Shoppers happy to have Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby, a national arts and crafts retailer, has opened its Spokane Valley store, marking its first foray into Washington state.

The 38-year-old privately held company opened the doors Aug. 10 in the former Joe’s Sports, Outdoor & More store in Spokane Valley along Indiana Avenue. It offers 45,000 square feet of arts and crafts supplies, holiday items and even furniture.

“We pride ourselves in customer service,” said store manager Scarlet Suitter.

She said employees are available to serve as personal shoppers and help customers with tools they need for such things as school projects, weddings, and even model home staging.

Suitter described the reception from shoppers as “awesome,” and added, “Customers at least once or twice a day hug me and tell me they are so glad we are here.”

She noted some shoppers are caught by surprise to find the store is closed on Sundays.

“We are a Christian-based company,” Suitter explained. The goal is give employees a consistent day off work to focus on their family and spiritual needs.

The Spokane Valley location employs 52 part-time employees.

The store sells floral and craft supplies, hobby kits, fashion fabrics, scrapbooking items, party goods, baskets, holiday items, home décor and some furnishings. It offers custom picture framing and floral design.

The store also offers classroom space at no cost to those who want to schedule and teach arts and crafts. Those interested should contact store management.

The rapidly growing Oklahoma-based company is scheduled to open its second Washington store in Kennewick later this year.