When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Hobby Lobby
Why Hobby Lobby is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hobby Lobby stands out as a premier arts and crafts retailer, perfect for meeting up with friends who share a passion for creativity. Founded in 1970 with a modest $600 loan, it has grown into the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts chain in the United States, boasting over 1,000 stores nationwide. The stores offer a vast selection of more than 70,000 items, including home décor, seasonal decorations, art and craft supplies, yarn, fabrics, floral and wedding items, jewelry-making materials, and much more. The spacious average store size of over 55,000 square feet allows for a comfortable and inspiring shopping experience. Hobby Lobby emphasizes quality and exceptional value with “Super Savings & Super Selection Everyday.” Its stores operate Monday through Saturday with closures on Sundays, reflecting its commitment to operating based on Christian values. Beyond shopping, the company fosters a nurturing environment for employees and communities, further enhancing its reputation as a welcoming place. With its robust offerings and friendly atmosphere, Hobby Lobby is an excellent spot to enjoy a creative outing with friends.
Here's what people think of Hobby Lobby
As of recent, Hobby Lobby holds a 4.6-star rating based on 2683 reviews.
Customers frequently praise Hobby Lobby for its wide variety of products and competitive prices, with many appreciating the frequent sales and discounts offered. The extensive product range covering everything from fabrics to seasonal décor makes it a favorite destination for crafters and decorators alike. Positive reviews often highlight the helpfulness of staff and the enjoyable shopping environment. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to inconsistent customer service experiences and long checkout wait times as areas needing improvement. A few customers have raised concerns about return policies and product quality in specific instances, though these appear less common. While the overall customer rating is strong at 4.6 based on over 2,600 reviews, these mixed comments reflect varied store experiences. Nonetheless, the majority view Hobby Lobby as a reliable and valuable destination for arts and crafts supplies. Overall, the reviews confirm Hobby Lobby as a place where customers can find inspiration and materials for creative projects, balanced by some operational challenges that the company continues to address.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melode Stanton
I had a wonderful experience today thanks to an associate named Alexus. From the moment we interacted, she was incredibly professional, courteous, and attentive. Her customer service was top-notch she listened carefully, answered all of my questions with patience, and made sure I felt valued throughout the entire process. It’s rare to come across someone who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely kind and respectful. Alexus truly went above and beyond, and I’m grateful for the positive impact she made on my day. She’s an excellent representation of what great customer service should look like!
Lauren Zilinsky
While I appreciate what the store has to offer, and some of the incredible deals inside. The customer service is lack luster and leaves much to be desired. After waiting close to 15 minutes to check out with three clerks on and no one ahead of me aside from the people checking out, I asked a simple question to the clerk and she was rude and condescending. I chose to put everything away and not spend any money. Will only order online moving forward.
Julia Pedroza
Despite a lack of coupons, there always seems to be amazing deals going on. I almost wind up with a 40% fabrics sale and $1.99 threads. I love them! Also, my last time there the lovely employee indulged my son and let him "help" her while she stocked, he was so happy!
Margo Zwald
Impressed with presentation of items, supplies obviously kept up, very clean, organized, and good sales staff. However, they do not have an electric carts at all - very hard for someone who has walking issues. Store is losing business by not suppling them.
Tammy Boldon
Very nice for 1st time in a Hobby Lobby. I was looking for a local source for fabric since Joann's is closing. Prices are better, clean friendly staff, found some other goodies while walking around.
How to reach Hobby Lobby
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Website: None
Why rally at Hobby Lobby with your friends?
Hobby Lobby offers an exceptional backdrop for gathering with friends or family, making it an ideal destination for group meetups that blend creativity with fun. Unlike a typical retail environment, Hobby Lobby inspires connection through its vast array of arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and DIY project ideas. When you visit with companions, you’re not just shopping; you’re embarking on a shared creative experience where everyone can explore unique interests — from scrapbooking and fabric arts to jewelry making and seasonal decorating. The spacious layout, often exceeding 50,000 square feet, allows everyone to wander comfortably and simultaneously indulge in their crafts without feeling crowded. Additionally, the inviting atmosphere, combined with frequent specials and diverse product categories, sparks conversation and discovery, enhancing the social experience. With a strong rating of 4.6 based on over 2,600 reviews, many visitors highlight the friendly staff and well-organized collections as key reasons they enjoy spending quality time here. Whether planning a casual visit or a themed craft day, Hobby Lobby provides the perfect setting to nurture creativity together while having fun and making memories.
What activities are available for groups at Hobby Lobby?
Groups at Hobby Lobby have access to a broad spectrum of activities tailored to diverse crafting interests, ensuring that every member finds something exciting to pursue. One popular activity is exploring the vast selection of arts and crafts materials, which includes supplies for painting, drawing, scrapbooking, and paper crafting. These sections encourage collaborative project planning or individual inspiration. Fabric and sewing enthusiasts can delve into a colorful world of textiles and sewing accessories that are ideal for group quilting or sewing sessions. Hobby Lobby’s comprehensive floral and home décor sections inspire decorating projects, making it easy to brainstorm gift ideas or seasonal room makeovers together. Additionally, jewelry making supplies and wearable art components provide fun opportunities for group workshops where friends can design and create personalized accessories on the spot. The store also hosts seasonal displays that lend themselves perfectly to holiday-themed gatherings or party planning meetups. With so many creative outlets, friends can share insights, swap ideas, and even help each other pick the best products, transforming a typical outing into an engaging collective activity.
Why is Hobby Lobby perfect for a group meetup?
Hobby Lobby’s layout and customer experience are well designed to accommodate groups looking for a productive yet leisurely outing. The expansive floor space spreads customers across multiple large departments, minimizing wait times and congestion, which promotes comfortable social interaction even with a sizeable group. The wide aisles and clearly labeled sections make it easy for friends to split up according to their interests and reunite to share discoveries without losing track of time or one another. Staff members are generally approachable and attentive, providing helpful advice and customized recommendations that can enrich group activities, whether crafting novices or experienced hobbyists. Furthermore, the store’s policy of being closed on Sundays elevates the weekday or Saturday visit by reducing weekend crowds, which many groups find preferable for relaxed, unrushed shopping and activity sessions. The availability of weekly promotions means groups can often find excellent deals, making joint purchases more budget-friendly. Lastly, the overall ambiance combines inspiration and practicality, ensuring that group members leave with both new ideas and tangible materials for future gatherings or projects together.
How does Hobby Lobby inspire creativity for group members?
Hobby Lobby’s mission centers on sparking creativity and providing resources for artistic expression, which directly benefits groups seeking collaborative inspiration. Each department is thoughtfully curated with a wide variety of products that cater to all skill levels, encouraging everyone to try something new alongside friends. Seasonal decorations and themed displays often serve as a launch point for group brainstorming sessions, from holiday crafts to special-event décor crafts. Whether a group plans on making gifts, planning parties, or simply experimenting with different artistic mediums, the diversity of supplies ensures no creative stone is left unturned. The ever-changing stock, including fabrics, paints, beads, and baking supplies, invites repeat visits and ongoing project development, fostering a shared journey in creative discovery. Moreover, the tactile experience of browsing physical materials together promotes spontaneous conversations about techniques, design preferences, and creative visions. This environment nurtures both camaraderie and individual artistic growth, making Hobby Lobby a haven for anyone eager to bring imaginative ideas to life with their friends or family.
What makes Hobby Lobby’s product range ideal for diverse group interests?
One of Hobby Lobby’s standout features is its extensive and varied inventory, which appeals to a broad spectrum of group interests, ensuring that no one feels left out. The product categories include arts and crafts supplies like paints, markers, and canvases, alongside sewing fabrics and accessories that attract hobbyists focused on textiles. Groups interested in home decoration will appreciate the ample selections of floral arrangements, baskets, and accent pieces that cater to seasonal as well as everyday décor projects. The jewelry-making section invites those drawn to wearable arts, offering beads, stringing materials, and tools that enable personal design experiments. Paper enthusiasts can dive into scrapbooking and card-making supplies, perfect for groups looking to create personalized keepsakes or greeting cards together. Even culinary creatives are not left behind; baking and party supplies provide extras for hosting themed gatherings directly connected to their crafting projects. This wide-ranging product mix assures that all attendees can find something stimulating and suitable to their taste, enhancing the communal experience by integrating multifaceted creative outlets into one venue.
How does Hobby Lobby’s accessibility and location benefit group visits?
Hobby Lobby’s broad presence with over 950 stores nationwide, including locations in a variety of suburban and urban settings, makes it highly accessible for groups wanting to meet up. Stores are typically located in big-box retail spaces, often repurposed from former supermarkets or hardware stores, which enables them to offer large parking areas and easy access via major roads—particularly convenient for carpooling groups coming from different neighborhoods. Store hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday provide ample flexibility for planning meetups at times that suit everyone’s schedules. Additionally, the store’s consistent layout and product offerings across locations mean groups can anticipate a similar experience whether they visit a nearby store or one in a different city. The lack of Sunday hours also encourages group planning on other days, often resulting in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere that enhances the social dimension of meetups. This ease of access combined with inviting operating hours ensures Hobby Lobby can serve as a reliable and convenient destination for any group gathering focused on fun and creativity.
What additional services and features support a group’s crafting needs?
Hobby Lobby complements its core retail offerings with services and features designed to enhance a group’s crafting experience. Custom framing is one such service, appealing to groups that want to preserve and showcase their artwork or memorabilia collectively. The store’s knowledgeable staff can assist with picking complementary materials and advising on project techniques, effectively acting as informal hosts to group visitors needing guidance. Weekly specials and promotions not only provide cost savings but also create opportunities for groups to try new products at reduced prices, fostering experimentation with less financial risk. Many locations display seasonal inspiration and project ideas, offering on-site examples that can spark a group’s creativity and provide step-by-step crafting motivation. Although Hobby Lobby does not typically conduct in-store workshops, the resources and environment often encourage informal group tutorials or collaborative crafting sessions, making the store experience both educational and enjoyable.
How do customer reviews reflect the group experience at Hobby Lobby?
With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on more than 2,600 reviews, Hobby Lobby is highly regarded, and many customers specifically praise it as a welcoming and stimulating environment for groups. Reviews often highlight the helpfulness of staff, which contributes greatly to a positive group dynamic by making visitors feel valued and supported in their creative pursuits. The cleanliness and organization of stores are frequently mentioned, ensuring that groups can navigate aisles smoothly without frustration, which is crucial when coordinating multiple people. Customers appreciate the diversity of products and the availability of inspiration for all ages and skill levels, making it easy to plan multi-generational or mixed-interest gatherings. Several comments note that Hobby Lobby’s atmosphere encourages leisurely browsing and casual socializing, rather than rushed shopping, which aligns perfectly with the needs of groups wanting to spend quality time together. Overall, user experiences confirm that Hobby Lobby is more than a store; it’s a destination that fosters creativity and connection.
In summary, Hobby Lobby’s expansive product range, creative atmosphere, supportive staff, and convenient locations combine to create an outstanding venue for meetups with friends and family. Whether your group is looking to dive into arts and crafts, plan a themed celebration, or simply enjoy a day of relaxed shopping and inspiration, Hobby Lobby stands out as one of the best places to rally together, create memories, and unleash collective creativity.