After years of ho-hum news from Southwest Virginia's second-largest shopping center, Tanglewood Mall is suddenly springing to life with the addition of A.C. Moore, the arts and crafts retailer that opened last week. Previously, fans of the New Jersey-based chain had to drive to Greensboro or Winston-Salem, N.C., to shop at their stores.

What's the big deal?

A.C. Moore provides a focused selection of crafting materials, from picture frames and bridal goods to yarn, unfinished accent furniture and cake decorating supplies. Specialty items including vintage-look metal signs, decorative magnets and a superior selection of dollhouse supplies make the store a destination for many consumers.

While discount stores including Wal-Mart offer fabric (A.C. Moore doesn't), they don't offer the depth of selection in as many product categories as A.C. Moore.

How's it different than Michaels?

A.C. Moore will inevitably be compared to Michaels, the Texas-based arts and crafts chain that has been in our area for a number of years. While similar on a basic level, the two chains have some differences.

Like Michaels, A.C. Moore offers an array of classes and knowledgeable salespeople that can help you reach your creative goals. Both also offer custom framing.

But along with more selections in categories including dollhouse accessories and kids' craft projects, Roanoke's A.C. Moore will also be a little less sale-oriented (while still offering great bargains) and offer a brighter-lit, slightly larger shopping experience than Michaels.

A.C. Moore will also have a mall entrance in Tanglewood's common area, so if you're already parked to shop at the mall or dining at the nearby K&W Cafeteria, you can grab your supplies without walking back out into the weather, and the less crafty people in your party can hang out at the other nearby retailers.

A.C. Moore is located on the lower level of Tanglewood Mall (near the Stein Mart entrance) and it's open mall hours. Call 725-5325 or visit www.acmoore.com for more information.