Hobby Lobby is a privately held retail chain of arts and crafts stores based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. David Green is the owner. As of April 2005, the chain had 352 stores and had expanded into 37 states. The distribution and manufacturing center has over 2.6 million square feet (242,000 m²) in several buildings. In 2004, as national retail sales struggled, the company had its first downturn in sales in 20 years.

Hobby Lobby has been criticized for its business practices. The majority of goods carried in the stores are imported and carry a high markup. The company originally brought in most of its management from the religious denomination of its majority owner. Some critics claim that newer employees, who have not come from the same religious background of the founder, have been relegated to lower-level positions. A controversial program called "Character First" has been introduced to develop the character of employees. The company has a history of giving a large percentage of its profits to nonprofit organizations, including homeless missions in Oklahoma City.

External link

• Hobby Lobby website