Understanding Hobby Lobby’s Price Matching Policy
With the rising costs of goods and services, many shoppers are looking to save money wherever they can. Price matching has become an increasingly popular way for retailers to compete for customers’ business. But with so many stores to choose from, it can be confusing to keep track of which ones offer price matching and which don’t.
Hobby Lobby is a popular arts and crafts store found across the United States. With a wide selection of merchandise catering to crafters and decorators, many shoppers are curious whether Hobby Lobby will price match competitor’s prices. Let’s take a closer look at Hobby Lobby’s price match policy and some key things to keep in mind.
An Overview of Price Matching
In a nutshell, price matching allows customers to request that a retailer match a lower price found somewhere else for the same item. This allows shoppers to pay the same price they would pay elsewhere, but continue shopping at their preferred store.
For retailers, price matching can be a valuable customer retention strategy. By honoring competitors’ pricing, they can keep existing customers from taking their business elsewhere in search of better deals. This helps maintain customer loyalty even when another store temporarily has an item at a lower price.
Factors to Consider With Price Matching
While price matching may seem straightforward on the surface, there are some important factors to consider:
- Eligible competitors: Retailers usually limit price matching to specific competitor companies rather than matching prices from anywhere.
- Identical items: The item must be identical to the one found elsewhere, including details like size, model, color, etc.
- Evidence of pricing: Proof of the competitor’s lower pricing is usually required, like an ad or website screenshot.
- Time restrictions: Price matching may only apply for a limited time, such as 7 or 30 days from the original purchase.
Understanding the fine print is key to knowing what price matching sales situations qualify or not.
Does Hobby Lobby Offer Price Matching?
At this time, Hobby Lobby does not offer price matching of any kind. There is no official price match policy listed on their website or posted in Hobby Lobby stores.
As a chain with locations across 45 states, Hobby Lobby has significant buying power. This allows them to offer extensive inventory at everyday low prices. Combined with regular storewide discounts and sales events, they are able to maintain very competitive pricing most of the time.
Why Hobby Lobby Doesn’t Price Match
There are likely a few key reasons why Hobby Lobby does not offer price matching:
- With hundreds of stores, it would be difficult to facilitate and control price matching at scale.
- It may lead to fraudulent price match requests that abuse the system.
- Hobby Lobby focuses more on overall value and customer experience rather than short-term deals.
For shoppers accustomed to price matching, the lack of an official policy may be disappointing. But there are still plenty of ways to save at Hobby Lobby.
How to Save at Hobby Lobby
Weekly Deals
Every week, Hobby Lobby highlights a new collection of items on sale for 40% off. These discounted products range from craft supplies to home decor and everything in between. By timing larger purchases to coordinate with relevant weekly specials, significant savings can be achieved.
Coupon Stacking
Hobby Lobby always has a 40% off regular price coupon available. This coupon can be applied storewide with just a few exclusions like electronics. Additionally, they frequently release 50% off and other percent-off coupons valid for a single item or product category.
Savvy shoppers can stack and combine these coupons to maximize savings on more expensive items. For example, using a 40% off entire purchase coupon along with a 50% off coupon for a qualifying product. Just be aware that coupon policies only allow one discount coupon per eligible item.
Mobile App
Downloading the free Hobby Lobby app provides access to digital coupons and notifications whenever new coupons are added. Maintaining an up-to-date coupon bank ensures you’ll always have a relevant coupon handy whenever shopping the latest Hobby Lobby deals.
Loyalty Program
Signing up for Hobby Lobby’s Creative Insider loyalty program is free for all customers. Each quarter, members receive a special coupon for 25% to 50% off their entire purchase. These exclusive member coupons can lead to huge savings, especially if combined with existing storewide and category coupons already available.
The Bottom Line
While Hobby Lobby does not offer price matching, the arts and crafts retailer still provides plenty of ways for shoppers to save. Taking advantage of weekly sale events, strategically stacking coupons, and joining their loyalty program are some of the best techniques for scoring the lowest prices.
Savvy shoppers can still get excellent deals on their favorite Hobby Lobby products, even without a price match policy. So the next time you have a project in mind, don’t forget to check their latest offerings and coupons first before shopping elsewhere.
