<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>ex23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23
<TEXT>
<PAGE>


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and related Prospectus pertaining to A. C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc. 401(k) Plan of our report dated May 21, 2003, with respect to the
financial statements and supplementary schedule of the A. C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc. 401(k) Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2002.


                                        STOCKTON BATES, LLP
                                        ----------------------
                                        Stockton Bates, LLP


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 21, 2003


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>