Type of business: Craft and home décor retailer
Location: 3801 Countryside Dr., Turlock
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Contact information: 209-632-3212
Specialty: Seasonal decorations
History of business:
Ready, set, craft! Turlock’s long-awaited Hobby Lobby location celebrated its grand opening Monday, and the community made its way to the retailer by the hundreds to browse the 55,000 square feet of hobby supplies.
Hobby Lobby is the largest privately-owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, employing approximately 32,000 employees and operating more than 700 stores in 47 states. The store primarily sells arts and crafts, but also includes hobby supplies, picture framing, jewelry making, fabrics, floral and wedding supplies, cards and part ware, baskets, wearable art, home accents and holiday merchandise.
After approval last fall, construction on Hobby Lobby in Turlock began in the spring, lasting through the summer. Craft and décor lovers are drawn to the store in search of daily sales and a wide selection of supplies like beads for jewelry making or fabric for blankets, said store manager Natali Salas, and Turlock’s excitement surrounding the retailer’s opening was made evident by cars parked in the dirt field next to the building Monday morning, thanks to the packed parking lot.
“It’s a one-stop place, and the selection in this one building is a lot larger than you’ll find in any other craft or home décor store,” said Salas. “You can always come in and catch some kind of sale.”
Salas added that many enjoy shopping at Hobby Lobby because it’s a Christian-owned company, known for selling Christian-themed décor and shutting down shop on Sundays.
“People really appreciate that Hobby Lobby takes care of its employees,” said Salas. “It’s not that great for customers for us to be closed on Sundays, but the employees really appreciate it.”
The newly-constructed building provides opportunities that older Hobby Lobby locations, like those in Modesto and Merced, may not be able to, Salas added. For example, the building’s designers included a special foyer in the front to hold special displays.
Turlock’s newest business hired about 70 employees, said Salas, and she hopes that Hobby Lobby can contribute to the city’s economy by not just continuing to welcome large crowds of shoppers, but by also providing supplies for local crafters who make a living by creating their own products.
“Instead of driving to Modesto and spending in a different community, you’re able to spend it here at home in Turlock,” said Salas. “We’re really excited for everyone to come visit.”
