Mega arts-and-crafts store Hobby Lobby coming to Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Come 2023, Staten Islanders will no longer have to drive over the Outerbridge Crossing for their arts-and-crafts and fast home fashions fix: Mega retailer Hobby Lobby announced this week that it will bring its project supplies and kitschy holiday merchandise to the borough sometime next year.

“At this time, we can confirm that a lease has been signed for our location in Staten Island at 2655 Richmond Ave., and our estimated opening is 2023,” a Hobby Lobby rep said in an email.

The company did not confirm the exact location of the future store, however that New Springville address encompasses the entirety of the Staten Island Mall. But sources say Hobby Lobby is referring to the Mall-owned Marsh Avenue site which formerly housed Babies R Us — a property that has been closed since 2018 when the company filed for bankruptcy.

According to Hobby Lobby’s website, the Staten Island location will be Hobby Lobby’s first New York City store — there are over 900 stores nationwide, but none currently located in the five boroughs. There are three locations on Long Island, but the stores closest to NYC can be found in Iselin and Holdmdel, N.J.

Hobby Lobby will open first NYC store in Staten Island

Hobby Lobby offers a wide selection of yarn and sewing supplies, plus a range of home decor and holiday merchandise. (Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby)Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby

The largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world, with over 43,000 employees operating in 47 states, the company was founded in 1970 by David and Barbara Green, who took out a $600 loan to begin making miniature picture frames out of their home. Two years later, the fledgling enterprise opened a 300-square-foot store in Oklahoma City. Hobby Lobby was born.

For the uninitiated, Hobby Lobby is more than just a crafter’s paradise. Offering picture framing and jewelry-making supplies, plus fabrics, floral and a wedding department, the store also features cards and party ware, baskets, wearable art and holiday merchandise. The company’s branded, trendy and inexpensive home décor has a devoted following.

Hobby Lobby will open first NYC store in Staten Island

More than just a crafter’s paradise, Hobby Lobby’s branded, trendy and inexpensive home décor has a devoted following.(Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby)Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby

The retailer is recognized for offering employees salaries well above the national minimum — the current full-time hourly wage is $18.50. And the Hobby Lobby corporate culture is openly Christian-based: All stores are closed on Sunday, “allowing associates time for family and for worship.”

And although the company’s CEO, David Green, has drawn ire for imbuing his religious beliefs into the company, publicly stating that he operates his business “in a manner consistent with Biblical principles,” selling an abundance of faith-based inventory at every location — his views have only contributed to Hobby Lobby’s success.

“We believe it is by God’s grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured,” Green noted in a press release about the company’s core values. “He has been faithful in the past, we trust Him for our future.”

Hobby Lobby will open first NYC store in Staten Island

Hobby Lobby is nationally recognized for offering employees salaries well above the minimum wage and features a corporate culture that is openly Christian-based. (Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby)Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby

Angelia S. Rico

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