When Does Hobby Lobby Change sales? (Don’t Miss These Savings!)
Imagine walking into a craft store, your eyes wide with inspiration, ready to embark on a new project. But the price tags? They can quickly deflate that excitement. I remember my own first experience at Hobby Lobby. I was fresh out of college, armed with a grand vision for decorating my tiny apartment. I grabbed everything that sparked joy – paints, canvases, decorative accents – only to be hit with a bill that rivaled my monthly rent.
Understanding Hobby Lobby’s Sales Strategy
Hobby Lobby’s sales strategy is a well-oiled machine, designed to keep customers coming back week after week. At its core, the strategy revolves around predictable weekly sales and larger, seasonal promotions.
Overview of Sales Cycles:
Hobby Lobby doesn’t follow the traditional markdown schedule of many retailers. Instead, they operate on a consistent rotation. The most well-known aspect of their strategy is the 40% off one regular-priced item coupon, available weekly. This coupon alone is a significant draw, encouraging shoppers to make regular trips to the store or visit their website.
Beyond the weekly coupon, Hobby Lobby strategically rotates items on sale. One week, you might find all paper crafting supplies at 50% off; the next, it could be jewelry making beads. This constant rotation keeps the inventory fresh and encourages shoppers to purchase different items each week.
Historical Patterns:
Analyzing past sales patterns reveals some clear trends. For example, seasonal decor – Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. – typically goes on sale well before the actual holiday. This allows shoppers to get a head start on their decorating and avoid the last-minute rush. Conversely, after a holiday, seasonal items are heavily discounted to clear out inventory.
Back-to-school sales are another significant event, typically starting in July and running through August. During this time, expect to find discounts on art supplies, organizational tools, and classroom decorations.
To illustrate these patterns, I’ve compiled data from Hobby Lobby’s past sales events:
| Time of Year | Typical Sales Focus | Discount Range |
|---|---|---|
| January | Clearance of Christmas Items, Fabric | 50-90% |
| February-March | Spring Decor, Floral | 30-50% |
| April-May | Easter Clearance, Summer Craft Supplies | 50-75% |
| June-July | Summer Decor, Party Supplies | 30-50% |
| August | Back to School, Art Supplies | 40-60% |
| September-October | Fall Decor, Halloween | 30-50% |
| November-December | Christmas Decor, Crafts | 30-50% |
Sales Categories:
It’s essential to know which categories are likely to go on sale and when. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sales categories:
- Crafting Supplies: This is a broad category that includes everything from paints and brushes to yarn, beads, and paper. Expect to see different sub-categories within crafting supplies rotate on sale throughout the year.
- Home Decor: This includes wall art, furniture, lamps, and other decorative accents. Seasonal home decor items are heavily discounted after each holiday.
- Fabric: Hobby Lobby offers a wide variety of fabrics, and it frequently goes on sale, especially remnants and end-of-bolt pieces. I’ve found some amazing deals on fabric for my quilting projects!
- Seasonal Items: As mentioned earlier, seasonal items are typically discounted both before and after the holiday. The deepest discounts occur after the holiday, but the selection may be limited.
- Floral: This category includes artificial flowers, greenery, and vases. It often goes on sale in the spring and summer months.
Major Sales Events in 2025
Based on historical data and observed patterns, here’s a calendar of anticipated sales events for 2025. Please note that these are predictions based on past trends, and Hobby Lobby’s actual sales may vary. Always check their website or weekly ad for the most up-to-date information.
Annual Calendar of Sales:
- New Year Sales (January): Expect deep discounts on Christmas clearance items, often up to 90% off. This is the time to stock up on Christmas decorations for next year! Fabric and yarn are also frequently on sale in January.
- Spring Clearance (February-March): As Hobby Lobby prepares for its spring and summer inventory, expect to see discounts on winter decor and select craft supplies. Floral arrangements and spring-themed decorations often see markdowns during this period.
- Summer Sales (June-July): Summer decor, party supplies, and outdoor-themed crafts are typically on sale during these months. I often find great deals on canvases and paint for my outdoor painting projects.
- Back-to-School Promotions (August): This is a prime time to stock up on art supplies, notebooks, and organizational tools for students and teachers. Expect to see discounts on items like paint, brushes, paper, and storage containers.
- Fall Harvest Sales (September-October): Fall decor, Halloween supplies, and autumn-themed crafts are typically on sale during these months. This is a great time to grab pumpkins, gourds, and other fall foliage at discounted prices.
- Christmas and Holiday Sales (November-December): While specific items may be on sale throughout November and December, the biggest discounts typically occur after Christmas, during the New Year Sales event.
Highlight Special Promotions:
While Hobby Lobby doesn’t have a traditional anniversary sale, they do occasionally offer special promotions and customer appreciation days. These events are often announced through their email newsletter and social media channels, so it’s worth subscribing and following them to stay informed.
Tips for Timing Purchases:
- Christmas Decorations: Buy after Christmas for the best prices, but selection may be limited.
- Fabric: Look for end-of-bolt sales or clearance events in January.
- Art Supplies: Stock up during the back-to-school promotions in August.
- Seasonal Decor: Purchase before the holiday for a good selection, or after the holiday for the deepest discounts.
- Utilize the 40% off coupon: Plan your purchases around this coupon to save on regular-priced items.
Maximizing Savings at Hobby Lobby
Beyond the regular sales cycles, there are several strategies you can use to maximize your savings at Hobby Lobby.
Coupons and Discounts:
The most well-known saving tool at Hobby Lobby is the weekly 40% off one regular-priced item coupon. This coupon is available on their website and in their weekly ad, and you can either print it out or show it on your smartphone at the register. Keep in mind that the coupon is only valid for one regular-priced item per day.
Seasonal Promotions:
Hobby Lobby also offers various seasonal promotions throughout the year. These promotions are often advertised in their weekly ad and on their website. To stack discounts, I often combine a seasonal sale item with the 40% off coupon on a regular-priced item.
Loyalty Programs:
Hobby Lobby does not currently offer a formal loyalty program. This is a notable difference from many other retailers. The best way to stay informed about sales and promotions is to subscribe to their email newsletter and follow them on social media.
Online vs. In-store Shopping:
Both online and in-store shopping at Hobby Lobby have their advantages.
-
Online: Shopping online offers the convenience of browsing from home and accessing a wider selection of items. Hobby Lobby also occasionally offers exclusive online sales. However, keep in mind that shipping costs can add to the overall price. As of [October 2024], Hobby Lobby offers free shipping on orders over $50. Source: Hobby Lobby Shipping Policy
-
In-store: Shopping in-store allows you to see and touch the items before you buy them. You can also take advantage of the weekly 40% off coupon and avoid shipping costs. Plus, I personally enjoy the experience of browsing the aisles and discovering new products.
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
Hearing from other shoppers can provide valuable insights into how to maximize savings at Hobby Lobby. I scoured online forums and social media groups to gather some real-life experiences.
Collecting Stories:
- Sarah, a DIY blogger, shared: “I always plan my Hobby Lobby trips around the weekly 40% off coupon. I’ll make a list of everything I need and then prioritize the most expensive regular-priced item to use the coupon on. It’s saved me a ton of money over the years!”
- Mark, a model train enthusiast, said: “I wait for the train supplies to go on sale, which usually happens a couple of times a year. I also stack the 40% off coupon on top of the sale price whenever possible. This allows me to expand my collection without breaking the bank.”
- Emily, a teacher, commented: “I always stock up on art supplies during the back-to-school sales. I also use the teacher discount (if applicable) to save even more. Hobby Lobby is a lifesaver for classroom supplies!”
- Linda, a quilter, stated: “I always check the remnant bins. I have found some amazing deals on fabric for my quilting projects.”
Engagement with the Community:
Hobby Lobby actively engages with its community through social media, promoting sales, showcasing customer projects, and encouraging shoppers to share their experiences. Their Facebook and Instagram pages are great resources for staying informed about upcoming sales and promotions.
Importance of First Impressions:
As I mentioned in the introduction, first impressions matter. Walking into a Hobby Lobby store during a sale can be overwhelming, but having a plan and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. By understanding their sales strategy and utilizing coupons and discounts, you can create a positive shopping experience and save money in the process.
Conclusion
Navigating Hobby Lobby’s sales can seem daunting, but with a little planning and knowledge, you can become a savvy shopper and maximize your savings. Remember to take advantage of the weekly 40% off coupon, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, and plan your purchases around the anticipated sales calendar for 2025.
Recap of Key Points:
- Hobby Lobby operates on a consistent sales rotation, with different categories of items going on sale each week.
- The weekly 40% off coupon is a valuable tool for saving money on regular-priced items.
- Seasonal items are typically discounted both before and after the holiday.
- Back-to-school sales are a great time to stock up on art supplies.
- Stay informed about upcoming sales by subscribing to Hobby Lobby’s email newsletter and following them on social media.
Call to Action:
Mark your calendars for key sales events in 2025, and start planning your shopping trips now. Don’t forget to share your savings stories with others! By sharing your experiences and tips, you can help other shoppers maximize their savings at Hobby Lobby.
Final Thoughts:
The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s more important than ever to stay informed about sales and promotions. By understanding Hobby Lobby’s sales strategy and utilizing the tips and strategies I’ve shared, you can make the most of your shopping experiences and save money on the items you love. Happy crafting!
