Art store crafts grand opening in Lynchburg

Lynchburg’s first Hobby Lobby officially opened April 8 after a soft launch April 1. 

Hobby Lobby, the world’s largest privately-owned arts and crafts retailer, with more than 850 stores in 46 states, opened a new store in Lynchburg at 2315 Wards Road, near the intersection of Candlers Mountain Road. Instead of driving to Danville, previously the closest Hobby Lobby location, customers can now enjoy Hobby Lobby’s discounts and deals in Lynchburg. 

In just that week, the store saw over 42,000 customers and had nearly $315,000 in sales, according to WSLS. Having only expected 12,000 customers the first week, the company was delighted to see such a high degree of consumer excitement for the new location. 

“I can say Lynchburg has been an awesome community. … There’s been an outpouring, and everybody’s been coming out to frequent our business,” Lynchburg store manager Eddie Chapman, Jr. told WSET. “We kind of hit the ground running, so we’re off to a great start.” 

Junior Kaytlyn Brittingham looks forward to going to the store in August when she returns to campus for the fall semester. 

“It will be nice for students to get supplies and items for their dorm rooms and classes,” Brittingham said. “Utilizing the coupons and discounts the store offers will help make the items much more affordable.”

Ashley McCall, a junior studying graphic design, was also excited for the new Hobby Lobby location, saying art students will be able to find supplies easier and not have to order as many supplies online. 

“Even though we have art stores (in Lynchburg) now, each of them (sells) different supplies,” McCall said “This should give more diversity in the products we can get and hopefully save money.” 

Hobby Lobby is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is also looking to hire part-time employees. Interested students can apply in person at the Lynchburg location.