair value of marketable securities as
of January 30, 1994 was $72.0 million.

During 1993 and 1994, Maverick Capital, Ltd. ("Maverick") provided investment
management services for the Company.  Maverick is owned and managed by a group
of individuals, five of whom are directors of the Company.  In May 1994, the
Company terminated its investment management services agreement with Maverick.

ACQUISITIONS

In February 1994, the Company acquired Treasure House Stores, Inc. ("THSI"), a
chain of nine arts and crafts stores operating primarily in the Seattle market,
for 280,000 shares of Michaels common stock in a transaction accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests.  The transaction was not considered material to the
Company's sales, net income or financial position of any previous year and
therefore the Company's financial statements have not been restated.  The
accumulated deficit of THSI at January 31, 1994 of $1.2 million has been
recorded as a decrease in the Company's retained earnings.

In April 1994, the Company acquired the affiliated arts and crafts store
chains of Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co. ("OCF"), with eight stores located
primarily in the Portland, Oregon area, and H&H Craft & Floral Supply Co.
("H&H"), with eight stores located in southern California, for a total of
455,000 shares of Michaels common stock valued at $18.5 million in a
transaction accounted for as a purchase.  This transaction resulted in the
Company recording an addition to goodwill in the amount of $22.3 million.

Effective July 10, 1994, Michaels acquired Leewards, an arts and crafts
retailer with 98 stores located primarily in the midwestern and northeastern
United States.  The acquisition consideration consisted of $7.9 million in
cash and 1,257,279 shares of Michaels common stock valued at $39.9 million.
Upon consummation of the Leewards acquisition, Michaels also repaid $39.6
million of Leewards' indebtedness.  The cost in excess of the estimated fair
value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill in the amount of $73.7
million.

The OCF, H&H and Leewards transactions were accounted for as purchases;
accordingly, the purchase prices have been allocated to assets and liabilities
based on estimated fair values as of the respective acquisition dates.  The
results of operations since the acquisition dates are included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.



<PAGE>


The following pro forma combined net sales, net income and earnings per share
data summarize the results of operations for 1994 and 1993 as if Leewards had
been acquired as of the beginning of 1993.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              PRO FORMA
                                     ---------------------------
                                       (In thousands, except
                                          per share amounts)

                                        1994             1993
                                     ----------         --------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>
Net sales                            $1,050,173         $780,302
                                     ==========         ========
Net income (a)                       $   36,456         $ 26,157
                                     ==========         ========
Earnings per share assuming
  full dilution (a)                  $     1.71         $   1.41
                                     ==========         ========
<FN>
(a) Excludes a $7.1 million charge ($4.4 million after tax or $.21 per share)
for store closing and conversion costs.
</TABLE>

The pro forma combined financial results do not purport to represent the results
of operations which would have occurred had such transaction been consummated at
the beginning of the period indicated or the Company's results of operations for
any future period.  Anticipated operational efficiencies from the integration of
the acquisition are not fully reflected in the above pro forma data.

The above pro forma data includes adjustments to: eliminate net sales and
related expenses of overlapping Leewards stores that have been closed;
eliminate the duplicate occupancy costs of Leewards' distribution center and
duplicate purchasing costs; amortize goodwill; expense pre-opening costs in
the year incurred; reduce interest expense to Michaels' average borrowing
rate; and reflect the tax effects of the above adjustments.

The above pro forma data does not include THSI, OCF or H&H prior to their
respective acquisition dates in February 1994 and April 1994, since the
acquisitions are not considered material, individually or in the aggregate, to
the operating results of the Company.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

In March 1995, the Company purchased Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc., which
operates a chain of 71 framing and art supplies stores predominantly in
California for a purchase price of $25 million in cash, including the assumption
of $19.7 million of debt.  In 1994, the chain produced sales of approximately
$60 million.  The transaction will be accounted for as a purchase.



<PAGE>


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Michaels Stores Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Michaels Stores,
Inc. as of January 29, 1995 and January 30, 1994, and the related consolidated
statements of income, cash flows, and shareholders' equity for each of the three
years in the period ended January 29, 1995.  These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Michaels Stores,
Inc. at January 29, 1995 and January 30, 1994, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 29,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Dallas, Texas
March 6, 1995



<PAGE>


UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               FIRST       SECOND       THIRD      FOURTH
                              QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (In thousands except per share data)
<S>                          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>
1994:
Net sales                    $159,798      $174,204    $283,069    $377,492
Cost of sales and
  occupancy expense           103,511       111,237     187,566     242,423
Operating income                9,071         3,076      14,827      37,062
Net income                      4,967           713(1)    7,813      22,154
Fully-diluted earnings
  per common share           $    .28      $    .04(1)  $   .36    $    .94
Weighted average shares
  outstanding-assuming
  full dilution.               17,856        18,845      21,930      24,577

1993:
Net sales                    $112,961      $115,414     $155,750   $235,563
Cost of sales and
  occupancy expense            73,279        74,150      101,588    154,852
Operating income                5,962         5,756        7,819     21,819
Net income                      3,798         3,635        4,852     14,002
Fully-diluted earnings
  per common share           $    .22      $    .21     $    .28   $    .75
Weighted average shares
  outstanding-assuming
  full dilution                17,130        17,145       17,287     19,932

<FN>
(1)  Includes a one-time charge of $4.4 million, net of tax,  or $.23
per share for store closing and conversion costs.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 21.1

                    SUBSIDIARIES OF MICHAELS STORES, INC.

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
Michaels of Canada, Inc., a New Brunswick      San Diego Craft & Floral Supply Co., Inc.,
corporation                                    a California corporation

Leewards Creative Crafts, Inc., a Delaware     Mission Viejo Craft & Floral, Inc., a
corporation                                    California corporation

Treasure House Stores, Inc., a Delaware        H.F.C.S., Inc., a California corporation
corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., Inc., an     San Leandro Craft and Floral Supply
Oregon corporation                             Company, Inc., a California corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., II, Inc.,    Orange Craft & Floral Supply Co., Inc., a
an Oregon corporation                          California corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., III, Inc.,   H & H Craft & Floral Supply Co. #9, Inc.,
an Oregon corporation                          a California corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., IV, Inc.,    OC&F Number 18, Inc., an Oregon
an Oregon corporation                          corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., V, Inc.,     Michaels of Puerto Rico, Inc., a Delaware
a Washington corporation                       corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., VI, Inc.,    Aaron Brothers Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
an Oregon corporation                          corporation

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., VII, Inc.,   Aaron Brothers Art Marts, Inc., a Delaware
an Oregon corporation                          corporation (an indirect subsidiary)

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., VIII,        Aaron Brothers, Inc., a Delaware
Inc., an Oregon corporation                    corporation (an indirect subsidiary)

Oregon Craft & Floral Supply Co., IX, Inc.,
an Oregon corporation

Habif & Ross Enterprises, Inc., a California
corporation

Riverside Craft & Floral Supply Co., Inc.,
a California corporation

</TABLE>





<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23
                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of Michaels Stores, Inc. of our report dated March 6, 1995,
included in the 1994 Annual Report to Shareholders of Michaels Stores, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
listed below and in the related Prospectuses of our report dated March 6, 1995,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Michaels Stores, Inc.
incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
January 29, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      FORM      REGISTRATION NO.       PERTAINING TO MICHAELS STORES, INC.
      ----      ----------------       -----------------------------------
      <S>       <C>                    <C>
      S-8            2-92412              Stock Investment Plan
      S-8            2-97848              Key Employee Stock Compensation Program
      S-8           33-18476              Key Employee Stock Compensation Program
      S-8           33-11985              Employees 401(k) Plan
      S-3           33-21299              Registration of 802,000 shares of Common  Stock
      S-3            33-9456              Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
                                          Registration Statement on Form S-1 for
                                          the registration of 1,000,000 shares of
                                          Common Stock
      S-8           33-26338              Key Employee Stock Compensation Program
      S-8           33-21573              Moskatel's, Inc. 401(k) Plan
      S-3           33-22532              Registration of 30,000 shares of Common Stock
      S-3           33-40673              Registration of 1,240,000 shares of Common Stock
      S-8           33-43039              Employee Stock Purchase Plan
      S-8           33-54726              Key Employee Stock Compensation Program
      S-3           33-52311              Registration of 280,000 shares of Common Stock
      S-3           33-67804              1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
      S-3           33-53883              Registration of 455,000 shares of Common Stock
      S-3           33-55537              Registration of 901,066 shares of Common Stock

</TABLE>

                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
April 28, 1995

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000740670
<NAME> MICHAELS STORES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-29-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-31-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-29-1995
<CASH>                                           1,907
<SECURITIES>                                    15,002
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    375,096
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               418,532
<PP&E>                                         204,032
<DEPRECIATION>                                  62,228
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 686,026
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          186,090
<BONDS>                                              0
<COMMON>                                         2,135
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     353,782
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   686,026
<SALES>                                        994,563
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               994,563
<CGS>                                          644,737
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  923,453
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 7,074
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,877
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 57,159
<INCOME-TAX>                                    21,512
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             35,647
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    35,647
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.77
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.76
        

</TABLE>


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