Consolidation in the craft and creative industry is continuing with a big recent announcement in the art materials space. MacPherson’s has sold its inventory and Intellectual Property to Blick Art Materials. Blick is an art materials retailer with over 60 locations in the US.
In the last few years, MacPherson’s started to struggle as the effects of freight and increased costs took hold. In February 2025, the CEO stepped down. In March 2025 MacPherson’s sought help from SSG to assess its strategic alternatives. The process moved quickly. May 12th, a deal with Blick Art Materials was announced. Many were taken by surprise at the speed with which the transaction happened.
Who is MacPherson’s?
“We are a 100% employee-owned company with over four decades of experience connecting the art supply industry. We deliver logistics brilliance and creativity expertise to a wide array of businesses, including independent mom and pops, regional chains, mass market and e-commerce.” Source: About Us, MacPherson’s
MacPherson’s is a wholesaler and distributor within the art materials space, helping hundreds of art materials brand distribute to retailers. In addition, they also distributed their own brands. “MacPherson’s is the largest provider of art and creative materials in North America. The Company offers a broad product suite sourced from hundreds of vendors worldwide. MacPherson’s owns several proprietary brands, including Art Alternatives, Fredrix, and Hello, Artist!, and provides premium brand management and product development services.” Source: SSG Press Release
What’s the impact?
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