As a savvy shopper and self-proclaimed retail expert, I know the thrill of the hunt for a great deal. And when it comes to crafting and home decor, few stores get my bargain-loving heart racing quite like Hobby Lobby. But as much as I adore wandering its inspirational aisles, I‘m also a realist. I know that sometimes, the best price on that perfect picture frame or set of scrapbooking stickers may be found elsewhere.
That‘s where price matching comes in. For the uninitiated, price matching is the practice of a retailer agreeing to match a lower price offered by a competitor on an identical item. It‘s a popular policy that can give shoppers the confidence to buy on the spot without fear of missing out on a better deal elsewhere.
But not all price matching policies are created equal. Some retailers will match prices across the board, even honoring online prices or competitor coupons. Others come with a lot more fine print. So where does Hobby Lobby fall on this spectrum? Let‘s take a closer look.
The Nitty Gritty of Hobby Lobby‘s Price Matching Policy
According to Hobby Lobby‘s official policy, the retailer will indeed price match select competitors. Specifically, they will match "an identical, in-stock item from a local competitor‘s current advertised price."
Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, as with most things in retail, the devil is in the details. Here are some key things to note about Hobby Lobby‘s price matching:
- The item must be identical, meaning the same brand, size, model number, color, etc. No substitutions allowed.
- The competitor‘s price must be a current, advertised price. Clearance prices, coupons, or percent-off sales don‘t count.
- The competitor must be local. Hobby Lobby won‘t match online prices, even from its own website.
- Certain brands are excluded, including Cricut, Silhouette, Cuttlebug, Sizzix, and Simplicity & McCall‘s patterns.
So in practice, what does this mean? Let‘s say you‘re in the market for a new set of acrylic paint brushes. You spot a set at Hobby Lobby for $19.99, but remember seeing the same set advertised at Michaels for $17.99. You could take the Michaels ad to Hobby Lobby and they would match the $17.99 price, assuming the set is in stock at both stores.
However, if Michaels had the brushes on clearance for $12.99 or was running a "20% off all paint brushes" sale, Hobby Lobby wouldn‘t match those prices. And if you found the brushes on Amazon for $15.99, you‘d be out of luck at Hobby Lobby, even if you showed them the online listing on your phone.
Why is Hobby Lobby‘s Price Matching Policy More Restrictive?
At this point, you might be thinking: "What gives? Why doesn‘t Hobby Lobby just match any lower price like some other stores do?" It‘s a fair question, and the answer has a lot to do with Hobby Lobby‘s unique position in the retail market.
First, it‘s worth noting that Hobby Lobby is a privately held company with a strong Christian ethos. This informs everything from its decision to close on Sundays to its refusal to sell items related to certain holidays. It also means the company has more leeway to make decisions based on principles rather than just the bottom line.
In terms of price matching specifically, Hobby Lobby‘s more limited policy allows it to maintain a certain level of control over its pricing and profit margins. By not matching clearance prices or online deals, the store avoids getting into a race to the bottom with competitors who may be more aggressive with discounts.
It‘s also worth considering Hobby Lobby‘s unique product assortment. While the store does carry many of the same craft and decor basics as competitors like Michaels or Jo-Ann, it also offers a wide selection of niche and exclusive items. From custom framing to seasonal decor to fabric by the yard, Hobby Lobby has carved out a distinct identity that keeps loyal customers coming back.
For these specialty items, Hobby Lobby may be less concerned about matching prices dollar for dollar. The store is betting that customers will be willing to pay a slight premium for the convenience of one-stop shopping and the appealing atmosphere of its stores.
Maximizing Savings with Price Matching and More
That said, just because Hobby Lobby‘s price matching policy isn‘t the most comprehensive doesn‘t mean you can‘t still save big. With a little bit of strategy and insider know-how, you can make the most of price matching and other savings opportunities. Here are some of my top tips:
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Know what competitors Hobby Lobby will price match. This can vary by location, so ask at your local store or check the weekly ad for specifics. In general, major craft retailers like Michaels and Jo-Ann are a safe bet.
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Bring proof of the competitor‘s price. A current ad or a photo on your phone will usually suffice. Just make sure the item is truly identical and the price is a regular, advertised price.
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Don‘t forget about price adjustments. If an item you bought at Hobby Lobby goes on sale within two weeks, you can bring in your receipt for a price adjustment. This is a great way to retroactively "price match" yourself!
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Stack sales and coupons strategically. While Hobby Lobby won‘t match percent-off coupons, you can still use them to lower your out-of-pocket cost. Look for items that are already on sale and apply a store coupon on top for maximum savings.
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Shop the clearance section often. Hobby Lobby‘s clearance discounts can be steep, often 50-90% off. While you won‘t be able to price match these deals, you may not need to if the price is low enough.
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Take advantage of special discount programs. If you‘re a teacher, member of the military, or shopping for a school or church, you may be eligible for additional discounts of 10-15% off your purchase.
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Use price matching as a negotiation tool. If you find a lower price on an item at a store Hobby Lobby doesn‘t typically match, it never hurts to ask. A manager may be willing to make an exception, especially if you‘re a loyal customer or the price difference is small.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, price matching is just one tool in the savvy shopper‘s arsenal. And while Hobby Lobby‘s policy may not be as extensive as some other retailers‘, it can still be a valuable way to save on your crafting and decor needs.
By understanding the ins and outs of what Hobby Lobby will and won‘t match, you can make more informed shopping decisions and avoid missed savings opportunities. Combine price matching with other strategies like price adjustments, clearance shopping, and coupon stacking, and you‘ll be well on your way to becoming a Hobby Lobby deal pro.
Of course, for some shoppers, factors like selection, quality, and customer service may be just as important as getting the absolute lowest price. And that‘s where Hobby Lobby really shines. The store‘s unique mix of products, inspiring displays, and helpful staff keep customers coming back, even if they could save a few bucks elsewhere.
So the next time you‘re shopping at Hobby Lobby, don‘t be afraid to do a little price comparison homework. But also remember to enjoy the experience and let your creativity flow. After all, that‘s what the craft and decor journey is all about!
Happy shopping and crafting!