Hobby Lobby is an American arts and crafts retail chain with over 900 stores across the United States. It was founded in 1972 by David Green, who started the company with just a $600 loan and turned it into a multi-billion-dollar corporation. Hobby lobby employee portal The Company is known for its wide range of arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and seasonal merchandise, as well as its conservative values and stance on controversial issues such as contraception and gay rights.
The Name “Hobby Lobby”
The name “Hobby Lobby” is a combination of two things that were important to the company’s founder, David Green: his love for hobbies and his commitment to his faith. Green wanted the company to reflect his passion for creating and working with his hands, and also to represent the values and principles that were important to him and his family.
When he started the company, Green had been making miniature picture frames out of his home, which he sold at local craft fairs and flea markets. As the business grew, he began to expand the product line to include other arts and crafts supplies, and the company soon became known as a destination for hobbyists and creative enthusiasts. The name “Hobby Lobby” was a nod to Green’s personal interests and his dedication to providing high-quality products for hobbyists and crafters.
The Company’s Growth and Expansion
In the decades since its founding, Hobby Lobby has grown and expanded into one of the largest arts and crafts retail chains in the United States. The company now operates over 900 stores in 47 states, offering a wide range of products for hobbies and creative projects, as well as home décor, gifts, and seasonal merchandise.
In addition to its retail operations, Hobby Lobby is also known for its commitment to conservative values and its stance on controversial issues. The company is owned by the Green family, who are devout Christians, and they have used the company as a platform to advocate for their beliefs on issues such as contraception and gay rights.
Hobby Lobby and Controversy
One of the most notable controversies surrounding Hobby Lobby is its stance on contraception. In 2012, the company sued the federal government over the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that employers provide contraception coverage as part of their employee health insurance plans. The company argued that the mandate violated its religious beliefs, as it included coverage for certain forms of contraception that the Greens believed were tantamount to abortion.
The case, known as Burwell v. Saeed web developer Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the company in a 5-4 decision. The ruling was seen as a major victory for religious freedom and the rights of closely-held corporations, and sparked a nationwide debate over the balance between religious liberty and reproductive rights.
Hobby Lobby and Gay Rights
Another issue that Hobby Lobby has been closely associated with is gay rights. In recent years, the company has been criticized for its stance on same-sex marriage and its opposition to LGBT rights. In 2015, for example, the company was among a group of businesses that signed an amicus brief in support of the state of Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage. The brief argued that the ban was necessary to protect religious liberty and traditional marriage.
Critics of Hobby Lobby have accused the company of discrimination against the LGBT community and using its religious beliefs as a cover for discriminatory practices. Supporters of the company, on the other hand, argue that it has a right to hold and express its beliefs and that it should not be forced to violate its religious principles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hobby Lobby has undergone many changes over the years, ranging from store expansions to shifts in corporate policies and product offerings. Despite these changes, the company remains committed to its core values, and it continues to offer a wide range of high-quality products and services to its customers. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast, a home decorator, or a party-planner, Hobby Lobby is the place to be for all of your hobby and home needs.
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