Michael’s Stores investigating security breach

Michael Stores learned cards used by customers at the Company’s stores may have been compromised. CEO Chuck Rubin said in a statement the company has not confirmed and is investigating a possible security breach on its system. “While we have not confirmed a compromise to our systems, we believe it is in the best interest of our customers to alert them to this potential issue so they can take steps to protect themselves, for example, by reviewing their payment card account statements for unauthorized charges.”

Some El Paso customers ABC-7 spoke with said they’ll continue shopping at the specialty store, while others expressed concern and said they’ll use only cash if they continue shopping there. “It’s just your personal information and your banking information and your life,” said Patty Parsons as she walked into the westside Michael’s.

Michaels currently has two locations in El Paso; on the Westside off Sunland Park Drive and on the Eastside at the Las Palmas shopping Center off Zaragoza Road. As the largest U.S. retailer of arts and crafts, Michaels has benefited from a loyal customer base.

“Throughout our 40-year history, our customers have always been our number one priority and we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause. The privacy and security of our customers’ information is of critical importance to us and we are focused on addressing this issue,” Rubin added in the statement.

The company did not say how many cards have been compromised but did encourage customers “to take steps to protect themselves, for example, by reviewing payment card account statement for unauthorized charges.”

Just weeks ago, Target Stores had a massive breach to their system.