Michaels Stores Inc., Falsely Reporting Safety Hazard, Texas 2013

Arts and Crafts Retailer Accused of Prioritizing Profits Over Safety

The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against Michaels Stores Inc., a leading arts and crafts retailer based in Irving, Texas, for allegedly failing to report a serious safety hazard in their glass vases. The lawsuit claims that the company knowingly violated the Consumer Product Safety Act by not immediately reporting the shattering of the vases, which caused permanent injuries to consumers.

According to the complaint, Michaels imported and sold the vases, which shattered in consumers’ hands, sometimes as they lifted them from the store shelf. The company allegedly received numerous consumer complaints starting as early as November 2007, but failed to report the issue to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for over two years.

The complaint alleges that Michaels’ misrepresentation to the CPSC allowed the company to avoid legal responsibility for the recall of the vases and any associated costs. The company finally recalled the vases in September 2010, but the damage had already been done.

“Michaels allegedly failed to report critical information about the safety of one of its products,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The government will continue to protect the public against companies that put profits over safety.”

Michaels’ failure to report the safety hazard is a serious offense, and the company could face significant penalties and fines. The lawsuit also highlights the importance of companies prioritizing consumer safety over profits.

“We believe that Michaels chose to profit from selling defective vases that put people at risk, instead of following the law and immediately reporting the hazard,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye.

The case is being handled by Trial Attorney Kerala Thie Cowart of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Hasday of the Northern District of Texas, along with Patricia Vieira of the CPSC’s Office of the General Counsel.

The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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