Massive A.C. Moore store in Center City opens April 11

A huge A.C. Moore store will open its doors right on Broad and Chestnut on Tuesday, April 11, becoming the first city-based location for the arts and crafts retailer.

The 27,000-square-foot store has set up shop on the first two levels of 100 S. Broad Street in the former F.Y.E. store. It will be one of the A.C. Moore’s biggest locations and its only bi-level store in the country.

It’s safe to ask: Why would A.C. Moore choose Philly for its first city location? “We recognized a need in the Philadelphia retail space for a supplier of arts, crafts and home décor—all at competitive prices—and are taking advantage of that opportunity with this incredible new location,” said Anthony Piperno, chief marketing and merchandising officer for A.C. Moore, in a statement.

No doubt the customer base will cater toward those who study and work along the Avenue of the Arts, like University of the Arts students. This collective group of millennials tends to be the driving force behind Center City’s $1 billion retail boom, according to a December 2016 Center City District report.

Before the opening, Curbed Philly got a sneak peek of the new digs, which will have new, expanded features like a classroom that will host art classes and birthday parties; a kids arts-and-crafts section; and—brace yourselves—its first-ever home decor section.

Take a tour below. And heads up: The first 500 customers on opening day will receive a $10 gift card. The rest of opening week will feature daily deals, too.