I have personally not had a negative experience at Michael's. The staff is quick at ringing customers up at the cash register as well as when you click a "call for assistance" button in the store. I wanted to buy some spray paint that is locked up and staff member came to help me within 60 seconds of clicking the button.
Michaels always has sales on seasonal items before the season over which is awesome!! I scored $130 worth of "fall decor" for under $50 this past weekend. They also always have 40-50% off coupons on their website. Michaels may seem pricey at first but I personally never shop without a coupon, which they ALWAYS have available.