hobbylobby.com

What is HobbyLobby.com

Hobby Lobby is a U.S.-based retail company specialising in arts-and-crafts, hobbies, home décor, seasonal items, fabrics, picture-framing and more. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

According to their “Our Story” page, they started in 1972 with a 300 sq ft store in Oklahoma City. (hobbylobby.com) Today they claim more than 1,000 stores and over 46,000 employees. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

They’re privately owned (not publicly traded). (Bloomberg)

Their offerings include:

  • Arts & crafts supplies

  • Hobbies & models

  • Picture framing

  • Fabrics and sewing supplies

  • Floral, décor and holiday/seasonal merchandise

  • Home accents, wearable art, wedding supplies (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

History and background

The founder is David Green, who started with a small garage business assembling picture-frames, then opened the store in 1972. (Wikipedia)

Over the decades the chain expanded quite significantly. From one small store to hundreds across the U.S. (Wikipedia)

Part of their corporate culture emphasises faith-based values: for instance their site states that one of their core values is “Honouring the Lord in all we do”. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

They also made the decision to close all stores on Sunday (so employees may have time for family/worship) ­- a reflection of their founding values. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

Business model & operations

  • Stores: They operate physical stores across the U.S., plus an online store (hobbylobby.com).

  • Product mix: Broad range, as listed above — from crafting basics to home décor and holiday goods.

  • Private ownership: Being privately held gives them more flexibility (and less public disclosure) compared to publicly traded firms.

  • Distribution & manufacture: Their corporate headquarters include large manufacturing/distribution/office complex in Oklahoma City. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

  • Values driven: Their business decisions and culture are closely tied to their declared core values (faith, family, value for customers).

What stands out (pros)

  • Wide selection: For someone who crafts, attends to home décor, or is into seasonal/holiday decorating, Hobby Lobby has a very broad inventory.

  • Large footprint: With many stores and an online presence, convenient access (for U.S. customers at least).

  • Value focus: They emphasise offering “exceptional selection and value” as part of their stated values. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

  • Consistent branding: For many consumers the brand is well-recognized in the arts & crafts space.

What to watch out for (cons / caveats)

  • Geographic limitation: Although online they may ship broadly, there's still the U.S. bias (stores primarily in U.S.). International customers may face shipping/ import issues.

  • Value vs “premium”: While they emphasise value, for certain high-end crafting supplies or niche specialty items you may find more specialised stores that offer better variety.

  • Controversies: Because of the faith-based orientation (e.g., Sunday closures, biblical values) the company has been part of public debates (though I’m not delving into specifics here).

  • Online vs store experience differences: As with many large chains, the online experience may differ (product availability, shipping times, etc.).

  • Import/export / shipping to outside U.S.: If you're outside the United States, costs or restrictions may apply (customs, duties, shipping time). The website notes for commercial/educational/government organisations to contact customer service. (hobbylobby.com)

How it may be relevant for you

If you’re involved in crafting, hobby models, home décor, wedding/party supplies, seasonal decorating — Hobby Lobby could be a good source. On the other hand, if you’re outside the U.S., you’ll want to check shipping, import duties, availability. Also if you need highly niche or premium specialist items, compare with specialist craft suppliers.

For someone buying online from hobbylobby.com: check the product descriptions, shipping policy, return policy (since importing may complicate returns). Also check if any promotional offers are available (they often have discounts/offers) and whether the style/brand fits your need.

Key takeaways

  • Hobby Lobby is a large U.S. arts-and-crafts/hobby retailer, both physical stores and online.

  • They cover a broad range of supply categories — not just “crafts” but home décor, floral, seasonal, fabrics, framing.

  • The company is privately owned, with strong emphasis on a faith-based corporate culture and values.

  • There are benefits (selection, value oriented) but also potential downsides especially for customers outside the U.S. (shipping, availability) or those needing niche high-end items.

FAQ

Q: Is Hobby Lobby publicly traded?
A: No. It is a privately-owned company. (Bloomberg)

Q: Does Hobby Lobby operate internationally?
A: They operate primarily in the U.S. Their offices include locations in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Yiwu (China) for sourcing/distribution. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com) But for consumers outside the U.S., availability may vary.

Q: What kinds of products do they sell?
A: A wide variety: arts & crafts supplies, fabrics, floral décor, picture framing, hobby items, home décor, seasonal/holiday merchandise, wedding/party supplies. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

Q: Are there corporate values I should know about?
A: Yes—the company emphasises a faith-based approach: “Honoring the Lord in all we do”, supporting families, etc. They also made the choice to close all stores on Sunday. (newsroom.hobbylobby.com)

Q: How can I contact their customer service?
A: The website has a “Contact Us” form and lists customer service hours (for U.S.). (hobbylobby.com)

Q: Are there major criticisms of Hobby Lobby?
A: While not detailed in the summary above, large retail chains often face criticism (e.g., about sourcing, labour practices, inclusivity). The company’s faith-based stance has also placed it in public debate. It’s wise to check recent news or reviews if this is relevant to you.

Comments

Post a Comment