If you love crafting, you have likely stepped into the two stores at least once. Bright aisles, colorful supplies, seasonal decor, and constant inspiration, it is easy to lose track of both. However, when one has only to pick up one, the debate between Hobby Lobby vs Michaels becomes a reality.
The two stores have popularity in the United States. Both stock art supplies, yarn, home decor, and DIY tools. But they are not quite identical.
In this step-by-step comparison, we will deconstruct the prices, product diversity, quality, offers, and the overall shopping experience to be able to determine where your money will be more appropriately spent.
Store Overview
Hobby Lobby has a reputation for home decor, seasonal decorations, and basic creations. The shop is frequently characterized as a combination of the craft shop and home styling shop. You will be able to find furniture, wall art, wedding decor, and paints and fabrics.
Michaels, in its turn, puts a heavier emphasis on conventional craft products. It is particularly powerful in fine art supplies, scrapbooking, picture frameing and craft kits aimed at children.
The largest difference, at least on the surface, when comparing Hobby Lobby vs Michaels is vibe. Hobby Lobby is a home-oriented and decorative place. Michaels is creative and project-oriented.
Product Variety: Who Has More Options?
The variety of supplies is similar in both stores; however, their strong side is different.
Hobby Lobby Strengths
- Large home décor section
- Holiday and seasonal decorations
- Wedding supplies
- Fabric and sewing materials
- Ready-made wall art
Michaels Strengths
- Fine art paints and brushes
- Scrapbooking materials
- Framing services
- Kids craft kits
- Party supplies
Hobby Lobby can be a more complete place in case you are painting a house or organizing an event. When you are trying to paint, journal, or create intricate DIY projects, Michaels does tend to have more specialized equipment.
This is where the debate of Hobby Lobby vs Michaels comes to a personal level. It will depend on what you produce most frequently.
Prices: Which Store Is Cheaper?
The price plays a significant role. A lot of customers would compare Hobby Lobby vs Michaels prices and then decide which shop to visit.
Hobby Lobby is well-known because of its rotating weekly sales. They do not provide storewide coupons regularly; they pre-off whole departments. There might be a week when everything on the wall can be half price. Another week, half-price yarn could be on offer.
Michaels also regularly runs coupons, which include online coupons as well as good old-fashioned store coupons. Most of the time, you can get 20% to 40% off a single item, and in large-scale promotions, you may see even more.
The answer is not straightforward when comparing Michaels vs Hobby Lobby prices. Hobby Lobby has the option of feeling less expensive on big department sales. Michaels can feel less expensive as you choose coupons wisely.
Who is cheaper, Hobby Lobby vs Michaels? Both can be cheap as long as you are a careful shopper in sales. Normal prices are often comparable without discounts, although some customers believe that Hobby Lobby has slightly pricier decorations at retail cost.
Quality of Products
The question of quality is important, particularly when you are putting in time on a project.
The furnishing and decor of Hobby Lobby can be said to be robust and well-constructed. Their own-label craft furnishings are satisfactory for daily work.
Michaels has a greater selection of artist-quality supplies. With a serious interest in painting or drawing, you might find better selections of premium brands at Michaels.
When comparing Hobby Lobby vs Michaels, Michaels is likely to be the winner in the case of professional art materials. Hobby Lobby is more successful in the decorative and finished products.
Store Experience
The experience of shopping may carry more weight than prices.
The Hobby Lobby stores are generally quiet, spacious, and not difficult to navigate. The decorations in place are very inspirational, almost like a showroom.
Michaels outlets are vibrant and feel more energetic. Craft class displays, seasonal project ideas, and framing counters are often in action.
Comparing Hobby Lobby vs Michaels, there are those who find it more pleasant to shop in Hobby Lobby due to their relaxed design, and those who are passionate about the artistic hype of Michaels.
Online Shopping
Both retail outlets have online shopping that can be delivered or picked up in stores.
The web and mobile application of Michaels are commonly perceived to be more convenient. Their online couponing mechanism is also seamless.
The Hobby Lobby has a well-functioning site that could be a bit less modernistic in its design.
In case convenience on the Internet is of the utmost importance to you, then Michaels might have a slight advantage.
Return Policies
Both outlets have decent return policies with receipts. Nevertheless, policies are subject to change, and it is always prudent to check in advance before making big purchases.
The return experience of the majority of customers at both stores is smooth.
Is Hobby Lobby Better Than Michaels?
It is among the most frequently searched questions: Is Hobby Lobby better than Michaels?
The direct answer to this is: it depends on what you require.
Hobby Lobby may feel better for:
- Home decor lovers
- Event planners
- Seasonal decorators
- DIY home stylists
Michaels may feel better for:
- Artists
- Scrapbookers
- Teachers
- Kids craft buyers
The reason some shoppers complain about why is Hobby Lobby better than Michaels is due to the diversity of its decor and massive sales each week. Some claim that Michaels is the winner because of coupons and professional supplies.
There is no universal winner, only what fits your crafting style.
Final Verdict
Then, in the Hobby Lobby vs Michaels case, where would you feel like shopping?
When you are thinking of home decor, wedding decorations, and seasonal displays, Hobby Lobby tends to be livelier and more fulfilling for you.
In case you are interested in art supplies, scrapbooking, framing, and classroom crafts, Michaels might be a better choice.
On price, the two stores can also be cheap when smart shoppers shop within them. It is just a matter of time to decide when to buy and when to buy during promotions.
Ultimately, it all depends on your projects with regard to Hobby Lobby vs Michaels. Others even go shopping at both of them, depending on the piece they are working on.
Rather than questioning which store is the best one, question which store offers you the most support in your creativity. Both have strengths. Both offer inspiration. And both can assist in making your DIY ideas come true.
When you love crafting, you simply cannot go wrong; you will simply need to know what you are shopping for.