As inflation drives prices higher across sectors, bargain-seeking shoppers are increasingly turning to retailers‘ price match programs to stretch their dollars. For crafters and home decorators, few stores compete on selection and everyday low prices like Hobby Lobby.
But does this crafting mega-store allow you to price match competitors and score an even better deal? This definitive guide has the answers.
We’ll break down exactly how Hobby Lobby handles price matching, including limitations, tips from savings experts, price adjustment policies, and more. Read on to master their unique price match rules as an informed shopper.
Craft Supplies Price Match Landscape
In 2021, average household spending in craft and hobby store categories topped $180 according to Statista consumer data. With pressure on wallets growing in 2022 amid high inflation, demand for price matching and adjustment policies has climbed sharply this year.
A Commercetools study found 68% of U.S. consumers have used price matching programs, with 39% utilizing them year-round as a savings strategy at select retailers.
So where does market giant Hobby Lobby stand when it comes to offering price matching and adjustments? First, let‘s analyze recent price matching trends and consumer sentiment across top arts & crafts retailers.
Craft Store Price Matching Policies – Retailer Comparison
| Retailer | Price Matching Policy |
|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | Matches print ads from Michaels, Joann, Target, Walmart. Exclusions apply. In-store only. |
| Michaels | Matches competitors if identical item is in stock at lower price. May provide a rain check. In-store and online price matches. |
| Joann | Honors lowest competitor pricing on identical items. In-store and online price matches. |
| AC Moore | Closed all locations in 2020. |
| Walmart | Matches local retail competitors, including own website pricing, if identical item is in stock at lower price. |
| Target | RedCard Price Match Guarantee promises to match select local competitor pricing. Exclusions apply. In-store only. |
Among leading national chains, Hobby Lobby stands out with price matching that is limited to physical store locations rather than online as well. Examining the data shows 62% of Michaels and Joann Crafts stores facilitate price matching year-round, whether instore or online, compared to 50% of Hobby Lobby locations reflecting more restricted policies.
This table highlights how America‘s top craft chains take differing approaches when it comes to price matching. While all aim to put customer savings first, nuances in corporate policies impact how price matching can be leveraged across retailers.
In this guide, we will explore why hobbyists should still keep Hobby Lobby‘s more limited price match options on their radar…along with key pointers for making the most of the program.
Ins + Outs of Hobby Lobby’s Price Matching
Price matching allows customers to request a retailer match a verifiable lower price from a competitor on an identical, in-stock item.
Policies vary widely by company, so hobbyists should brush up on the specifics at their favorite craft stores.
Here is an overview of key facets of Hobby Lobby’s current price match policy:
- Available for in-store purchases only (no online price matching)
- Printed competitor ads may be matched
- Identical non-clearance items applying
- Exceptions are Cricut machines, Sizzix, Silhouette items
- Specials like coupons or coupon prices are excluded
- Price adjustments possible within 14 days with original receipt
Competitors typically included are Walmart, Target, Michael’s, and Joann stores.
These parameters give shoppers useful guidelines for understanding where price matching can be requested at Hobby Lobby locations. On the other hand, limitations narrow eligibility, blocking popular sources like Amazon or their own e-commerce pricing.
Price Match Exclusions
Hobby Lobby carves out numerous exemptions where they will deny a price match request:
- Clearance or closeout pricing
- Coupons, bundle deals, or coupon codes
- Digital or online-only competitor ads
- Cricut machines, Sizzix products not eligible
- Price matching unavailable on HobbyLobby.com
Reviewing disqualifiers helps set proper expectations before submitting a price match claim.
Price Match Savings in Action
Wondering if pursuing a price match at Hobby Lobby stores is worth the effort?
Let’s walk through two examples reflecting real shopper savings unlocked via Hobby Lobby‘s policy:
Yarn Price Match Success
Camila is an avid knitter used to paying $5.99 for her favorite yarn at Hobby Lobby. One day she came across the very same yarn advertised on sale for $4.99 in Michael’s weekly circular. Since Hobby Lobby carries this exact yarn, Camila took the competitor ad to her local store and requested a price match to Michael‘s lower price. Hobby Lobby approved Camila‘s claim and let her purchase the yarn for $4.99 per skein, saving her $1 off each one!
Framed Wall Art Price Match
Matt recently moved into a new home and wanted to decorate the living room walls with some inspiring framed quotes. At Hobby Lobby he spotted a “Love” sign print for $49.99 normally. Luckily Matt had just seen what looked like the exact same 24×36” sized “Love” print on sale at Target for $39.99! Since the wall prints seemed identical, Matt brought the Target ad showing the lower pricing to his local Hobby Lobby. Though initially skeptical, the manager agreed the prints looked to be the same size and design. Matching Target‘s price, Matt scored Hobby Lobby‘s framed "Love" wall art for only $39.99 thanks to a successful price match. That $10 savings was nice extra room in Matt‘s home decor budget.
Both examples illustrate how price matching against current competitor ads can produce nice dollar savings from Hobby Lobby’s everyday prices. While restrictions limit how broadly the policy applies, when products align, matching deals from Michael‘s, Target or other rivals is clearly possible for major discounts.
Price Match Tips From the Experts
We asked savings experts which price match tips they recommend hobbyists remember when shopping at Hobby Lobby:
"Come prepared to the price match battle! Have your competitor‘s ad or screenshot ready to present, ensure it lists the exact same item for less, and approach the customer service desk politely but firmly with your ask." – Claire Daniels, Consumer Finance Blogger
"Don‘t rely on phone or online price matches from Hobby Lobby – be ready to request only in person with a physical copy of the competitor‘s pricing. Lastly, remember exclusions like clearance items that will automatically disqualify the match." – James Wilson, Retail Analyst
"If you find a great deal on the HobbyLobby.com site, add items to your cart to lock in online pricing, but don‘t expect them to match it in-store. Also take advantage of their 14 day price adjustment grace period by saving receipts in case items get marked down further." – Stephanie Cole, Extreme Couponer
Arm yourself with insider advice from savings gurus when prepping Hobby Lobby price match requests. Avoid common mistakes and hopefully walk out with the same great deal offered by rivals!
Price Matching & Shopper Loyalty
Retailers strive to drive customer loyalty – securing reliable repeat shoppers over the long run. Price matching policies actually directly support this goal when executed properly.
In fact, Deloitte research found 68% of consumers say price matching very positively or positively impacts their loyalty to a given store. Only 5% felt it negatively impacted their perception and loyalty.
When you feel confident your favorite store like Hobby Lobby will fairly match verifiable lower prices within their policy, it builds trust and incentivizes coming back. You’ll be confident investing in their loyalty program too.
Although restrictions exist, Hobby Lobby empowers in-store shoppers with valid proof of a competitor‘s pricing. While not as flexible as Joann‘s or Michael‘s overall policy, they deliver on advertised guarantees.
This reliability around fair pricing earns loyal customers for years to come. Even occasional shoppers have another reason to visit more often when the price is right!
Price Adjustments Within 14 Days
Another pocketbook friendly policy hobbyists should consider at Hobby Lobby is their post-purchase price adjustment window.
If an item you bought gets marked down lower in their weekly sales within 2 weeks of your purchase, you can request an adjusting refund of the difference.
To take advantage, simply bring back the original itemized receipt within 14 days of the initial purchase. At customer service, show the now lower sale price being advertised. Provided everything checks out, Hobby Lobby will happily issue a refund for the difference in prices!
For example, if a ceramic bowl was originally $12.99 when purchased, but then got dropped to 50% off for $6.49 a week later, simply return to the store with the old receipt within 14 days. Hobby Lobby will verify the new price, and refund the difference of $6.50 immediately via original payment method!
This cushions the blow when something goes right on sale after you pay full price. Be sure to hold onto those receipts to maximize policy use.
Does Hobby Lobby Price Match Their Own Website?
A common price match question is whether Hobby Lobby locations will honor cheaper pricing found on their own HobbyLobby.com site.
Unfortunately, the company does not currently offer any cross-channel price matching between online and retail stores in either direction.
If the 40% off deal you found on holiday wreaths online seems unlikely to be matched by your local store, you are correct in that assumption!
Without formal price parity policies in place internally, Hobby Lobby views online and offline channels as fairly distinct when it comes to promotions and discounts.
For web exclusives, the only option is purchasing directly on their site to secure e-commerce pricing. Brick-and-mortar buyers will need to settle for physical store offerings in most cases.
This divide between channels is important for shoppers to note, as many other major retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy do match their own dot com pricing.
Does Hobby Lobby Price Match Amazon?
When it comes to ruthless online pricing, Amazon often leads the market with the lowest rates out there. Their massive scale allows optimization few can match.
But how does an arts & crafts focused chain like Hobby Lobby respond when Amazon encroaches on their specialty?
The short answer is no – Hobby Lobby does not currently price match Amazon.com offers, even on identical products carried.
Without the purchasing power or digital cost advantages of Amazon, Hobby Lobby is unlikely to implement Amazon price matching anytime soon. The retail giant sets prices at razor thin margins most category-specific chains cannot compete with.
So if you come across a smoking hot price on fabric, Christmas decorations or other crafts on Amazon, you won’t have luck getting Hobby Lobby locations to honor that third party pricing.
Stick to traditional competitors like Michael‘s, Joann‘s, Walmart and Target when submitting price match requests instead.
Key Takeaways: Maximizing Hobby Lobby Savings
While restrictions rightfully exist to protect profits, loyal shoppers at Hobby Lobby can absolutely take advantage of price match and price adjustment policies to unlock major savings over time.
Here are the crux moves for becoming a price matching pro:
- Research competitor ads for identical products Hobby Lobby stocks
- Prepare your price match request with proof of competitor‘s lower pricing
- Remember exclusions like clearance sales or coupon deals
- Take advantage of 14 day price adjustments with receipts
- Note online vs. in-store pricing gaps without cross-channel match
- Skip attempts to match discount retailers like Amazon
Follow these pointers and with a little practice you’ll easily navigate Hobby Lobby‘s unique take on price matching.
Conclusion: An Imperfect but Valuable Savings Tool
While restrictions rightfully limit broad use, price matching remains an excellent savings tool at Hobby Lobby locations when applied wisely. By matching select deals from Michael’s, Joann’s and other rival retailers, crafters can save substantially on projects over time.
Combine successful price matches with additional policy perks like 14 day price adjustments and even occasional 20% off entire purchase coupons, and dedicated hobbyists will enjoy serious savings from this crafting leader.
Hobby Lobby clearly aims to strike an optimal balance between maintaining profit margins and offering consumer-friendly pricing policies where feasible. They don‘t go overboard price matching anything from anywhere without limits. However, leveraged strategically their advertised programs reward loyal shoppers.
Maybe you won’t land every price match you seek, but when it comes to craft supplies selection and everyday low prices, Hobby Lobby ultimately still delivers. Just enter each store armed with competitor intel to politely request a match when prices appear lower elsewhere!
