Hobby Lobby is one of the largest arts-and-crafts retailers in the United States, offering a wide range of products including art supplies, home décor, fabrics, and seasonal items. It’s a go-to destination for artists, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts. Understanding Hobby Lobby’s operating hours is essential for planning your shopping trip, especially during peak seasons or holidays. This guide will explore Hobby Lobby’s standard hours, holiday schedules, and factors that influence store hours, providing everything you need to know to make the most out of your visits.
Regular Store Hours
Hobby Lobby typically operates with the following standard hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The standard hours of 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM are consistent across most of Hobby Lobby’s locations, giving customers a full day to shop for their crafting and home décor needs. The store’s decision to remain closed on Sundays reflects its Christian roots, aligning with the founder’s belief in dedicating Sunday to rest and worship. This policy has been in place since Hobby Lobby was founded in 1972 by David Green and remains a defining characteristic of the business.
Holiday Hours
Like most retailers, Hobby Lobby adjusts its operating hours during the holiday season. The holiday period is one of the busiest times for the store, as customers seek out seasonal décor, gifts, and DIY project supplies. Here’s an overview of Hobby Lobby’s holiday hours:
- New Year’s Day: Closed
- Easter Sunday: Closed
- Memorial Day: Closed
- Fourth of July (Independence Day): Closed
- Labor Day: Closed
- Thanksgiving Day: Closed
- Christmas Eve: Typically closes early, around 5:30 PM
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year’s Eve: Closes early, usually around 5:30 PM
Hobby Lobby’s policy of closing on major holidays aligns with its commitment to family and faith-based values. Many other large retailers stay open during some of these holidays, but Hobby Lobby encourages its employees to spend time with their families, reinforcing a culture of work-life balance. Additionally, it’s important to note that stores may have slight variations in their hours based on location and regional practices, so it’s always best to check with your local store for any specific holiday hours.
Seasonal Adjustments
Hobby Lobby tends to experience a surge in customers during seasonal changes, particularly around Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. While the store remains closed on Sundays and major holidays, the lead-up to these events often prompts a slight extension in hours. Some stores may open earlier or close later to accommodate the increase in foot traffic. During the Christmas season, for example, Hobby Lobby might extend its hours by an additional hour in the morning or evening. This adjustment is designed to help shoppers who are trying to fit in holiday errands around their work schedules.
In some cases, Hobby Lobby will also offer extended shopping hours for other significant events such as Black Friday. However, unlike many retailers that open their doors in the early hours of the morning or even on Thanksgiving night, Hobby Lobby maintains its tradition of closing on Thanksgiving Day. On Black Friday, the store generally opens at its usual 9:00 AM time, but individual store managers may choose to open earlier based on local demand.
Regional Differences
While Hobby Lobby’s general hours are consistent across the United States, some locations may have slight variations due to local laws, customer demand, or specific community needs. For instance, stores in larger metropolitan areas or in regions with higher demand may offer slightly extended hours to cater to their customer base. Conversely, some stores in more rural areas may close earlier due to lower traffic in the evening.
Hobby Lobby is present in all 50 states, with over 900 locations. The diversity of its locations means that local regulations, especially those surrounding holidays and labor laws, may influence the hours of operation. For example, certain states have strict labor laws about holiday closures or mandatory break periods, which can affect store hours during peak seasons.
To avoid any inconvenience, customers are encouraged to check their local store’s hours via the official Hobby Lobby website or by calling ahead. The online store locator provides up-to-date information on hours for every location, making it easy to plan your visit.
Online Shopping Hours
For those who prefer shopping from home, Hobby Lobby’s online store is available 24/7. The website offers a vast selection of products that mirror what’s available in the physical stores, including arts-and-crafts supplies, seasonal décor, fabrics, and more. Customers can place orders at any time, though shipping times and customer service availability are limited to standard business hours.
Online orders placed outside of the store’s regular hours will be processed the next business day. During busy seasons, especially around major holidays, it’s a good idea to place online orders well in advance to avoid shipping delays. While the website operates around the clock, customer service representatives are typically available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CST), which aligns closely with the physical store hours.
Why Hobby Lobby Closes on Sundays
One of the most distinctive aspects of Hobby Lobby’s operating hours is its decision to close all stores on Sundays. This policy is rooted in the religious convictions of its founder, David Green, who is a devout Christian. Green has stated that his faith drives many of his business decisions, including the importance of providing employees with a day off to rest and spend time with their families.
In addition to reflecting Green’s Christian values, closing on Sundays also serves as a competitive differentiator. While many other retailers are open seven days a week, Hobby Lobby’s policy reinforces its identity as a family-oriented business. The decision to close on Sundays has been praised by employees who appreciate having a guaranteed day off each week, a rarity in the retail industry.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Hobby Lobby Hours
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to retail operations across the globe, and Hobby Lobby was no exception. In response to the pandemic, the company implemented temporary changes to its operating hours to comply with state mandates and ensure the safety of both customers and employees.
During the height of the pandemic, many Hobby Lobby stores reduced their hours, closing earlier than usual and implementing strict health protocols such as mask mandates, social distancing measures, and enhanced sanitation practices. In some locations, the stores temporarily closed altogether, depending on local regulations and infection rates.
As the world gradually returned to normal, Hobby Lobby adjusted its hours back to pre-pandemic schedules. However, the experience highlighted the importance of flexibility in retail operations. Some stores may still implement reduced hours during periods of high community transmission or other health-related concerns, but the majority have returned to their standard 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM schedule.
Planning Your Visit
Given the variability in hours due to location, holidays, and seasonal factors, it’s important for customers to plan their visit in advance. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth shopping experience at Hobby Lobby:
- Check Store Hours Online: The easiest way to verify your local store’s hours is by visiting the official Hobby Lobby website. The store locator tool provides accurate and up-to-date information about each location’s operating hours, special holiday closures, and any changes due to seasonal demand.
- Call Ahead: If you’re planning a trip during a holiday season or on a day when hours might vary, calling your local store directly is always a good idea. Store employees can provide information about extended hours, early closures, or any other changes that might affect your visit.
- Avoid Peak Shopping Times: Hobby Lobby tends to be busiest on Saturdays, particularly in the afternoon. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday, especially in the early morning or later in the evening. During the Christmas season, early morning trips are usually less hectic.
- Take Advantage of Online Shopping: If you can’t make it to a physical store, Hobby Lobby’s online shop is an excellent alternative. The website is open 24/7, and with a wide variety of products available for shipping or in-store pickup, you can still access the store’s vast inventory without worrying about store hours.
Conclusion
Hobby Lobby’s hours are designed to accommodate the needs of its diverse customer base while staying true to its values of family and faith. With consistent operating hours from Monday to Saturday, and closures on Sundays and major holidays, Hobby Lobby emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and religious observance in its business model. Whether you’re planning a quick trip for art supplies or gearing up for a holiday season shopping spree, knowing Hobby Lobby’s hours will help you make the most of your visit. Always remember to check ahead for any changes, particularly around holidays or special events, to ensure a seamless shopping experience.