Hobby Lobby increases full-time hourly employee minimum wage to $13 per hour

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a privately held retail chain with more than 500 arts and crafts stores in 41 states, today announced a minimum wage increase to $13 per hour for full-time hourly employees of Hobby Lobby and its affiliated businesses, including Hemispheres and Crafts, Etc!, effective immediately. The company also announced a minimum wage increase for all part-time employees to $9 per hour.

This increase for full-time hourly and part-time hourly employees will raise the pay of more than 15,300 employees nationwide. Hobby Lobby's new minimum wage is nearly 80 percent above the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

"Our employees are essential to the continued success of Hobby Lobby stores nationwide," said David Green, CEO and founder of Hobby Lobby. "We believe they deserve to be recognized for their commitment to our company."

In 2012, Hobby Lobby projects continued growth and plans to open about 33 additional stores, which will create an additional 1,200 jobs across the country. The company recently celebrated its 500th store opening in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be opening stores in California, Florida and North Carolina in the next several months.

Last year, Hobby Lobby raised the minimum wage for full-time employees to $12 per hour, increasing the pay of nearly 7,000 employees.

"We are very fortunate to be able to increase the minimum pay for our hourly employees for the fourth year in a row," Green said. "Our company emphasizes strong corporate values based on biblical principles, including integrity and service to others, and our employees embody those values and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts on the job and in the community."

About Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

Based in Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby and its affiliates, including Hemispheres and Crafts, Etc!, employ more than 21,300 individuals nationwide. Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1972. The company has grown from one 700 square-foot store to more than 500 locations in 41 states. Hobby Lobby carries no long-term debt, is open only 66 hours per week and is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit www.hobbylobby.com.

SOURCE Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.