Get Crafty at Huge A.C. Moore Store in Center City
Story, photos by Tiffany C. DuBois
On a crisp spring day, A.C. Moore opened its doors to the public in true artistic fashion in Center City Philadelphia on 100 South Broad Street. The day before the grand opening though was the press preview and I got a sneak peek into the newest addition to the A.C. Moore family. For a little background, A.C. Moore has been open to the public since 1985. Their headquarters are in Berlin, New Jersey, and this new 27,000 square foot store makes 137 stores across the United States. This new Center City store has taken over what was formerly an entertainment center and there is an obscene amount of space. One thing that was mentioned to me by founder of A.C. Moore, Pepe Piperno, was the expansion of children’s crafts and activities, fine art supplies, home décor, florals and framing. This is an incredible thing that the company has accomplished because after almost thirty-two years, this is the biggest, most advanced store in their history!
Additional notes on this building is that David Tutera is now working with A.C. Moore to create any brides DIY dreams a reality. They have glassware, ribbons, veils, a myriad of decorative table items and all at a reasonable price! In addition, the framing department is one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen. On the second floor, they have custom framing services available. Clean, sleek, organized and state of the art fun. They have it set up like any painter’s studio with computers that take a picture of your item and show you the completed frame even before you pay for it with their custom framing services. Cost of frames are dependent on the size of the item, the frame that is picked out, and if you were one of the lucky ones, a buy one frame, get another frame half off sale that was offered during the first week of the stores opening back in April.
One thing that should be noted is the art classroom that A.C. Moore has available. The center city location is the only one of its kind with craft and art demonstrations, and instructional courses for aspiring artists of all ages. It can hold up to twenty adorable little ones, plus adults, for birthday parties, arts and craft play days, etc., etc. In addition, new to the A.C. Moore family are student, veteran and teacher discounts at 15% off anything in the store. I absolutely love the store and even got to make and keep a flower candle holder for my apartment. The tour of the building was incredible, staff extremely friendly, and a wonderful way to kick-start this grand opening. Store hours for everyone’s enjoyment is Monday through Friday 7 am to 9 pm. Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. I hope A.C. Moore brings out the inner artist in you!
