Hobby Lobby

I’ve been to this Hobby Lobby twice for craft supplies (yes, I was gracious enough to give them a second chance), and after each time, have whole-​heartedly regretted my decision.
More often than not, at any Hobby Location, I find myself spending at least an hour there because I can’t find a free employee to help me locate something. When I do finally find someone, they point me in several different directions. And when I have a question about product comparison, they try to look for someone else with more «expertise,» but guess what, can’t find them either.
My last outing, I asked where the ribbons were, and a lady smugly replied, «Well, we have ribbons in our sewing section, some in our wedding section, and some in our [third] section.» I was so flustered, I didn’t even bother to remember the last area she mentioned. «Okay… I guess I’ll check the sewing section,» I responded. All it could have taken was a couple more probing questions to find out what type of ribbon I needed, and escort me to that particular area. Instead, she went back to unpacking inventory and flattening boxes. Why do stocking during peak business hours? From a business efficiency perspective, it just doesn’t make any sense. I feel the workers are just there for their however-​much-​percent-​discount, and to NOT provide any meaningful customer service.
In addition, their return policy revolves around the whole «at your own risk”/“buyer beware» philosophy, a bit archaic for a large chain, in my opinion. Never having tried out some of the paper-​cutting tools, I wanted to try two out. However, once out of the package I wouldn’t be able to return the one I didn’t want, and so I ended up just buying the cheaper tool (I was assured they both worked the same way). In the past I purchased a small storage box from a Hobby Lobby, and discovered that the dimensions of the box weren’t what I needed. But because it was no longer in the plastic film, I couldn’t return it. Why on Earth would they wrap a simple box in plastic in the first place? They probably just put plastic on everything so that they can prey on innocent customers and make a buck! Wal-​Mart has a return policy that is significantly better, and even their process is rather easy. Perhaps next time, I’ll consider checking out Wal-​Mart first for their craft supplies.
The only pluses this Hobby Lobby has are A. their large frames section; B. unique décor to give me DIY ideas on items I can make on my own; and C. the free craft sheets kept in the aisles.
Unless I couldn’t find what I was looking for at other craft stores and had to drag myself to this Hobby Lobby, I don’t think I can waste any more time, money, and energy here. Fellow crafters, save yourselves!

Love Hobby Lobby but they are always short handed. I had to wait in the fabric department for quite some time before help arrived. I HATE ringing that stupid bell, too. I rang it once and everyone turned to state at me. UURRGGH. They need to hire more people. Otherwise, love this place.

I just got out of this store and I’m seething. My partner and I went into this store to look at the Copic markers. He went to the restroom and I stood by the markers to price them. I noticed quickly I was being watched by an employee. He would walk into the aisle, look at me and speak into his radio. He did this three times. Eventually I walked away. I came back to ask another employee about a set of markers and was treated with extreme disdain. He looked at me and said «those markers are kept in the back to keep people from stealing them.» He didn’t even answer my question. Now I was wearing black and half of my head is shaved so maybe I look like a «punk» or something but that’s no reason to profile me. I couldn’t believe that happened to me. Hey, maybe they knew I was gay. I gave you a chance Hobby Lobby but between your prejudices and your lack of proper medical care for your female employees I think I’ll go back to Michaels.

I’ve been very impressed with their frame shop. Excellent service, good people, great eyes for helping customers make choices. Such a contrast from my last experience at Michael’s.

Everytime I come here I can never find anyone to help me. Today was not any different!
I like most of their products but c/​s sucks there!

Hobby Lobby… the one store where if you are stuck on a Sunday needing a safety pin, you have to go to Jo Ann’s, or shudder, Michael’s.
I wanted a leather cord, so I bought a cheap plastic imitation. It didn’t say it was plastic on the bag. Note to self to not buy that brand. I think I bought a Hobby Lobby brand item. I knew better. I’ve not been impressed for a while.
Not having any pliers with me, I couldn’t create the leather cord I wanted, with a pretty clasp. They had their sterling silver choices locked up, and I couldn’t find an employee anywhere to unlock it… missed a sale there, HL.
I don’t understand the scant selection. Really. Very scant shelves and near emptiness.
The check out had one person, and 18 customers. Cumbersome at most. This HL could improve. I won’t be returning.

I overbought Valentines.
I admit I thought I had more friends than was in reality. Therefore I had some crafty stuff left over and needed to return to Hobby Lobby. I had my original receipt and it was three weeks post-​Heart Day. The policy on the back of my receipt stated:
**any return must be made within 60 days of purchase accompanied by original sales receipt. (check!)
**ID required on all refunds (check!)
**No cash refund without original sales receipt (not applicable)
**Exchanges may be made without original sales receipt will be based on lowest selling price within last 30 days (not applicable)
**There is a 10-​calendar day waiting period for purchases made by check (not applicable)
**See store for additional details. (Apparently the «additional details» mean that they don’t have to take back stuff they don’t want.)
Upon my presenting my receipt, ID, and box of pink cards, the cashier calls the store manager and asks «we don’t have anymore Valentines, right?» The store manager says, «Right.» The cashier tells me I can’t return the cards. I point to my receipt and their posted store policy and inquire why not. The store manager makes her way to the counter and says that Hobby Lobby no longer sells Valentines. Yes, I get that, it is March something. No, she says, it’d be like buying something at a sporting goods store and it closes and reopens as a shoe store. You can’t bring your previously purchased sporting good item to the shoe store for a return. Uh, as a matter of fact, it’s so not like that. I bought items at Hobby Lobby. This is Hobby Lobby. Your return policy says I can return stuff with a receipt within 60 days. After a back and forth, the manager returned the item.
Whereas my item was under $ 10, what if someone had made a more substantial purchase and attempted a return on an item that was technically returnable? Therefore, Hobby Lobby, your unwritten return policy is not in line with your values. Peace out.