I dabble in practically all aspects of arts and crafts: you mention it and I probably do it. From sewing to wreathe-making, painting to jewelry, and everything in between. Until this point, Michael's was my go-to arts and crafts supply store. Well, there is a new sheriff in town and my loyal Michael's heart may be moving on. Who is this new stud? Hobby Lobby.
Hobby Lobby is a recently-opened arts and crafts retail environment which replaced the Burbank Osh Hardware staple. Good riddance Osh because Hobby Lobby is heaven! Park your car in the spacious lot and enter to what feels like a warehouse-sized art store. High ceilings, spacious aisles, and organization which will satisfy any OCD-suffering soul welcomes patron to a gold mine. You hardly know where to begin your shopping as you will squeal with joy and want to traverse down each aisle!
Now, it should be stressed that Hobby Lobby is like Michael's on steroids. Yes, it has all the staples like sketch books, paint brushes, canvases, spray paint, jewelry-making components, etc; but it has so much more! Hobby Lobby also has small furnishings/decorations (think: Pier One), a fabric and sewing department (move over JoAnne Fabric with your dinky, barely there selection!), and all the plastic tubs for organization you can imagine (a la The Container Store or Ikea). Basically, you will find EVERYTHING you need here for ANY art- related project. The selection is up-to-date with the newest and best brands; all the while in an easy-to-find layout.
How are the prices? I honestly expected prices to be high based on the selection and high-end appearance of the store. Well I was happy to be proven wrong! Prices are reasonable and in-line with Michael's. Some prices are slightly higher but barely. Plus, download their App (which I did while in the store) and you can get 40% off coupons to use on your phone at the register.
As for customer service, one can't really expect much for a big-box store. Wrong again, my dear friends! I had three encounters on my first visit which were on the positive end of things. An employee randomly complimented me on how beautiful I was (a female so not a male hitting on me and being creepy), another girl was super kind after I asked for the price of something even though I was an idiot because the item was marked, and the cashier was friendly (although chewing gum annoying with her mouth open-- RUDE!). Not bad!
My only qualms? Two things: first the store doesn't have any price scanners and the associate said the registers aren't equipped to price check either. WHAT?!!!! Second: store hours. Hobby Lobby closes quite early. 8pm on a week day? Who does that?! Is this the 1800s?! Not cool.
Despite some of my complaints, Hobby Lobby is paradise. Even if you don't need art supplies, just browsing the contents of this store is a trip well worth the drive. Sorry Michael's but I think I find my new art supplier! read more