<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts"
in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Michaels
Stores, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock pertaining to
the Michaels Stores, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan, and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated March 8, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Michaels Stores, Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 29, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
----------------------------------
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
June 8, 2000
