Did you know that Hobby Lobby has a secret sales schedule? It’s true! This crafting paradise holds the key to unlocking incredible savings, and I’m here to spill the beans on all the best Hobby Lobby hacks. As a long-time craft enthusiast and bargain hunter, I’ve spent years uncovering the tricks to maximize your dollar at this beloved store.
Contents
- 20 Must-Try Hobby Lobby Hacks
- 1. Crack the Code of the Secret Sales Schedule
- 2. Always-On-Sale Items: Your Ticket to Constant Savings
- 3. Hunt for Hidden Gems on the Clearance Wall
- 4. Master the Art of Seasonal Clearance Shopping
- 5. Leverage Price Adjustments to Your Advantage
- 6. Negotiate Discounts on Damaged Goods
- 7. Price Match Like a Pro
- 8. Use Competitor Coupons for Additional Savings
- 9. Score Discounted Gift Cards for Extra Savings
- 10. Don’t Overlook the Power of Rain Checks
- 11. Master the Return Policy for Ultimate Flexibility
- 12. Decode the Secret Language of Price Tags
- 13. Time Your Visits for Major Clearance Events
- 14. Explore Online Clearance for Convenience
- 15. Bulk Up Your Savings with In-Store Orders
- 16. Uncover Hidden Gems in Unexpected Departments
- 17. Maximize Your Savings with Strategic Coupon Use
- 18. Join the Hobby Lobby Email List for Exclusive Offers
- 19. Follow Hobby Lobby on Social Media for Flash Sales
- 20. Create a Hobby Lobby Savings Tracker
20 Must-Try Hobby Lobby Hacks
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these insider tips will revolutionize your Hobby Lobby shopping experience.
1. Crack the Code of the Secret Sales Schedule
Hobby Lobby’s sales rotate on a predictable schedule, allowing savvy shoppers to plan their trips for maximum savings. Here’s the scoop: most departments go on sale every few weeks, with discounts typically ranging from 30% to 50% off. By keeping an eye on this schedule, you can time your purchases perfectly and never pay full price again.
Pro tip: Create a shopping list organized by department, and note the last time you saw each item on sale. This way, you can predict when your desired items will likely be discounted next.
2. Always-On-Sale Items: Your Ticket to Constant Savings
Certain items at Hobby Lobby are perpetually discounted, no coupon required. These include:
- Furniture (30% off)
- Potted trees and floor plants (30% off)
- Frames (50% off)
- T-shirts (30% off)
- Select fabrics (30% off)
Knowing these categories means you can snag great deals any day of the week, without waiting for a sale.
3. Hunt for Hidden Gems on the Clearance Wall
Each Hobby Lobby store has a dedicated clearance section, often tucked away in a corner. Look for items with yellow price tags, indicating discounts of up to 90% off. This treasure trove is constantly updated, so frequent visits can lead to incredible finds.
Insider secret: The clearance wall is restocked regularly, often early in the morning. Try to visit during weekday mornings for the best selection.
4. Master the Art of Seasonal Clearance Shopping
Twice a year, Hobby Lobby holds massive clearance events that can save you a fortune:
- Home Accent Clearance: Usually in January and July, starting at 50% off and increasing to 90% off over several weeks.
- Holiday Clearance: Begins immediately after major holidays, starting at 50% off and potentially reaching 90% off if items linger.
Patience is key here. While the selection diminishes over time, the discounts deepen, allowing for some truly spectacular deals if you’re willing to wait.
5. Leverage Price Adjustments to Your Advantage
Hobby Lobby offers price adjustments within 14 days of purchase. If an item you bought goes on sale shortly after, bring your receipt and the item back to the store for a partial refund. This policy doesn’t apply to clearance items, but it’s a great way to ensure you always get the best price.
6. Negotiate Discounts on Damaged Goods
Found an item you love, but it’s slightly damaged? Don’t pass it up! Hobby Lobby often offers 10-15% discounts on damaged merchandise. Simply bring the item to a staff member and politely inquire about a possible discount. It never hurts to ask, and you might score an even better deal than you expected.
7. Price Match Like a Pro
Hobby Lobby honors competitors’ ads for identical items, potentially saving you a trip to another store. However, there are some exceptions:
- Doorbusters
- Clearance items
- Simplicity & McCall’s patterns
- Electronic cutting machines
Always bring the competitor’s ad with you to ensure a smooth price-matching process.
8. Use Competitor Coupons for Additional Savings
While Hobby Lobby discontinued their own famous coupon, some stores still honor competitor coupons from places like Michael’s or JoAnn’s. Make sure to ask about this at your local store—every bit of savings helps!
9. Score Discounted Gift Cards for Extra Savings
Before your Hobby Lobby trip, check websites like CardCash for discounted Hobby Lobby gift cards. You can often find cards selling for less than face value, giving you an instant discount on top of any in-store sales or coupons.
10. Don’t Overlook the Power of Rain Checks
If a sale item you want is out of stock, don’t despair! Hobby Lobby offers rain checks, allowing you to purchase the item at the sale price once it’s back in stock. This is especially useful for popular items that sell out quickly during big sales.
11. Master the Return Policy for Ultimate Flexibility
Hobby Lobby’s return policy is surprisingly generous. You can return items without a receipt for store credit or an exchange, based on the lowest selling price in the last 60 days. This policy gives you the freedom to make purchases with confidence, knowing you can always change your mind later.
12. Decode the Secret Language of Price Tags
Understanding Hobby Lobby’s price tag system can lead to significant savings:
- Red tags: Permanent clearance prices, but can have multiple markdowns
- Yellow tags: Temporary clearance, often leading to the best deals
- Blue tags: Regular price, but likely to go on sale soon
Keep an eye on these colors as you shop, and you’ll start to see patterns in how items are discounted over time.
13. Time Your Visits for Major Clearance Events
Mark your calendar for Hobby Lobby’s biggest clearance events, typically occurring in January and May. During these periods, items across all departments are marked down, offering a chance to stock up on a wide variety of crafting supplies at steep discounts.
14. Explore Online Clearance for Convenience
Can’t make it to the store? Hobby Lobby’s online clearance section can be a goldmine of deals. However, be mindful of shipping costs, which can eat into your savings. Consider combining orders to meet free shipping thresholds or opting for in-store pickup when available.
15. Bulk Up Your Savings with In-Store Orders
For large quantities of items, especially for group projects or events, consider placing an in-store order. While Hobby Lobby doesn’t offer bulk discounts, ordering in-store can help you avoid shipping fees on large orders. Plus, staff can often provide insights on upcoming sales or alternative products that might better suit your needs.
16. Uncover Hidden Gems in Unexpected Departments
Don’t limit yourself to the obvious sections. Hobby Lobby is full of surprising finds that can spark your creativity:
- Check the home decor section for unique crafting materials
- Explore the floral department for versatile elements that work in various projects
- Look for peel-and-stick wall murals that can be repurposed for crafting backgrounds
By thinking outside the box, you’ll discover new possibilities and potentially save money on alternative materials.
17. Maximize Your Savings with Strategic Coupon Use
While Hobby Lobby has phased out their famous 40% off coupon, they still offer regular weekly deals through their website and mobile app. Combine these offers with sale items and clearance finds to stack your savings.
Pro tip: Sometimes, waiting for an item to go on sale can result in a better discount than using a coupon on a full-priced item. Know your prices and be patient for the best deals.
18. Join the Hobby Lobby Email List for Exclusive Offers
Sign up for Hobby Lobby’s email newsletter to receive advance notice of sales, special promotions, and occasional exclusive coupons. This insider information can help you plan your shopping trips more effectively and ensure you never miss out on a great deal.
19. Follow Hobby Lobby on Social Media for Flash Sales
Hobby Lobby occasionally offers flash sales and special promotions through their social media channels. By following them on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you’ll be among the first to know about these limited-time offers, giving you a competitive edge in snagging the best deals.
20. Create a Hobby Lobby Savings Tracker
To truly maximize your savings, start a Hobby Lobby savings tracker. Note down the regular prices of items you frequently purchase, along with the sale prices you’ve seen. Over time, this will give you a clear picture of the best times to buy certain items and how much you’re really saving.
By implementing these Hobby Lobby hacks, you’ll transform your crafting budget and stretch your dollars further than ever before. Remember, the key to mastering Hobby Lobby savings is patience, planning, and a bit of creativity – qualities that every great crafter already possesses. Happy crafting, and even happier saving!
Featured Image Credit: Flickr
