Baker & Taylor Receives Outstanding Service Award from Michaels

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker & Taylor, Inc., the world's largest distributor of digital and physical books, is honored to announce that Michaels, North America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts, selected Baker & Taylor as the winner of its annual Outstanding Service Award.

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Michaels' vendors were recognized at the company's recent 15th annual Vendor Conference for their partnership and contributions to innovation, outstanding service, great products and powerful brands.

"Michaels is pleased to honor Baker & Taylor for exhibiting world-class service over the last twelve months," said Rich Gartmann, Business Unit General Manager for Michaels. "Their commitment to our book business, which is an important part of informing and inspiring our customers, is unmatched."

Baker & Taylor entered an agreement with Michaels in 2010, providing full-service merchandising and supply chain solutions to Michaels' more than 1,070 stores. The agreement with Michaels has been part of Baker & Taylor's continued expansion of services for specialty retailers whose primary products are not in the book and entertainment categories. With Baker & Taylor, Michaels' must-shop book section is a hit among craft enthusiasts.   

"Michaels places a premium on its commitment to world-class service, which makes its selection of Baker & Taylor as the winner of its Outstanding Service Award all the more meaningful," said David Cully, President Retail Markets and EVP Merchandising for Baker & Taylor. "We're thrilled that Baker & Taylor's vendor managed inventory and field merchandising services have had such a great impact on Michaels' success over the past year."

About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor, Inc. (www.baker-taylor.com) is the world's largest distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products. The company offers cutting-edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry-leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. Charlotte, N.C.-based Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., an institutional private equity fund managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading private equity investment firm.

About Michaels
Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates more than 1,070 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada, and 128 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland™, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist's Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads® and Imagin8™. For more information visit www.Michaels.com. 

SOURCE Baker & Taylor, Inc.