This holiday season, a visit to popular craft-store chains Michaels and Hobby Lobby reveals stark differences in their approach to seasonal decor. Both retailers offer an extensive array of items, yet Hobby Lobby stands out with its more vibrant and diverse selection.
Walking into Hobby Lobby feels like stepping into a holiday wonderland. The entrance greets visitors with festive decor, featuring seasonal quilts, throw pillows, and large ceramic figurines of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This display instantly inspires holiday spirit and creativity.
In contrast, the entrance at Michaels lacks the same festive atmosphere. While it does feature some artificial wreaths and garlands, the overall impression is less immersive, leaving some shoppers craving more holiday cheer from the outset.
Inside Hobby Lobby, the array of tableware is impressive, with dedicated aisles presenting assorted items from tablecloths to wine glasses adorned with seasonal motifs. The organized layout makes shopping easy for those looking to enhance their dining-room decor.
Meanwhile, Michaels offers themed sections where items like tableware are interspersed with other decor types, catering to shoppers seeking a cohesive aesthetic. However, this theme-based approach can make it challenging to find specific items quickly.
For those in search of Christmas stockings, Hobby Lobby provides an extensive variety, tempting even those with long-standing family favorites to consider a change. With designs for every preference, the selection is commendable.
On the other hand, Michaels captivates with its impressive selection of advent calendars, featuring popular franchises like Marvel and Nintendo, making it a go-to location for themed calendars.
Hobby Lobby’s collection of nativity-inspired decor is extensive, aligning with its Christian ownership. In comparison, Michaels offers fewer nativity items.
When it comes to seasonal crafting supplies, Hobby Lobby leads with numerous aisles dedicated to holiday crafts, while Michaels presents a narrower selection focusing on endcap displays.
Both stores showcase ornaments catering to diverse interests, from gamers to cooks, and offer a wide range of artificial Christmas trees, making either a viable choice for tree shopping.
Hobby Lobby excels with character-specific merchandise, including full collections themed around beloved figures like the Grinch, while Michaels highlights its creativity with unique nutcracker collections.
Regarding diversity in Santa representation, both stores make strides, offering items depicting Black Santa figures, though Michaels earlier had the edge in diversity last year.
Hobby Lobby’s expansive aisles and detailed character-themed displays contribute to its appeal, though its distance from some shoppers’ homes could be a disadvantage. Michaels, despite being less extravagant, remains a convenient and worthwhile stop for holiday decor.
In conclusion, both Michaels and Hobby Lobby provide substantial holiday decor options, each excelling in different areas. Hobby Lobby shines with its vibrant displays and extensive collections, fostering a more festive shopping experience. Meanwhile, Michaels offers practicality and accessibility, especially for those seeking specific items like advent calendars and diverse holiday representations. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal shopping preferences and proximity.
Source: BusinessInsider
