Top Hobby Lobby Competitors and Alternatives in 2025

As consumers increasingly seek alternatives to Hobby Lobby for their crafting needs, the competition in the craft stores market is becoming more robust. This shift is driven by factors such as pricing, product variety, and innovative promotional strategies. Retailers like Michaels, JOANN, and Walmart stand out among Hobby Lobby competitors, offering exceptional craft supplies and services at competitive prices. In this article, we will explore the major players in the industry, highlighting the options available to help crafters save money while pursuing their creative projects.

Key Takeaways

• Michaels offers a rewards program with 3% back on purchases.
• JOANN features exclusive coupons providing up to 60% off through their mobile app.
• Walmart’s craft supplies are usually priced 25-30% lower than Hobby Lobby.
• Blick Art Materials frequently runs sales of up to 70% off on art supplies.
• Dollar Tree’s basic craft items are available for $1.25 each, making it budget-friendly.
• Amazon offers craft supplies priced 10-15% lower than Hobby Lobby’s regular prices.

Michaels: The Leading Competitor

Michaels has firmly established itself as a leading competitor in the craft supply industry, providing shoppers with a rich selection of products and services. As the largest arts and crafts retail chain, Michaels operates more than 1,040 stores across 49 U.S. states and Canada. Each location offers approximately 40,000 different products, which includes a diverse range of arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and seasonal items. The brand’s emphasis on extensive craft supplies allows them to cater to various crafting preferences, making it a go-to destination for both beginners and seasoned crafters.

Extensive Craft Supply Selection

Michaels focuses on curating an impressive inventory, primarily highlighting craft supplies. Customers can find everything from painting supplies to faux flowers, ensuring that all crafting needs are met. In comparison to Hobby Lobby, Michaels offers a more straightforward approach to inventory management. Their smaller store size, averaging 18,200 square feet, allows for easier navigation through the aisles, which appeals to many shoppers. Frequent sales and special events enhance the shopping experience, providing a constant influx of new items for crafting enthusiasts.

Coupons and Discounts

Michaels is renowned for its value through coupons for crafters. The store frequently features 40% off coupons along with ongoing weekly sales, appealing to budget-conscious consumers looking for quality products at discounted prices. Additionally, Michaels operates a rewards program that enables shoppers to earn back 3% on their purchases, further enhancing its appeal as a viable Hobby Lobby alternative. The combination of competitive pricing and attractive discounts makes Michaels a popular destination for those looking to maximize their crafting budget.

JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores

JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores stand out for their specialization in a wide variety of fabric supplies and sewing materials. The store offers an extensive selection of quality fabrics, including popular quilting cottons and various blends, often providing competitive pricing, especially during promotional sales. Shoppers appreciate the range of craft materials available, making JOANN a preferred destination for DIY enthusiasts and professional crafters alike.

Specialization in Fabrics

With a strong emphasis on fabrics, JOANN Fabrics aligns well with the needs of sewing and quilting aficionados. Customers can explore an impressive array of fabric types, from decorative materials for home projects to functional textiles for garments. This focus allows JOANN to cater effectively to specific crafting demands, distinguishing it further from competitors like Hobby Lobby.

Mobile App Coupons

JOANN enhances the shopping experience through its mobile app, which provides exclusive coupons that can offer discounts of up to 60%. This feature appeals to budget-conscious shoppers looking to maximize savings on fabric supplies and craft materials. In addition, JOANN’s VIP program, available for a nominal monthly fee, gives members benefits such as free shipping and supplementary discounts, reinforcing loyalty among frequent customers.

Walmart’s Craft Section

Walmart’s craft section has become a popular destination for those seeking Walmart craft supplies. The store emphasizes affordable crafting by providing essential materials at competitive prices. While it may not feature the comprehensive selection found at Hobby Lobby, Walmart shines in its offerings of basics, such as yarn and essential art supplies, along with seasonal items that align with current trends.

Affordable Basics and Seasonal Items

When looking for affordable crafting options, Walmart stands out with its Great Value brand and other cost-effective choices. Shoppers can find essential crafting items, which typically cost 25-30% less than those in competing stores like Hobby Lobby. Some notable products include:

• Yarn at budget-friendly prices
• Seasonal decorations that cater to various holidays
• A variety of art supplies suitable for different crafting projects

Value Compared to Hobby Lobby

The comparison with Hobby Lobby illustrates how Walmart manages to maintain a balance between affordability and quality. Many customers appreciate the timely clearance sales that further reduce prices, making Walmart an excellent, accessible option for those looking for crafting supplies. Shoppers often find that Walmart’s selection of seasonal items, along with its overall value, provides opportunities to create without breaking the bank.

Blick Art Materials: A Professional Choice

Blick Art Materials stands out as a premier destination for artists who demand quality and variety in their supplies. With a broader selection of professional art supplies available, artists can find everything from premium paints to high-grade canvases and brushes. This extensive inventory often surpasses Hobby Lobby comparisons, appealing to seasoned professionals as well as passionate hobbyists.

Wider Selection of Art Supplies

When evaluating Blick Art Materials, one finds an impressive assortment of products tailored to meet the specific needs of various artistic disciplines. This includes a diverse range of materials for painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. Customers appreciate the distinct offerings of Blick, which cater to both traditional and contemporary art forms, enhancing the creative process.

Sales and Discounts for Art Supplies

While Blick Art Materials’ pricing may occasionally be higher than competitors, their frequent sales on art supplies can provide significant savings. Discounts of up to 70% are not uncommon, making high-quality materials more accessible. Students can benefit from additional bulk discounts, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, signing up for their email newsletter offers new customers a 20% off coupon, presenting yet another opportunity for savings.

Dollar Tree: Budget-Friendly Crafting

Dollar Tree stands out as a premier option for those seeking budget crafting supplies. Each item priced at $1.25 provides a wide array of choices for various crafting endeavors. Shoppers can find essential items like poster boards, paint brushes, and even seasonal decorations, all ideal for crafting projects without straining the wallet. While the quality of products may fluctuate, many find value in the economical approach Dollar Tree crafts offer.

Everything at $1.25

With every item at a consistent price point of $1.25, Dollar Tree simplifies the budgeting process for crafters. This price model applies across a vast selection of crafting materials, including art supplies, organizational tools, and decorations. For those who thrive on creativity but need to manage expenses, Dollar Tree alternatives present an unmatched convenience and effectiveness.

Perfect for School and Kids’ Crafts

Diving into kids’ crafting can often lead to unexpected costs, but Dollar Tree mitigates this concern. The affordable pricing makes it easy for educators and parents to stock up on budget crafting supplies for classroom projects or home activities. Bulk buying options online allow for even greater savings, making it an excellent choice for larger-scale crafting needs, whether for themed school events or playtime activities.

Amazon for Competitive Pricing

Amazon has established itself as a leading destination for crafters seeking Amazon craft supplies at competitive prices. With a vast selection of items, shoppers can easily find what they need for their creative projects. Many products on Amazon are priced 10-15% lower than those at Hobby Lobby, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Additionally, wholesale options can yield even greater savings, allowing for bulk purchases at reduced rates.

Prime Benefits and Discounts

Prime members enjoy exclusive benefits that enhance their shopping experience. Free shipping on eligible items simplifies the purchasing process, particularly for frequent buyers. During significant sales events like Prime Day, members can access Prime discounts, which often include deeper savings on craft supplies. This combination of competitive pricing and Prime advantages positions Amazon as a top choice for crafty shoppers looking to maximize value.

Vast Selection of Craft Supplies

One of the standout features of Amazon is its vast selection of craft supplies. With over 2 million arts and crafts items available, consumers can find everything from basic supplies to specialized tools. This extensive range ensures that both hobbyists and professionals can meet their crafting needs easily. Whether it’s for a school project, a home decor endeavor, or professional artistic work, Amazon remains a reliable source for all creative materials.

Five Below: Essentials Under $5

Five Below stands out as a go-to destination for budget crafts and essential supplies, offering a wide selection of craft materials all priced at $5 or less. This store makes crafting accessible for everyone, particularly appealing to parents and those seeking affordable options. The inventory is carefully curated to include various basic craft supplies, perfect for kids’ crafting and casual crafters who enjoy expressing their creativity without breaking the bank.

Basic Craft Supplies

At Five Below, customers can discover a range of basic crafting materials that cater to all crafting needs. Products available include:

• Coloring tools
• Slime-making kits
• Spray paints
• Pottery wheels
• Art and activity kits

These items make it easy and affordable for children to engage in fun, hands-on projects. The emphasis on budget crafts paired with essential supplies allows families to enjoy crafting together while keeping expenses low.

Great for Kids and Casual Crafters

Five Below’s selection is particularly suited for kids’ crafting. The store regularly offers items that appeal to young creators, promoting creativity and imaginative play. Essentials like DIY project kits and fun seasonal crafts make it a hub for parents looking to keep children entertained and creatively engaged. With prices set at just $5 or below, this store emphasizes a straightforward pricing approach, ensuring that customers know exactly what to expect with each purchase. This transparency makes Five Below an attractive choice for families prioritizing budget-friendly options in the world of crafts.

Hobby Lobby Competitors with Unique Offerings

Exploring regional craft store alternatives can lead to stunning discoveries and enhance your crafting journey. Many local chains provide unique selections that might not be available in larger stores. These stores often feature specialized discounts tailored to community interests, allowing for both savings and support of local businesses.

Regional Chains and Special Discounts

Shopping at regional craft store alternatives introduces crafters to a range of offerings and potential savings. For instance, Michaels operates around 1,100 locations, boasting an extensive variety of craft products, but local chains can provide niche items that, while not found in larger competitors, meet unique crafting needs. Additionally, big box retailers like Walmart carry crafting supplies, although their selections are more limited compared to specialty craft stores.

Several other chains enhance the options available:

• Blick Art Materials offers an extensive variety of art supplies, often including discounts that can rival Hobby Lobby alternatives.
• Jerry’s Artarama provides significant discounts on art materials, making it a welcomed site for artists seeking valuable deals.
• Five Below features crafting essentials priced at $5 or less, perfect for casual crafters.
• Dollar Tree supplies budget-friendly options for home decor and party supplies.
• Big Lots presents a selection of home decor combined with craft supplies at discounted rates.

Why Explore Alternatives?

Diversifying your shopping habits by exploring local craft store alternatives can reveal hidden gems that elevate your crafting experience. Many shoppers find that regional stores foster a sense of community support while also providing unique products unavailable at larger retailers like Hobby Lobby. The crafting discounts often found at these locations encourage experimentation with new materials and projects.

The shopping experience becomes richer when branching out beyond traditional options. In addition to variety, regional craft stores frequently maintain a strong focus on seasonal items, catering to holiday themes, special events, and trends. Each store tells a different story through its selections, helping crafters to discover new inspirations and ideas.

Conclusion

In summary, Hobby Lobby remains a dominant player in the crafting supply market, but a variety of competitors present valuable crafting supply alternatives. Stores such as Michaels, JOANN, Walmart, and Blick Art Materials offer compelling options for crafters looking for quality products and savings. Additionally, retail chains like Dollar Tree and Five Below cater to budget-conscious consumers, establishing themselves among the best craft stores for specific needs.

As we look ahead to 2024, crafting needs are evolving, and consumers are encouraged to explore these alternatives to find the best deals and selection. With the arts and crafts market projected to surpass $50 billion in the coming years, the availability of diverse, quality crafting supplies will only increase. This growing competition will continue to enhance the shopping experience for enthusiasts at every skill level.

Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a dedicated crafter, understanding the landscape and using this summary of Hobby Lobby competitors can empower you to choose products that suit your creative projects. Embracing the variety of available options helps ensure that you receive the best value in the vibrant world of crafting.