Introduction
For many crafters, DIYers, and home decorators, Hobby Lobby is more than just a store – it‘s a destination. With its wide selection of arts and crafts supplies, home decor, seasonal items, and more, Hobby Lobby offers endless inspiration and possibilities for creative projects. However, before you can dive into your next crafting adventure, you need to know when your local Hobby Lobby is open.
Hobby Lobby‘s approach to operating hours is unique in the retail industry, guided by the company‘s Christian values and its commitment to giving employees time for worship, rest, and family. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into Hobby Lobby‘s hours, examining everything from the company‘s daily schedule to its holiday closures to the broader impact of its policies. Whether you‘re a regular Hobby Lobby shopper or an industry watcher interested in the company‘s distinctive business model, this guide will provide the insights and information you need.
Hobby Lobby‘s Weekly Operating Hours
Let‘s start with the basics: Hobby Lobby‘s standard operating hours. On weekdays (Monday through Friday) and Saturdays, most Hobby Lobby stores follow this schedule:
- Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
It‘s worth noting that these hours are fairly consistent across Hobby Lobby‘s locations, which span 46 states. According to the company‘s website, as of 2023, Hobby Lobby operates over 900 stores across the United States. While individual store hours may vary slightly based on factors like lease agreements or local regulations, the 9 AM to 8 PM schedule is the norm for the vast majority of locations.
How do these hours compare to other retailers in the arts and crafts industry? Let‘s look at some data:
| Retailer | Weekday Hours | Saturday Hours | Sunday Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | 9 AM – 8 PM | 9 AM – 8 PM | Closed |
| Michaels | 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 9 PM | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| JOANN Fabric and Craft | 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 9 PM | 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Industry Average | 9 AM – 8 PM | 9 AM – 8 PM | 11 AM – 6 PM |
Sources: Company websites and industry reports
As the data shows, Hobby Lobby‘s weekday and Saturday hours are in line with the industry average. However, there‘s one notable difference: Sundays. Hobby Lobby famously closes all of its stores on Sundays, a policy rooted in the Green family‘s Christian faith. We‘ll explore the implications and impact of this policy in more detail later in the guide.
Holiday Hours
Next, let‘s look at how Hobby Lobby‘s operating hours change during holidays. Here‘s a detailed breakdown of Hobby Lobby‘s typical hours for major U.S. holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Hobby Lobby Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year‘s Day | January 1 | 9 AM – 5:30 PM (closed if falls on Sunday) |
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Independence Day | July 4 | 9 AM – 5:30 PM (closed if falls on Sunday) |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Closed |
| Black Friday | Day after Thanksgiving | 8 AM – 9 PM |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed |
Source: Hobby Lobby website
As the table shows, Hobby Lobby is open on most major holidays, often with reduced hours. The primary exceptions are Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, when all stores are closed to allow employees to celebrate with their families. Interestingly, Hobby Lobby does open on Black Friday, the busy shopping day after Thanksgiving, but with extended hours to accommodate the surge of holiday shoppers.
It‘s important to note that while these holiday hours are typical for Hobby Lobby, there can be some variation from store to store. As always, it‘s best to check with your local Hobby Lobby to confirm their specific holiday schedule.
The Sunday Closure Policy
Now let‘s dive deeper into Hobby Lobby‘s most distinctive operational policy: closing all stores on Sundays. This practice is highly unusual in the retail industry, where Sunday is often one of the busiest shopping days of the week. So why does Hobby Lobby do it?
The answer lies in the religious beliefs of the company‘s founders and owners, the Green family. As devout Christians, the Greens believe in the biblical principle of keeping the Sabbath day holy and allowing time for worship, rest, and family. By closing on Sundays, Hobby Lobby aims to honor this principle and give its employees a guaranteed day off each week.
From a business perspective, closing on Sundays is a bold choice that potentially sacrifices significant revenue. According to industry estimates, Sunday sales can account for anywhere from 10% to 20% of a retailer‘s weekly revenue. For a company the size of Hobby Lobby, with annual sales exceeding $5 billion, that could translate to hundreds of millions of dollars in foregone revenue each year.
However, Hobby Lobby‘s leaders have consistently prioritized their faith over financial considerations. In a 2013 interview with Forbes, CEO David Green explained: "We have chosen to not be open on Sundays so that our employees and customers can honor the Lord‘s Day. For us as Christians, Sunday is the Lord‘s Day. This is an important part of our faith and our commitment to God."
This principled stance has earned Hobby Lobby both praise and criticism over the years. Some customers applaud the company for putting values ahead of profits, while others see the policy as inconvenient or even exclusionary. Regardless, the Sunday closure policy remains a defining feature of Hobby Lobby‘s identity and a reflection of its unique approach to business.
Industry Perspective and Shopper Insights
To further understand the implications of Hobby Lobby‘s operating hours, let‘s consider some insights from retail industry experts and data on consumer preferences.
According to a 2020 survey by the National Retail Federation, 68% of consumers believe retailers should be closed on Thanksgiving Day, showing a strong preference for allowing employees to spend the holiday with their families. However, opinions are more mixed when it comes to other holidays and Sundays. In the same survey, only 38% said stores should be closed on Labor Day, and just 24% supported Sunday closures.
Retail analyst Neil Saunders of GlobalData Retail sees Hobby Lobby‘s Sunday policy as a double-edged sword. "On one hand, it‘s a point of differentiation that appeals to a certain customer base and reinforces Hobby Lobby‘s brand identity," Saunders says. "On the other hand, it does limit the company‘s ability to capture sales from customers who primarily shop on weekends."
For shoppers, the impact of Hobby Lobby‘s hours depends on individual preferences and schedules. Customers who work traditional Monday-Friday jobs may appreciate the store‘s extended evening hours and the ability to shop on Saturdays. However, those who rely on Sundays for errands and shopping may find Hobby Lobby‘s closure policy frustrating, especially around the holidays.
Saunders advises shoppers to plan ahead and be strategic when visiting Hobby Lobby. "If you know you have a big project coming up or you need supplies for a specific event, check the store‘s holiday hours in advance and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to shop," he says. "And if Sundays are your only free time, consider exploring online alternatives or looking for local craft stores that are open seven days a week."
Conclusion
Hobby Lobby‘s approach to operating hours is a reflection of the company‘s unique identity and values. By maintaining a consistent Monday-Saturday schedule, closing on Sundays, and adjusting hours on certain holidays, Hobby Lobby aims to balance customer service with its commitment to faith and family.
While this approach may not be right for every retailer or every shopper, it has undoubtedly contributed to Hobby Lobby‘s success and loyal customer base over the years. As the retail industry continues to evolve, Hobby Lobby‘s distinct perspective on operating hours offers an interesting case study in the intersection of business, values, and consumer preferences.
For shoppers, understanding Hobby Lobby‘s hours is key to making the most of this beloved crafting destination. By planning ahead, checking holiday schedules, and being open to weekday or Saturday visits, customers can ensure they have plenty of time to explore everything Hobby Lobby has to offer. And for those who can‘t make it to the store in person, Hobby Lobby‘s online shop and mobile app offer 24/7 access to crafting inspiration and supplies.
At the end of the day, whether you‘re a weekly Hobby Lobby visitor or an occasional holiday shopper, knowing the store‘s operating hours is an essential part of the crafting journey. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided the information and insights you need to plan your next Hobby Lobby adventure with confidence. Happy crafting!
