Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is a privately owned retail chain specializing in arts, crafts, home décor, seasonal merchandise, and custom framing. The company was founded in 1972 by David and Barbara Green in Oklahoma City, beginning as a small frame-making operation in their garage. This hands-on start led to the opening of their first store, which was modest in size but set the foundation for steady, long-term growth.

As of October 2025, Hobby Lobby operates 1,000 stores across 48 states, making it one of the largest arts and crafts retailers in the country. The company’s expansion over the past five years has been entirely organic, with no mergers or acquisitions. Hobby Lobby remains independent and is still owned by the Green family, who continue to guide the business with a focus on financial stability and a debt-free approach.

Hobby Lobby’s real estate strategy centers on converting former big-box retail spaces and entering new markets, including recent moves into areas like Montgomery County, Maryland. The brand has steadily increased its presence in suburban and secondary retail corridors, often taking advantage of vacancies left by other retailers. This approach allows the company to anchor shopping centers and bring consistent foot traffic to a variety of retail environments.

All Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sundays, reflecting the company’s longstanding values. The brand’s large-format stores offer a wide range of products, from art supplies and fabrics to furniture and holiday decorations, appealing to a broad customer base. Hobby Lobby’s conservative, debt-free growth posture and track record of stable operations have made it a reliable tenant for landlords and developers seeking to fill sizable retail spaces with a well-established, financially sound operator.