Free Kids Activity at Michael’s for Back-To-School

Saw this in an article today and thought I’d pass it along:
In an effort to get a larger slice of back-to-school business, Michaels Stores is offering parents a special workshop to make personalized pencil cases — something it says comforts kids who are anxious about heading back to the Big House.

The chain will host a free back-to-school event at all U.S. and Canada stores on Aug. 15, offering kids the opportunity to cover their pencil boxes with stickers and paint.

“This has been a big year for do-it-yourself, not just because of the economy but because people want to express themselves by personalizing and creating their own décor, jewelry, clothing, and of course school-related items,” Philo Pappas, EVP/category management for the Irving, Texas-based chain, tells Marketing Daily.

The chain is promoting the event in email blasts, featuring it on both its main Web site, and theknackkids.com and its kids-project site, and using its circulars and in-store materials, as well.