Hobby Lobby, a renowned arts-and-crafts retailer, has captured the hearts of creative enthusiasts since its founding in 1970. The company’s captivating journey began with David and Barbara Green’s entrepreneurial spirit and a mere $600 loan, as they embarked on a mission to create something extraordinary. Today, Hobby Lobby stands tall as the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer globally, with a strong presence spanning across 48 states.
From its humble beginnings producing miniature picture frames, Hobby Lobby has evolved into a beloved brand synonymous with creativity and craftsmanship. With over 1,000 stores and a diverse range of arts and crafts products, Hobby Lobby continues to inspire countless individuals to unleash their creative potential. But who exactly owns this arts-and-crafts empire? Let’s delve into the fascinating history of Hobby Lobby and uncover the driving forces behind its success.
Key Takeaways:
- Hobby Lobby was founded in 1970 by David and Barbara Green with a $600 loan.
- It has grown to become the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer globally.
- Hobby Lobby operates over 1,000 stores across 48 states.
- The company offers a wide range of arts and crafts products, catering to creative enthusiasts.
- David Green and his family are the proud owners and driving forces behind Hobby Lobby’s success.
Hobby Lobby’s Corporate Headquarters and Operations
Hobby Lobby’s corporate headquarters are located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The headquarters span over 12 million square feet, encompassing manufacturing, distribution, and an impressive office complex. This centralized hub serves as the operational base for the company’s extensive retail network.
The company operates multiple distribution centers strategically placed across the country to support the smooth flow of products to its stores. These distribution centers play a crucial role in meeting the demands of Hobby Lobby’s loyal customers.
In addition to its domestic operations, Hobby Lobby has established offices abroad to facilitate sourcing and international operations. The company has offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Yiwu, China, which enable the procurement of unique and high-quality products from around the world.
With its expansive corporate headquarters, distribution centers, and international offices, Hobby Lobby has built a robust infrastructure that enables efficient operations and seamless supply chain management.
| Hobby Lobby’s Corporate Facilities | Location |
|---|---|
| Corporate Headquarters | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Distribution Centers | Strategically located across the United States |
| International Offices | Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Yiwu, China |
Mardel Christian and Education Supply
Mardel Christian and Education Supply is an affiliate company of Hobby Lobby. It offers a wide range of products including mardel books, mardel bibles, gifts, church and education supplies, and homeschooling curriculum. Mardel complements Hobby Lobby’s core business by providing resources and materials for the Christian community and educators.
With a commitment to serving the needs of the Christian community, Mardel offers an extensive selection of mardel books and mardel bibles for personal study, spiritual growth, and teaching. Whether you’re looking for inspirational stories, theological works, or devotional materials, Mardel has a wide variety to choose from.
In addition to books and Bibles, Mardel provides a diverse range of products to support churches and educators. From classroom resources, homeschooling curriculum, and art supplies to church furniture, worship music, and educational toys, Mardel is a one-stop shop for all your Christian and education supply needs.
Mardel’s commitment to quality and relevance is reflected in their carefully curated selection of products. They source materials from trusted publishers and suppliers, ensuring that customers have access to reliable resources for religious studies, spiritual growth, and educational development.
Popular Categories at Mardel Christian and Education Supply:
- Books and Bibles
- Church Supplies
- Homeschooling Curriculum
- Classroom Resources
- Christian Gifts
Benefits of Choosing Mardel:
When you shop at Mardel Christian and Education Supply, you can expect:
Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooling parent, church leader, or an individual seeking spiritual enrichment, Mardel Christian and Education Supply is your go-to destination for quality resources and supplies. Visit your nearest Mardel store or explore their online catalog today to discover the vast selection of products that cater to your needs.
| Products | Description |
|---|---|
| Mardel Books | A diverse range of books covering various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, Christian living, theology, devotionals, and more. |
| Mardel Bibles | High-quality Bibles in different translations and formats, such as study Bibles, journaling Bibles, children’s Bibles, and thematic Bibles. |
| Church Supplies | An assortment of products for churches, including worship resources, church furniture, communion supplies, offering envelopes, and church bulletins. |
| Homeschooling Curriculum | Curriculum materials for homeschooling families, covering various subjects and grade levels, including math, science, language arts, history, and more. |
Hobby Lobby’s Core Values
Hobby Lobby, the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world, upholds a set of core values that are deeply rooted in biblical principles. These values guide every aspect of the company’s operations and drive its commitment to serving its customers, employees, and community.
Honoring the Lord
At the heart of Hobby Lobby’s core values is a dedication to honoring the Lord. The company believes that conducting business in a manner consistent with biblical principles is the foundation of its success. Hobby Lobby strives to integrate its faith into every decision and action, ensuring that its operations align with its Christian values.
Exceptional Selection and Value
Hobby Lobby is known for its exceptional selection of arts and crafts products. With over 70,000 items in-store and online, customers can find a wide range of materials to fuel their creativity. The company’s commitment to offering high-quality products at affordable prices ensures that customers receive exceptional value for their purchases.
Employee Welfare
Hobby Lobby values its employees as its most valuable asset. The company is dedicated to creating a positive work environment that fosters growth, development, and well-being. Hobby Lobby provides competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and career advancement opportunities, allowing employees to thrive both personally and professionally. The company also implements family-friendly policies to support its employees’ work-life balance and overall welfare.
Community Investment
As a responsible corporate citizen, Hobby Lobby believes in giving back to the community. The company actively invests in various community initiatives and nonprofit organizations, supporting causes that align with its values. By engaging in philanthropy, Hobby Lobby seeks to make a positive impact and contribute to the betterment of society.
Overall, Hobby Lobby’s core values reflect its commitment to operating as a business grounded in biblical principles. Through a combination of exceptional selection and value, employee welfare, and community investment, the company aims to not only provide arts and crafts products but also inspire creativity, foster a positive work environment, and contribute to the greater good.
Hobby Lobby’s Retail Strategy
Hobby Lobby follows a unique retail strategy that sets it apart from other arts-and-crafts retailers in the market. With a focus on store locations, big-box facilities, and retail space savings, the company has successfully built a strong presence across the United States.
Store Locations
Hobby Lobby strategically chooses store locations in mid- to high-income suburban areas, ensuring accessibility and convenience for its target customers. The company aims to serve communities that have a strong demand for arts and crafts supplies, allowing customers to easily find and shop at their preferred stores.
Big-Box Facilities
To optimize its retail operations, Hobby Lobby rents big-box facilities, such as previously occupied supermarkets or hardware stores. These spacious locations provide ample room for the company’s wide range of products, allowing customers to browse through an extensive selection. Moving into existing facilities also helps Hobby Lobby save on lease costs that would be associated with constructing new retail spaces.
Retail Space Savings
By utilizing big-box facilities, Hobby Lobby achieves significant retail space savings compared to traditional modular stores. The company’s stores can range in size up to 90,000 square feet, offering plenty of room for browsing and showcasing its diverse product range. These larger store formats also contribute to a sense of variety and abundance, attracting customers from a 10-15 mile radius.
To visualize Hobby Lobby’s approach, here’s a table showcasing the store presence across different states:
| State | Number of Stores |
|---|---|
| Texas | 109 |
| Florida | 72 |
| California | 71 |
| Ohio | 42 |
| North Carolina | 40 |
As seen in the table, Hobby Lobby has a widespread presence with stores in 48 states, making it a convenient go-to destination for arts and crafts enthusiasts across the country. The company aims to cater to customers’ needs by ensuring that a Hobby Lobby store is within reach, promoting accessibility and customer satisfaction.
Now that we’ve explored Hobby Lobby’s retail strategy, let’s move on to discuss the controversies surrounding the company in the next section.
Hobby Lobby’s Controversies
Hobby Lobby, a prominent arts-and-crafts retailer, has been embroiled in several controversies that have sparked debates about the intersection of religion, corporate social responsibility, and ethical practices.
1. Burwell v. Hobby Lobby
In a landmark Supreme Court case, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the company’s religious beliefs were cited as grounds for objecting to providing access to certain forms of contraception to its employees. This case ignited a nationwide conversation about the delicate balance between religious freedom and women’s reproductive rights.
2. Allegations of Discrimination
Hobby Lobby has also faced accusations of discrimination, with some employees claiming that they have experienced bias based on their gender, race, or religious beliefs. These allegations have raised concerns about the company’s commitment to fair treatment and equal opportunities for all its workers.
3. Artifacts Smuggling
In 2017, Hobby Lobby was fined $3 million for smuggling ancient artifacts from Iraq. The company had acquired a large number of cuneiform tablets and clay bullae, which were later forfeited and returned to their country of origin. This incident raised questions about Hobby Lobby’s adherence to ethical sourcing practices and respect for cultural heritage.
4. Employee Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hobby Lobby faced criticism for allegedly endangering its employees by keeping stores open despite safety concerns. Employees reported inadequate safety measures, lack of social distancing, and insufficient communication from management. These allegations underscored the importance of prioritizing employee welfare and ensuring a safe working environment during unprecedented times.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility
The controversies surrounding Hobby Lobby have also highlighted the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Critics argue that the company’s religious beliefs should not exempt it from upholding ethical standards and being accountable to its stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the wider community.
While Hobby Lobby remains a popular destination for arts and crafts enthusiasts, the controversies it has faced serve as reminders of the need for transparent corporate practices, responsible decision-making, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and socially responsible business environment.
Hobby Lobby’s Ownership Transition
In a recent announcement, Hobby Lobby’s founder, David Green, revealed that he has transferred ownership of the company’s voting stock to a trust. This strategic ownership transition ensures that the future stewardship of Hobby Lobby can pass from one generation to another while upholding its cherished Christian values and commitment to philanthropy.
The decision to transfer ownership reflects David Green’s desire to leave a lasting legacy and utilize the company’s resources for meaningful and impactful philanthropic endeavors. As a family-owned and faith-centered organization, Hobby Lobby has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Hobby Lobby’s philanthropic efforts go beyond the typical corporate giving? In fact, the Green family, who own and operate Hobby Lobby, donate a remarkable 50% of their annual profits to support various charitable causes.
Through this ownership transition, Hobby Lobby seeks to ensure a seamless continuation of its values-driven mission. By placing the company’s voting stock within a trust, the Green family demonstrates their commitment to sustain the company’s philanthropy and community engagement for generations to come.
| Hobby Lobby’s Ownership Transition | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Preservation of Values | Ensures that the Christian values and principles that have guided Hobby Lobby since its inception remain at the heart of the company’s operations. |
| Continuity of Philanthropy | Secures ongoing support for charitable causes through the company’s commitment to donate 50% of its annual profits. |
| Legacy Building | Allows for the passing down of ownership and leadership, creating a lasting legacy for the Green family. |
This ownership transition underscores the Green family’s dedication to faith-based corporate stewardship and reinforces Hobby Lobby’s position as a leader in both the retail industry and philanthropy.
Hobby Lobby’s Future Mission
Hobby Lobby, with its strong commitment to its Christian values, has a future mission that goes beyond mere financial success. The company aims to utilize its extensive retail presence and financial stability to fund Christianity and support ministries across the country. By giving back to the community and adhering to its core beliefs, Hobby Lobby seeks to create a lasting legacy that makes a positive impact.
Through its philanthropy efforts, Hobby Lobby channels its resources into projects and initiatives that promote and advance the teachings of Christianity. This includes supporting various ministries that work towards spreading the message of faith and providing spiritual guidance to individuals. With its substantial financial resources, Hobby Lobby has the ability to make a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities.
In addition to funding Christianity, Hobby Lobby is deeply committed to supporting ministries. The company recognizes the importance of ministries in providing essential services, comfort, and assistance to those in need. By offering financial support, Hobby Lobby aims to enhance the efforts of these ministries, enabling them to continue carrying out their vital work more effectively.
Hobby Lobby’s future mission is integrally tied to its core values, as the company firmly believes in using its success to make a positive impact on society. Through funding Christianity and supporting ministries, Hobby Lobby strives to create a better world by uplifting and empowering individuals and communities. The company’s future endeavors will be guided by these noble principles and its unwavering commitment to its Christian roots.
| Benefits of Hobby Lobby’s Future Mission | Impact on Society |
|---|---|
| Funding Christianity | Spreads the message of faith and supports the growth of the Christian community |
| Supporting Ministries | Strengthens the efforts of ministries in providing essential services and assistance to those in need |
| Positive Legacy | Creates a lasting legacy that goes beyond financial success and makes a meaningful impact on society |
Conclusion
David Green’s decision to transfer ownership of Hobby Lobby to a trust is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith and his desire to make a positive impact on the world. Throughout its history, Hobby Lobby has established itself as a leading arts-and-crafts retailer, known for its wide range of products and its dedication to Christian values.
Despite facing controversies, Hobby Lobby remains steadfast in its mission to honor the Lord, provide exceptional value to its customers, and support its employees and community through philanthropy. The company’s core values, rooted in biblical principles, guide its every decision and action.
The transition in ownership ensures that Hobby Lobby’s legacy will endure for years to come. Under the Green family’s stewardship, the company has already made a significant mark in the corporate philanthropy landscape, with 50% of its profits being donated annually to various deserving causes. By continuing to fund Christianity and support ministries, Hobby Lobby aims to leave behind a lasting legacy that goes beyond financial success.
FAQ
Who owns Hobby Lobby?
Hobby Lobby is owned by the Green family, specifically David Green, the company’s founder.
When was Hobby Lobby founded?
Hobby Lobby was founded in 1970.
How did Hobby Lobby start?
Hobby Lobby started as a small business making miniature picture frames with a $600 loan.
How many stores does Hobby Lobby have?
Hobby Lobby has over 1,000 stores across 48 states.
Where is Hobby Lobby’s corporate headquarters located?
Hobby Lobby’s corporate headquarters are located in Oklahoma City.
What is Mardel Christian and Education Supply?
Mardel Christian and Education Supply is an affiliate company of Hobby Lobby that offers a wide range of products including books, Bibles, gifts, and homeschooling curriculum.
What are Hobby Lobby’s core values?
Hobby Lobby’s core values are centered around honoring the Lord, operating in a manner consistent with biblical principles, and providing exceptional selection and value to customers.
What is Hobby Lobby’s retail strategy?
Hobby Lobby’s retail strategy involves renting big-box facilities in mid- to high-income suburban areas to save on lease costs. The company has stores ranging in size up to 90,000 square feet.
What controversies has Hobby Lobby been involved in?
Hobby Lobby has been involved in controversies regarding its stance on the Affordable Care Act, accusations of discrimination, smuggling artifacts, and endangering employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is the founder of Hobby Lobby?
Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green.
What is Hobby Lobby’s future mission?
Hobby Lobby’s future mission involves using its resources to fund Christianity and support ministries across the country.
What is the ownership transition of Hobby Lobby?
Hobby Lobby’s founder, David Green, has transferred ownership of the company’s voting stock to a trust to ensure its Christian values are upheld and resources are used for philanthropy.
What is Hobby Lobby’s commitment to philanthropy?
Hobby Lobby donates 50% of its profits annually and is committed to giving back to the community.
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