Staff Reports
Michaels craft store recently found itself amid a tempest of controversy, all due to a photograph of none other than President Trump. One disgruntled customer, identified only as Greta, claims she was turned away when seeking to frame an iconic image of Trump post-assassination attempt. Apparently, the sight of the former President raising a clenched fist caused some serious “political discomfort” among the store’s employees, leading to this farcical display of “emotional distress” over a simple framing request.
Greta, a regular at Michaels, noted that the first employee she approached about framing the well-known print was filled with anxiety at the mere thought of displaying Trump’s image. It seems that crafting, which is typically associated with creativity and self-expression, took a backseat to the store associate’s feelings. This scenario could have been the plot of a bad sitcom: instead of simply doing their job, the customer faced a mini-counseling session about political feelings. The customer then sought out another employee, only to find a similar take on the request. Rather than rolling up their sleeves and getting to work, both associates suggested alternatives that only added insult to injury. Excellent customer service? Not quite.
REPORT: Beloved U.S. Store Accused Of Refusing Service To Trump Supporter – https://t.co/elX2QHzCaZ
— David Smith (@Sm97536886David) November 19, 2024
Facing the clear futility of her mission, Greta tapped out, leaving the store without the framed piece that represented a historical moment in American politics. She expressed disappointment with how unprofessional it was for employees to let their personal feelings dictate customer service. This begs the question: when did craft stores start running a “no President Trump” policy? In the end, Greta concluded that there was nothing morally wrong with the photo, regardless of one’s political affiliation. After all, it is part of history—something even the craft world can’t escape.
In an attempt to regain face, a Michaels spokesperson attempted to downplay the debacle by calling it a “misunderstanding.” They stated that the framing manager reached out to apologize, while simultaneously acknowledging the confusion around framing “political” art. This twist only further muddled the issue. So not only were the employees uncomfortable with the photo, but it appears there’s a murky guideline on the acceptability of political art at Michaels. How many regulations does it take to frame a picture of the President? Apparently, Michaels has found a way to turn a simple framing job into a bureaucratic labyrinth.
Meanwhile, the framing manager seemingly realized that political artwork was, indeed, allowed. Who knew such a groundbreaking revelation lived behind the artful walls of a craft store? One has to wonder how long it will take for businesses to hit pause on the emotional warfare and stick to the age-old tenet of customer care. Greta, however, has made it clear that her Michaels days are over, and she won’t be rewarding the emotional gymnastics displayed by the employees. The craft store has a lesson to learn: customers come for products—not political therapy.
