5 Secrets of Hobby Lobby
The Secrets of
Hobby Lobby is located in all but just a handful of states, and it's pretty much my BEST resource for most of my craft supplies. Since I've been such an avid shopped for so many years now, I've learned a lot of tricks and some secrets about Hobby Lobby that help me get what I want at the best prices. I thought I'd share my tips with you, since more than likely most of you have a Hobby Lobby in your area.1. Take Advantage of TWO Weekly Sales
This is my most recently learned secret of Hobby Lobby. I made a quick run there on a Saturday evening shortly before they closed, I always am sure to try and buy off the weekly sale, but of course there are sometimes items I need that aren't on sale that week. This is how I learned about this "secret". When I got to checkout the girl at the register told me she had to honor "sales for next week as well as this week"! She told me that since employees were already out putting the sale signs up for next week, she didn't know what was advertised on sale yet and so they honored both sales on Saturday nights shortly before closing. I asked her if all Hobby Lobbys operate this way and she said, "Yeah I'm pretty sure they do." So next time you want to buy some "Metalware" & "Glassware" but only "Glassware" is on sale that week - try going on a Saturday night right before the sale switches over to the next week. You might just get the best of both worlds!
2. Place Orders To Get What You Want
Did you know that many, if not most, items can be ordered at Hobby Lobby? When I wanted 16 sets of 1 1/2" wooden blocks for my Calendar Blocks and Hobby Lobby only stocks about 2 sets at a time - I simply asked for the manager and placed an order. Since they get shipments in every week I didn't have to wait long, OR pay for shipping. She did ask that I pay in advance, however, which I was happy to do because the week I ordered them unfinished wood was on sale! So if you ever find yourself grumbling about how they don't stock enough of what you need, remember that managers are able to order most items from the warehouse just for you!
3. Coupon Tip #1
Most weeks Hobby Lobby offers an awesome printable 40% off coupon on their website! {Although every once in a while it's for something like 30% spray paint.} It says one per customer per day, the more customers you have with you, the more coupons you can use. It's fair game, if you're making a large or expensive shopping trip there, to print off a few and have a friend/spouse/child use a second coupon and purchase an big ticket item separately from you. If you're able to take advantage this way of having a shopping partner you could get two (or three?) items 40% off. I also like to print off extras and hand them to other shoppers in line. It's a nice surprise & good gesture towards a stranger, and it never hurts to help someone else have a better day.
UPDATE: Since I first wrote this post, Hobby Lobby started accepting their website coupons via smartphone! So if you ever find that you forgot your coupon, whip out your smartphone and go to m.hobbylobby.com
4. Coupon Tip #2
Although they're good about giving out their own coupons {probably took a lesson from Hobby Lobby's fantastic coupon strategies}, if you ever can't find one, Michael's & Joann Fabrics are two other craft stores that will gladly accept their competitor's coupons. I find this especially helpful when I need an item that Hobby Lobby doesn't carry but Michael's or Joann's does. This might not apply in states that don't have Hobby Lobby locations. Now I just wish Hobby Lobby would accept competitor's coupons...
UPDATE: Again, most Michael's and Joann stores have also started accepting coupons via smartphone. Yes, even Hobby Lobby coupons have worked for me.
5. Revamp & Reuse/Resell
Hobby Lobby has some really lovely home decor, I always love to go see what's new. I've seen a lot of boutique store owners shop Hobby Lobby & resell their items in their own stores - often for a higher price! A lot of people out there don't know what a wonderful home decor store Hobby Lobby can be, and if they're not crafty they won't bother going in, they assume it's just a craft supply store. There is something to be said about shopping for lovely home decor in a lovely boutique, rather than a bland store like Hobby Lobby with it's simple glass shelving and sterile lighting. While I don't feel right buying a Hobby Lobby item and reselling it my shop for three times the price, I've found that Hobby Lobby carries excellent "revampable" items, there's no guilt for me when I buy the item, add my own personal touch & work, and then resell it. For instance, I recently purchased some canvas wall hangings with the Eiffel tower image on them in the clearance section. They hadn't sold well at Hobby Lobby. But I bought them and decided the raw canvas edges needed something to make the wall hangings more chic & polished. I added a lovely brown fabric rosette trim around the edges. Now that it looked better & had my own touch on it - I put them for sale in my own shop. And people love them! Lesson learned: when shopping at Hobby Lobby, don't pass up semi-chic home decor without looking at it and seeing the potential. Ask yourself: Could I paint this? Could I add something? Whether it would be for your home or to sell elsewhere, many Hobby Lobby items can be altered to be just that much better.
So there you have it, my Hobby Lobby tips & secrets, now happy shopping!
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Post Edit 1/20/13:
I'm surprised at how Pinterest seems to have made this quite a popular post lately! I wrote it a long time ago as a sort of filler post when I was having blogger's block.
I'm also surprised at how--out of all the passionate, opinionated things I've posted on my blogs--THIS post is my most controversial!
I'm sad to say I'm having to moderate comments now, and have kept a few name-calling and foul-language-filled comments from being posted on this one. {Really people? This post is about Hobby Lobby...not abortion or gun rights. Let's not be silly.}
If you're here to leave a polite, constructive comment, then WELCOME!
If you're here to rant at me and curse or call other commenters names, then might I suggest you save yourself the time and go start your own blog, because I won't be publishing such comments here. I'm sure lots of people will read your rant blog. ;-)
You're welcome to disagree with me, but I draw the line with trolling.
Thanks for visiting!
Heather @ Lark & Lola
96 *´¯`* ℓσvεℓү cσммεηтs *´¯`*
The 40% coupons are awesome. We had a HL when we lived in SD, and I would go a few times a week (and drag my husband with me kicking and screaming) when I was getting some spendy yarn for my in-utero daughter's layette. I'm not about to spend almost $9 for a tiny skein of yarn when I'll need 8 or 9 skeins.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem is when it's on sale. Never thought I'd be bummed by a sale =)
Genevieve
Great tips!
ReplyDeleteNot every store signs on Saturday, so don't be a idiot and think just bc a blogger said so, it will come true. In regards to the coupon: you can use it in place of the sale price if you feel it's better worth your money. In regards to ordering: you do NOT have to go through a manager to special order. Any cashier or floor sales person can do this for you. I actually know a lot of managers get annoyed when customers ask to speak to a manager about special ordering: anyone can do it!
ReplyDeleteAre managers above special ordering? I think not. And also, your comments tonal pitch reminds one of a slip- linked sprocket,resonating the antithesis of hobby lobby's mission statement. "Just Sayin."
DeleteCome on, if you were standing on a stage speaking to a group of people would you call them idiots? Essentially, this forum is a platform, I may be the only one, but when someone calls their audience an idiot whther it applies to something I have ddone before oor not, my mind kinda closes and wants to reject all future statements ffrim the speaker. Social media is communication and it is sad that we communicate so poorly these days. If you want to be well received, be well spoken and try to use words that are not offensive to your audience.
DeleteI think your blog post is wonderful. It gives the people who want nice custom things but can't exactly afford them, a way to try to accomplish that. Some people really should learn the golden rule :-) whatever happened to manners?
DeleteHeather - I'm in one of the few states that does not have a Hobby Lobby. Bummer. In fact, I had never even heard of Hobby Lobby until I started blogging a couple of years ago. Sounds like I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteHobbylobby.com! You can shop online a d delivery right to your door!
DeleteThank you! I never thought to place an order with a manager. They are always out of the ribbon I use to make headbands! Life saver you are!
ReplyDeleteI work for Hobby Lobby and I can tell you we do not sign while there are customers in the store. Nor do we offer the coupon off of sale items's regular prices unless it's a furniture piece or fabric. And please never request a manager to order something. Its a raincheck we place and cashiers are supposed to do them. Managers will get very angry if they are asked to do something that menial, and cashiers get penalized for that.
ReplyDeleteI'm a manager for JoAnn Fabrics and the above is the same for us.... Signing does not happen when customers are in the store, so 2 sales at once doesn't happen. Please don't shop right at closing on a Saturday night either. The longer you shop past close, the longer we stay and less time with our families. Also, please NEVER ask for a manager to do a special order. Any employee can do this - chances are, the manager is doing about 30 other things. It isn't that we don't like to help customers, but until our jobs are done, we can't go home at night!
DeleteWhat store do you work at? My hobby lobby will not take a coupon over the sale price on furniture. Your sore sound like a nicer to shop.
DeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteHere in Denver, CO the stores DO put up new signs on Saturday nights, and I've witnessed this first hand now on several occasions. During this time, the cashiers *do* allow both sales to be in effect. I've had cashiers themselves attest to this.
Also, I don't believe I said that they offer coupon prices on sale item's regular prices.
As for requesting a manager to special order items--this is not something I'm recommending in place of a rain check. I first ordered in bulk through a manager when the manager herself told me they didn't carry large quantities of the item I wanted and that I was welcome to order extra through her. It wasn't that I needed a rain check, it was that I needed MORE than my local Hobby Lobby's ever carry. Furthermore, it was the manager who offered to special order it, and since then more than one different Hobby Lobby managers have HAPPILY helped me order special quantities of HL items. It makes me sad that the managers in your area don't seem as customer friendly :-/
My local managers have always been happy to help :)
Thanks for your comment and input, it would seem different areas have different policies. I'm glad I live in a very customer-friendly Hobby Lobby area.
Wow it's sad that managers are so burdened by there customers! Hope your not the lazy angry cause someone ordering bulk was bugging you manager at my local store I hope you realize there is someone out there who would love to have your job and HAPPILY help customers
ReplyDeleteI'm a manager at JoAnn Fabrics. I really enjoy my customers and helping them. I admit though that sometimes I do get frustrated when I'm paged for a customer when it us something another employee could have helped with. Here is why: At night, we can go home if the cashier didn't get her tasks done, but we have to stay until I finish all my work. 45 hours a week is enough, my family needs me too. Plus, the customer has to wait for me to walk up front (and probably get stopped by a few customers on the way). The customer will usually get out quicker if they don't have to wait for a manager.
DeleteGet over yourself. Thats what retail is about. Helping the customer. Regardless if you can help them or another employee. As management that is your job. I am sure you have stayed late somewhere shopping or needed help and wanted to talk to the manager. If its so frustrating maybe you should find another occupation.
DeleteGet over yourself? She's helping you, A obviously self centered queen B who expects to get his/ her way. You as a customer don't deserve anything service if your gonna be rude. And yea she's probably been at a store when closing but in the back of her head she would realize she's making them stay late and feel sorry. As for you, you obviously need to learn how to be understanding and that your nothing special. Shes conplaining about the costumers yes but she still helps them and works so again, you look stupid and wasted your time. Retail is frustrating to everyone that works it because of people like you so if they found another occupation it'd be tour fault and no one would be there to help you, not that you deserve it. Also Get over yourself the next time you wanna see your family and rest but can't.
DeleteA few people here have obviously forgotten who signs their paycheck - the customer! I own a store! I can assure you that I'll stay until an hour or TWO after closing if that's what the customer needs! I've waited for customers to make it to the store - and driven back to the store during ice storms to see that customers got what they needed for the storm! I guess the difference is that I KNOW that without them there'd be no business! And, by the way, I went WITHOUT a paycheck a few months ago so the employees would have one so don't give me that crap about being paid "more!": The managers here know they'll be paid! I don't!
DeleteIf somebody is staying in Hobby Lobby two hours after close during an ice storm they need to get their priorities straight. Crafts aren't a necessity. First world problems.
DeleteMy Hobby Lobby store employees ROCK! They are totally awesome, courteous, helpful and go out of their way to help their customers. That said I always print off extra coupons and it is cool to see the smiles from people who get them unexpected.. Nice article thank you!
ReplyDeleteOooops.. My Hobby Lobby store is Spokane Valley, Washington.. hehe
ReplyDeleteOne more tip that is also very helpful for me that I share with friends is ribbon is on sale every-other week. If it is not on sale this week wait a week. I ask a couple store employes and they said most things route like that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tip especially about ordering bulk orders.
handing out coupons to other customers in line might make you feel good but puts stores in awkward positions. We have people do that where I work and then there are always people coming up to cash after asking if they can get a coupon too. Sucks to have to tell them it was a customer doing a "good deed".
ReplyDeleteIt sucks to have to inform someone that kind deeds still exist in this world? Yeah. I can see how that would make your job hard...
DeleteHere's a tip for next time you're in this "awkward position" that "sucks": politely inform the customer that you don't give them out, but they can print one off at home for next time, or pull one up on a smartphone.
This is a wonderful response!
DeleteHahaha I agree!
DeleteWow they were clearly stating it sucks to have to deny a customer a coupon because they don't have any to give out. They obviously feel bad and its awkward. I don't see where sarcastic rude remarks uve to be made? People like you are the reason people kill each other ha get over yourself and think about how others feel instead of yourself and other rude people like you
Deletereally? not that serious dummy.
DeleteI really wish blogs had like buttons like Facebook! And sorry for the rude bluntness but I'd also like to slap people on at least half the blogs I've read this yr. I can't believe u have to repeat and defend so much of what was said here on this post- I mean seriously?!? What a jerk
ReplyDeletei was thinking this same thing!
DeleteI feel the same way!
DeleteSome good tips! The coupon also says "One coupon, per person, per day". You can bend the rules and pay cash for the purchase, but you can't use your credit card for both transaction using the same card. Just a head's up! :)
ReplyDeleteNot true at my store...do it all the time. Take my daughter with me and pass her my card, and my husband if there are more than one items I am in need of!
DeleteNot true, or at least at my store. I have used my debit card up to 3/4 times, husband, daughter, etc....that makes no since whatsoever. A customer can pay for anything they want to...regardless of coupon related.....
DeleteAs a hobby lobby employee who loves her job:
ReplyDeleteAs of Christmas 2011 there has been a 40% coupon every week this year. Not only that, but we are branching out. There are some ATMs that include coupons on their receipts, the newspapers in hobby lobby towns include a coupon, we will ALWAYS take them directly off of any cell phone (we just need the four digit code), and we have a new application for iPhones that has both the coupon and the ad for that week.
Most cashiers and customer service managers have no problem allowing a customer to do multiple coupon purchases as long as they are not all on the same debit or credit account.
Sales in home accents usually run on an every other week basis. This also goes for floral. So if wood and metal are on sale this week, next week polyresin and framed/canvas art will be on sale.
We also text clearance on home accents throughout the store right after Christmas and after mothers day. It starts at 66% off and moves up to 80% a month later and then 90% one month after that.
We do honor sales on any item with a sign directly in front of it. Example being, when home accents wood (decorative wall pieces) this does not include unfinished craft wood. Another helpful hint: early Monday customers can find sales from last week if the signs have not been taken down.
Sorry, that was long winded but im super thrifty myself and I love saving my customers money!
Thank you for your positive input. I've been searching for this exact information as I too have to budget and save where I can.
DeleteAGAIN, THANKS!
Thank you!
DeleteYou do not need to ask for a manager to do a special order. Any employee can do it. It is written up on a "rain check" slip which is why we (HL employees) call it a rain check.
ReplyDeleteAt my local Hobby Lobby stores you DO have to ask for a manager, so I guess this differs regionally. :)
DeleteI am assuming this the same HL employee that is obviously either a manager that is perturbed by being asked to do something for a paying customer or a cashier who wants to make sure everyone knows she can do something that a manager can also do. How rude! People just love HL and appreciate the tips! I'm always shocked when people anonymously reply in such an authoritative way. You're a HL employee, not the CEO!
DeleteThat's not authoritative, its answering the same question a million times to customers like you who think you know more about the store than we do. Just because youre a paying customer doesn't mean that entitles you to have all the employees drop everything just because you have a question. You have to give respect to receive it.
DeleteIsn't that your job?
DeleteIts not his or her job to treat you with respect when you don't give it. Grow up. Your not special. You want help? I bet you they would gladly help you if your kind to them, act rude, get little help and then that's ur problem you still haven't learned how to treat people sandy Miller. You customers dont know more than the employees so quit acting like it. And if you have a problem with how a store is being run l, I'm sure 90% of your complaints are controlled by corporate not the employees so quit yelling at us the employees because we wont do anything about it and we can't do anything about it
DeleteI thought hobby lobby was a Christian ran store ?!?!? I think every person employee or customer should have respect for everyone regardless of the situation ! And I'm very disappointed to see so many people who don't know each other or anything about each others lives go at one another like this ! It's just a blog ! People are in titled to their own opinion regardless if we like it or not ! I don't know how many of you are Christian but if you are you sure aren't speaking like one ! "If you don't love your neighbor than you don't love God !" I know we all have families and at the end of the day we just want to go home to see them. But if there is someone really in need of help and we can help it's our job to do so even if that person is really getting on our nerves! Just think how much grace god will give you for being kind instead of inpatient! And in the big picture isn't the only thing that really matters is doing gods will and making it to heaven ? " What you do to the least of my brothers you to to me " jesus (aka) God !
DeleteI thought hobby lobby was a Christian ran store ?!?!? I think every person employee or customer should be treated with respect! Regardless of the situation! And I'm very sad to see so many people who don't know each other or anything about each others lives go at each other like this . I don't know how many of you are Christian but if you are you sure aren't speaking like one! I know we all have families and at the end of the day we all just want to go home and be with them but if there is a customer in need isn't it our job to help them regardless of how late it is regardless if your manager or not ! Just think how much grace you will be getting for helping someone especially if you don't want to ! And isn't getting to heaven the only thing matters when we look at the bigger picture? How do we expect our country's to get along when we can't even get along with ourselves?!?! "What you do for the least of my brothers you do to me". "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". Jesus (aka) God . Need I say more ?
DeleteHobby Lobby is owned by Christians but it is not a prerequisite for employment.
DeleteI'm having trouble with your link for your calendar blocks, taking me to some other site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips!
I think it was mentioned above that you can use Hobby Lobby coupons at Michaels and Joannes. That is true, however, Joannes will only accept a Hobby Lobby coupon if it something that Hobby Lobby carries. In other words, if Hobby Lobby doesn't carry fabric then you cannot use their coupon and purchase fabric at Joannes (At least at my Joannes so you may to check first) :)
ReplyDeleteNot true at my local Joann stores, they always accept the coupons on everything except a few sections that they almost never accept coupons, like sewing machines.
DeleteThese things can differ regionally, I think. It's a shame your local Joann stores are so fussy!
Good tips. I think a good rule of thumb is to tell the cashier or customer service you need to special order a bulk amount. If they don't have the authority they can ask for the manager. It's not the manager being unfriendly, but having a ton of paperwork to do. I'm the director of a publc library and have patrons ask to speak specifically to me. I have interrupted meetings with the mayor only find out the person wanted to renew a book.
ReplyDeleteGood point, it never hurts to just ask first. It sounds like at some locations it doesn't have to be a manager. Working with the public can be demanding, it's true!
DeleteLove love love Hobby Lobby! Especially their clearance section.
ReplyDeleteI work at a Michaels and while there is not a Hobby Lobby close by (2 hours away is the closest one I think), we do honor their percentage off one single item coupons. However, we cannot accept the mobile coupons, only the paper. This is because our cashiers have to show why they manually discounted an item. This applies to Joanns and other competitor's coupons as well.
ReplyDeleteAgain, this must be regional because at my local Michaels they always accept my mobile Hobby Lobby coupons. In fact, that's all I ever use there for coupons anymore. Used one today in fact!
DeleteI wish Michaels would make their stores more consistent! It seems a lot of people have had very different experiences at their Michaels compared to the ones I've had at mine.
Thanks for the comment :)
Any tips about saving money AND having a good time are always welcome!! Keep up the good vibes and craft on!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness. There are so many people who just can't seem to take the information and be nice. There's nothing in her post that needs to have all these people leaving all this about don't ask the manager to order or don't hand out coupons in line to others. Yes it's a business, but they should know that nice people will give coupons to others and a manager has many jobs and this should be part of it. Working with the public is demanding, but if your store is kind to the customers you will have a top selling store too. Isn't this what it's all about????
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting ever so patiently for HL to put their unfinished craft wood on sale to buy some items for a birthday party. They will require prep work so I'm hoping they come on sale SOON! Any idea on the cycle of sale of the unfinished craft wood????
ReplyDeleteI don't think it will be on sale anytime soon! They have not had unfinished craft wood on sale for over a year now. They only have unfinished craft letters and numbers on sale about every three weeks!
ReplyDeleteGood information! HL employees have always been super nice to me. I'm psyched the floral is actually on sale every other week. I'm doing my own wedding bouquets and reception flowers and need some more!
ReplyDeleteFor all the negative replies from individuals who claim to work for HL--there are people that work retail that like to tell customers "no". It makes them feel superior. I am a retail manager and I see this all the time. Retail is a service industry, you need to like assisting people or you need other employment. You should look for ways to say "yes" to customers within reason, it promotes return business which keeps you employed. Of course some just like to complain.......
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
DeleteThanks :)
Lol umm yes there's some that like to say no but what about the ones that don't? saying yes promotes return buisness? Buisness = money for you Mr. Manager so just shut ur sweet talk
DeleteA cashier at the Boardman, Ohio store told me it is their policy not to take coupons from smartphones.
ReplyDeleteShow your cashier THIS, on your smartphone ;-)
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/HobbyLobby/posts/10150249259581425
Another way to bend the coupon rule is to go to another cashier to use another 40% off after you have already bought an item. One time I had to buy a few canvases and they werent on sale. I bought a canvas, checked out with the coupon and went and put it in my car. I then turned around and another canvas but went to a different cashier to use another coupon on another canvas.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I wouldn't return the same day. I think the coupon says one per customer per day or something like that. I have been known to visit multiple Hobby Lobby's in one day, however. My husband counts as another customer too, in my opinion, so I don't feel guilty if he makes a purchase with his own coupon. If your local Hobby Lobby allows it, then go for it!
DeleteThanks for the tips! I love Hobby Lobby! Not only for crafts and home decor, both of which I love there, but they are a great place to shop for unique gifts too. It also mentions on this page that you just need to show the cashier the coupon on your phone: http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/weekly.cfm (lower right).
ReplyDeleteAlso, if a manager got angry with me for anything I did, I would not shop there. I can't imagine that managers would be upset about something like that and if they were, they shouldn't work in retail. To the anonymous commenters that supposedly work at HL and are so annoyed with customers-guess what-if it wasn't for us you wouldn't have a job.
I agree completely! What has surprised me so much is that most of this info & these tips I got directly from local Hobby Lobby employees and managers. They're all really friendly around here! Apparently they aren't so friendly in other parts of the country...
DeleteOh well. Thanks for visiting my blog!
I just found this thread and realize I'm late to the comments. I believe a lot of these people who CLAIMED to be HL employee were probably not. They were just making negative comments to make HL look bad because of the court case involving HL.
DeleteWow people can be so rude. I can't believe people are acting this way over a hobby lobby article. I just hope that anynomous person really isn't a maneger or employee cause they need a job change if so.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I loved your article. Hobby lobby is one of my favorite stores. Great tips..where exactly do u go for your other blogs. I found this on pinterest. Thank u.. Valerie
Thanks Valerie! It's really been more amusing than anything else. Although the name calling posts with swear words has made me put my foot down. My blog is too focused on being pretty to allow any of that nonsense!
DeleteThanks again!!
Thanks for the information. As for buying bulk, I hope one day to discover where they do their buying. I want to order a specific tote to add a logo to and re-sell. I don't want to pay the HL price. Searching, searching, searching. :) Sorry for the negative ninnies.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Alibaba? You might want to search there...
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog!
I don't work for HL but I find your artIcle about showing people how to work the system , bend the rules etc.... To be less than noble ...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you feel that way. Thanks for visiting my blog!
DeleteAmen anonymous :)
DeleteUsing a coupon per person (fair IS fair) and taking advantage of sales when you know there will be more on sales is "working the system"? If HL agrees to sell it to her for sale, that's their choice. Not working the system, sweetheart.
DeleteLet's not forget, this is a corporation that has it's merchandise made in Chinese sweatshops and marks everything up 500%. Please.
Just read this-wow. Less then noble??? When I just read an article on the Bible Museum by the billionaire owners of HL and their questionable acquisition of antiquities and then compare to Jane Average Citizen saving a buck or two? Get off your high horse Anonymous.
DeleteHeather I love, love, love your post!!! Thanks much!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mary- Wisconsin
I LOVE Hobby Lobby!!!!!! I am in Canada and went for the first time yesterday and honestly, I almost cried I loved it so much! I felt like a kid in Toys R Us. Of course I was gift shopping for other people but I'm going back there to buy out the store!
ReplyDeleteGreat article. I will go on a Saturday. There is nothing shady about what you wrote. If anything it allows you to spend more $ in their store!
Hobby Lobby is the most wonderful and dangerous places for me to shop!!! For my bank account that is! I have to say I am sometimes relieved when I check the sales ad and the items I want are not on sale. Because that is the only way to maintain my self control for a visit to Hobby Lobby! I have a small business and purchase 95% of my supplies at my local Hobby Lobby. When I can get a great deal on my supplies I can then in turn offer great deals on my finished products to my customers! I really believe I should look into buying stock in Hobby Lobby because as most woman love to go shopping at the mall I am in total heaven at my Hobby Lobby! Thanks for the wonderful tips!!!
ReplyDeleteWow,crazy! Glad these people dont work in my town.
ReplyDeleteI am in Corpus Christi and we have 2 Hobby Lobby stores. They DO change sales on Saturday evening and allow both sales!
ReplyDeleteWe just got our first Hobby Lobby in our state and I Googled a question about how the sales work, and I thank you for tips and information! Knowing how the sales work will get me to HL more, it is win for me and this great business!
ReplyDeleteDo you know if it's true that Hobby Lobby alternates weeks that things are on sale? For example, if one week wedding stuff is 50% off, then the next week it is regular price, and then the week after that, it's back to 50% off?
ReplyDeleteIt's super true. Everything is usually on a bi-weekly cycle and some stuff is bi-monthly. (Or not at all..)
DeleteHobby lobby also prints a whole page of coupons in the phonebook for 40% off.
ReplyDeleteAdmiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!..
ReplyDeletevouchers
these comments are killing me hahaha I can't believe you've stirred up such a storm ;) Thank you for the tips! I shop at hobby lobby wayyyy too often and I'm glad I found your article :)
ReplyDeletexo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants
Candace, no kidding! Of all the controversial things I've blogged about, THIS one gets everyone riled up. Haha.
DeleteThanks for the comment! ;-)
hii
ReplyDeleteWow! Just think, if all the time & energy all the people ranting & raving on here over a freaking blog about Hobby Lobby (which I thought was great, by the way) was instead used towards random acts of kindness, the world would be such a happier place. How sad that people are bickering over such trivial things when there are people starving, dying, etc... We are such a spoiled rotten society.
ReplyDeleteI actually WAS a Hobby Lobby employee, and I can say that employee attitudes are probably directly related to the store manager. Most Hobby Lobby employees are women, and our manager treated the women with an astounding lack of respect. This caused low morale, high turnover in the women employees, and very little loyalty to the company, which translates into poor customer service in some instances.
ReplyDeleteAs a former Hobby Lobby employee for 5 years, I feel it is my duty to the amazing company to respond to this post. That being said, each Hobby Lobby (regionally) may work differently from the next.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Hobby Lobby employees are required to follow their handbook to a T. Our regional stores all had cameras on EACH cashier. If there was even ONE mistake made, she would be called into the office. Tapes are reviewed daily and can be watched live.
This is what was true for my store. I would first like to point out that someone mentioned using a coupon (a post from like 2012) and then coming back in to use it again. You can MAYBE get away with this on a busy Saturday. But employees are now required to spot anyone coming back in, call the other cashier, and inform you that you CANT use your coupon (hence the cameras). This is the store policy, so don’t be surprised when they tell you no. The employees at my store got pretty good at spotting people coming back in and would page each other. The employees HATED doing it, because it was required by upper management otherwise to the office you go!
I believe the original creator posted that she needed a rain check because she was ordering a larger order and that’s why she needed a manager. That is the point of the raincheck. It is when you need something that isn’t in stock or need a larger quantity. For my store, the only time a manager was needed was when it was a crazy amount of product. Only because, if you didn’t come get it, then we were stuck with having to stock all the excessive product.
As a former Hobby Lobby employee for 5 years, I feel it is my duty to the amazing company to respond to this post. That being said, each Hobby Lobby (regionally) may work differently from the next.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Hobby Lobby employees are required to follow their handbook to a T. Our regional stores all had cameras on EACH cashier. If there was even ONE mistake made, she would be called into the office. Tapes are reviewed daily and can be watched live.
This is what was true for my store. I would first like to point out that someone mentioned using a coupon (a post from like 2012) and then coming back in to use it again. You can MAYBE get away with this on a busy Saturday. But employees are now required to spot anyone coming back in, call the other cashier, and inform you that you CANT use your coupon (hence the cameras). This is the store policy, so don’t be surprised when they tell you no. The employees at my store got pretty good at spotting people coming back in and would page each other. The employees HATED doing it, because it was required by upper management otherwise to the office you go!
I believe the original creator posted that she needed a rain check because she was ordering a larger order and that’s why she needed a manager. That is the point of the raincheck. It is when you need something that isn’t in stock or need a larger quantity. For my store, the only time a manager was needed was when it was a crazy amount of product. Only because, if you didn’t come get it, then we were stuck with having to stock all the excessive product.
At our store you DID NOT pay in advance for rainchecks. This is because if the warehouse cancelled the item or whatever reason the product doesn’t come in, then you’d have to make a separate trip just to refund.
ReplyDeleteCashiers are one of the hardest workers at Hobby Lobby. Cashiers are usually cross trained to do just about everything in the store AND be called to cashier. They could be in the back unloading a truck and get a call.
Cashiers have to memorize the ad and products and sales. They don’t have scanners. So, they have to type in the price, sale percent, and department for you, which naturally takes longer.
Hobby Lobby, at this time, does not accept coupons from competitors. That is the store policy.
When you bend the rules you DIRECTLY impact that young lady continuing to have a job because she is under surveillance. Our management team has to enforce the rules and when one person bends them and gets away with it, then everyone thinks they can and the store as a whole gets in trouble regionally. That cashier CAN lose her job.
Now..for some tips and tricks :D!! (Remember, every store will operate a little differently, so make sure to always ASK + it gets you brownie points)
1. If you forgot your coupon, don’t say: “oh no I left my coupon at home” or “do you have an extra coupon for me?”. Hobby Lobby now offers mobile coupons, so just about anyone can pull one up. Don’t EXPECT your cashier to give you a freebie and just be nice and she will probably program it in without saying anything. If someone hears she is doing it she will get into trouble!
2. If you’re stealing, they already know. Hobby Lobby managers from our stores never would confront the thief, but your picture will be sent to the police.
3. If you know the store’s “truck day”, don’t go that day. It’s when all the boxes are stacked around and the store is trashed and cashiers are having anxiety attacks. Managers, due to payroll, usually don’t staff enough on those days.
4. Lane number 2 cashier as of 2017 is NOT allowed to leave her register. She can only leave during her designated breaks. She can NOT step foot off her mat. Her job is to watch the door for anything suspicious and customer service.
4. Everyone I worked with LOVED interior decorating and was very good at it. Don’t be afraid to ask for styling skills!
5. If you see something you want and it’s not on sale: DONT BUY IT. Chances are it will go on sale soon.
6. Read the fine print on everything: coupons and sale ads.
7. If you need to order bulk of something, order it the week it is on sale. Then, when it comes in, you’ll get the discount off of all of them.
Every Hobby Lobby store will be run differently. The best thing you can do is ask.
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