Why is Hobby Lobby Closed on Sundays?

Hobby Lobby, the ubiquitous arts and crafts superstore, is famously closed on Sundays. The reason is simple, and unwavering: it’s a deeply held religious conviction of the company’s founder, David Green, and his family. They believe that honoring the Christian Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a core principle of their faith and a foundational element of their business practices. This decision, while undoubtedly impacting potential profits, is a deliberate and consistent choice rooted in biblical principles and a commitment to their values.

The Foundation of Faith-Based Business

More Than Just a Business Decision

Hobby Lobby’s closure on Sundays isn’t a mere marketing ploy or a quaint tradition. It represents a sincere effort to integrate the Green family’s faith into the very fabric of their company. They view their business as a ministry, and closing on Sundays is a tangible expression of that belief. It provides their employees with a day to rest, spend time with family, and worship if they choose. This commitment stems from a literal interpretation of the Fourth Commandment, which calls for observing the Sabbath.

A Test of Conviction: The Supreme Court Case

The strength of this conviction was prominently displayed during the landmark Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case in 2014. The case challenged the Affordable Care Act’s mandate requiring employers to provide contraception coverage to their employees. Hobby Lobby argued that this mandate violated their religious freedom under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, affirming the right of closely held corporations to be exempt from regulations that substantially burden their religious beliefs. This case solidified Hobby Lobby’s commitment to operating according to their faith, including their Sunday closure policy.

The Impact on Employees and the Community

While some may question the business sense of closing on a potentially lucrative day, Hobby Lobby argues that it benefits their employees and contributes positively to the community. The policy allows employees to observe their own Sabbath (regardless of their personal faith), spend time with their families, and recharge. The company believes that a well-rested and valued workforce leads to better service and a more positive work environment. Moreover, the Greens see their Sunday closure as a statement about their values, hoping to influence others to prioritize faith and family.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Hobby Lobby’s Sunday Closure

1. How long has Hobby Lobby been closed on Sundays?

Hobby Lobby has been closed on Sundays since its founding in 1972. This practice predates the company’s national expansion and has remained consistent throughout its history.

2. Does Hobby Lobby make exceptions for special events or holidays?

No. Hobby Lobby maintains a strict policy of closing on Sundays, regardless of holidays or special events. This includes Sundays leading up to Christmas, which are traditionally peak shopping days for many retailers.

3. How much revenue does Hobby Lobby potentially lose by being closed on Sundays?

While the exact figures are not publicly released, industry analysts estimate that Hobby Lobby potentially forgoes millions of dollars in revenue each Sunday. Despite this significant financial impact, the Green family has consistently chosen to prioritize their religious convictions over potential profits.

4. Are there any other days that Hobby Lobby is closed besides Sundays?

Yes, Hobby Lobby is also closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve to allow employees to spend time with their families during these holidays.

5. Do other major retailers close on Sundays for religious reasons?

While blue laws, which once restricted Sunday commerce, have largely been repealed, very few major retailers choose to close on Sundays solely for religious reasons. Hobby Lobby stands out as a prominent example of a company prioritizing faith in this way. Chick-fil-A is another example, closing on Sundays, a business decision that is publicly available.

6. What is the official Hobby Lobby statement on their Sunday closure policy?

Hobby Lobby’s official website states that the company is “closed on Sundays to honor God and allow our employees to spend time with their families and worship if they choose.” This statement emphasizes the dual purpose of the policy: honoring their faith and supporting their employees.

7. Has the Sunday closure policy ever been challenged by employees or customers?

There have been occasional criticisms of the policy, but it remains a core principle of the company. Some customers have expressed frustration at the inconvenience of not being able to shop on Sundays, but the company has remained steadfast in its decision.

8. How does Hobby Lobby’s Sunday closure affect online sales?

Hobby Lobby’s online store, like its brick-and-mortar locations, is also closed on Sundays. This reinforces the company’s commitment to observing the Sabbath across all aspects of its business.

9. How does Hobby Lobby ensure its employees adhere to the Sunday closure policy?

The Sunday closure policy is a company-wide mandate, and all employees are expected to respect it. Store managers are responsible for ensuring that no business operations occur on Sundays.

10. What are the benefits of having a day off for employees?

Giving employees a day off provides numerous benefits, including: improved work-life balance, reduced stress and burnout, increased productivity and job satisfaction, and the opportunity to pursue personal interests and spend time with family and friends.

11. Does Hobby Lobby offer any other faith-based benefits to its employees?

Beyond the Sunday closure, Hobby Lobby is known for its generous benefits package, which includes above-average wages and comprehensive health insurance. The company also offers a chaplain program for employees seeking spiritual guidance and support.

12. How has the public perception of Hobby Lobby’s Sunday closure policy evolved over time?

Initially, the Sunday closure policy was relatively unremarkable, reflecting a time when many businesses were closed on Sundays. However, as Sunday shopping became more prevalent, Hobby Lobby’s decision became more distinctive and attracted greater attention. The Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case further amplified public awareness of the company’s commitment to its religious values. Today, the Sunday closure is a defining characteristic of the Hobby Lobby brand, often sparking both praise and criticism, but undeniably solidifying its image as a company that prioritizes faith.