You’re scrolling through Facebook or TikTok and suddenly see a post with a blurry photo of an empty storefront and a headline screaming that a major craft retailer is biting the dust. It happens every few months. People start panic-buying yarn and glue guns like it’s the apocalypse. If you've been wondering is Hobby Lobby closing, the short answer is a flat no.
They aren't.
In fact, the company is doing the exact opposite of shutting down. While retail giants like Bed Bath & Beyond or Tuesday Morning have vanished into the bankruptcy abyss, Hobby Lobby is actually planting flags in new zip codes. It’s kinda wild how these rumors take on a life of their own, fueled by a mix of political controversy, clickbait "news" sites, and a general misunderstanding of how the Green family runs their empire.
Honestly, the retail landscape is brutal right now, so it's easy to see why people get nervous. But Hobby Lobby isn't just surviving; it’s thriving in a way that defies the current "retail apocalypse" narrative.
Why People Keep Asking If Hobby Lobby Is Closing
The internet is a weird place. Most of the "is Hobby Lobby closing" chatter stems from a few specific, recurring events. First off, there’s the "scam" factor. You’ve probably seen those sketchy ads offering "90% off warehouse closing sales." These are almost always phishing scams designed to steal your credit card info. They use the Hobby Lobby logo to look legit, and when people see the word "closing," they don't check the URL—they just share the post.
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Then there’s the political angle.
Because Hobby Lobby is a private, faith-based company, they are frequently at the center of cultural debates. From the 2014 Supreme Court case regarding birth control mandates to their decision to stay open during early COVID-19 lockdowns, the company is a lightning rod. When people boycott or protest, rumors often fly that the business is "failing" or "going under" as a result. However, the financial data suggests the opposite. The company remains incredibly profitable, largely because they own their supply chain and carry virtually no debt.
The Real Estate Reality Check
Sometimes, a specific store does move. That’s where things get confusing for locals. A Hobby Lobby in a dying mall might shut down its 1990s-era location only to reopen a week later in a brand-new, standalone building two miles down the road. To a casual observer driving by the old spot, it looks like a permanent closure. In reality, it’s a strategic upgrade.
CEO David Green has been very vocal about his "slow and steady" approach. They don't have shareholders to answer to. They don't have to hit quarterly growth targets for Wall Street. This means they can close underperforming stores and open better ones without the pressure of "infinite growth" that kills companies like Sears.
Following the Money: Financial Health in 2026
If you want to know if a company is dying, look at their expansion map. Hobby Lobby currently operates over 1,000 stores across 48 states. In recent years, they've been opening roughly 25 to 60 new locations annually. That’s not what a dying company does. They recently upped their minimum wage again, which is another sign of a healthy balance sheet.
Here is the thing: Hobby Lobby is a multi-billion dollar entity. Forbes consistently lists the Green family among the wealthiest in the world. They aren't struggling for cash.
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- They own their distribution centers.
- They own many of the brands they sell (like Master’s Touch and Spare Parts).
- They operate on a cash-only basis for new builds.
Basically, they don't build a new store unless they can pay for it upfront. This "anti-debt" philosophy is their secret sauce. While other retailers are drowning in interest payments on massive loans, Hobby Lobby sits on a mountain of craft-supplied cash.
The Seasonal "Going Out of Business" Confusion
Another reason people think Hobby Lobby is closing is their aggressive clearance cycle. If you walk in and see 90% off signs, your brain might jump to "liquidation." But that’s just how they work. They rotate inventory faster than almost any other hobby shop.
When Christmas decor hits 90% off on January 2nd, it isn't a sign of distress. It's a sign that they need room for Spring floral and Easter baskets. Their "Everyday 40% Off" (which they recently moved away from in favor of more direct sales) and their rotating 50% off categories (like Home Decor or Fabric) can look desperate to an outsider, but it’s actually a highly tuned inventory management system.
Dealing with the "Clickbait" Pandemic
We have to talk about the "news" sites that thrive on fear. There are dozens of sites with names like "RetailWatch" or "MarketNews24" that write articles with titles like "Major Retailer Shutting Doors: Is Your Favorite Store Next?" They use a picture of Hobby Lobby, but the article is actually about a small regional chain in Nebraska.
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It’s a classic bait-and-switch.
People read the headline, see the Hobby Lobby logo, and the rumor mill starts churning. I’ve seen these articles get 50,000 shares on Facebook in a single afternoon. By the time the "fact check" comes out, the damage is done. People are already telling their aunts that the local store is toast.
Common Misconceptions vs. Reality
- "The website is down, so they must be closing!" Actually, Hobby Lobby has historically had a somewhat clunky e-commerce presence because their focus is heavily on the "in-store experience." Technical glitches happen, but it’s not a sign of bankruptcy.
- "They stopped the 40% off coupon, they must be broke!" They got rid of the coupon in 2021 to lower prices across the board and simplify the checkout process. It was a strategic pivot, not a cost-cutting measure for a failing business.
- "I saw an empty shelf!" Supply chain hiccups affect everyone. Even a giant like Hobby Lobby isn't immune to shipping delays from overseas.
What to Actually Expect in the Future
Will Hobby Lobby ever close? Every business has a lifespan. But for the foreseeable future, they are a retail fortress. Their "closed on Sunday" policy, while controversial to some, actually helps them retain staff in a high-turnover industry. It gives them a weirdly loyal workforce that you don't often see in big-box retail.
They are also leaning harder into their "Home Decor" section, competing directly with places like HomeGoods and Target. This diversification keeps them relevant even when the "crafting" trend dips.
How to Verify the Status of Your Local Store
If you are genuinely worried about your neighborhood Hobby Lobby, don't check TikTok. Check the official Hobby Lobby store finder.
- Go to their official website.
- Search your zip code.
- If a store is "Relocating," it will usually say so.
- If a store is actually closing, it disappears from the map.
You can also look at local commercial real estate filings. If a lease is up, the city will have records of new tenants moving in. But 99% of the time, that rumor you heard is just noise.
Actionable Steps for Craft Enthusiasts
Instead of worrying about closures, you can use the current state of the store to your advantage. Since they aren't closing, you don't need to hoard. But you should know how to shop their system.
- Watch the Rotation: Their sales are predictable. If Wall Decor isn't 50% off this week, it almost certainly will be next week. Never buy at full price.
- Ignore the Scams: Never click an ad for a "Hobby Lobby Warehouse Sale" on social media. If it’s not on HobbyLobby.com, it’s a scam.
- Check for Relocations: If your store looks empty, ask a manager. They are usually happy to tell you if they are moving to a bigger, better space down the road.
- Follow the App: The mobile app is the most reliable way to see what is actually on sale without falling for fake news stories.
Hobby Lobby isn't going anywhere. They are a massive, privately-held juggernaut that operates by its own rules. While the rest of the retail world is panicking, they are busy stocking shelves for a season that's still six months away. Keep your glue gun ready—the doors are staying open.