Hobby Lobby's Official Discount Policy: What Seniors Need to Know
Unlike many retailers that offer a blanket discount for older customers, Hobby Lobby does not have an official senior discount program. Their policy is to extend equal savings opportunities to all customers, regardless of age. While this may be disappointing for some, it means that the powerful savings strategies available to all shoppers are also accessible to seniors. Understanding how Hobby Lobby's pricing and promotions work is the first step toward maximizing your savings.
The Weekly Ad: Your Best Friend for Deals
One of the most reliable and consistent ways to save at Hobby Lobby is by paying close attention to their weekly ad. The ad, which is updated every Sunday, features a rotating schedule of items that are marked down by as much as 50% or more. Savvy shoppers have learned the pattern, which often sees home decor, seasonal items, and specific crafting categories go on sale at predictable times. By timing your purchases, you can secure significant discounts without needing a special senior-only pass. Seniors can easily access the weekly ad online or by using the Hobby Lobby app on their smartphone.
Dissecting the Clearance Section and Price Tags
Beyond the weekly ad, the clearance section is a goldmine for anyone looking to save, including seniors on a budget. Every Hobby Lobby store dedicates at least one wall to clearance items, which are identified by yellow price tags. These items can be marked down by 50% to 90%. Season-specific merchandise, in particular, will be heavily discounted after the holiday has passed. Experienced clearance hunters know that patience can pay off with even deeper discounts over time, with some items eventually reaching 90% off.
Understanding the various price tag colors and clearance schedules is an expert-level savings strategy. For example, a yellow tag with a red 'CLEARANCE' sticker indicates the final markdown, while a simple yellow tag might still see future price drops. A knowledgeable shopper can often pick up high-quality products for a fraction of their original cost simply by knowing when to buy.
The Hobby Lobby Gift Card Hack
Another lesser-known but effective savings strategy involves purchasing discounted Hobby Lobby gift cards from online resale markets. While this requires a bit of pre-planning, it can provide an extra layer of savings on top of other deals. For example, buying a $50 gift card for $45 immediately gives you 10% more purchasing power before you even factor in sales or clearance items.
Comparing Hobby Lobby to Competitors
While Hobby Lobby may not offer a senior discount, competitors like Michaels and JOANN Fabric do have senior-specific programs. It is beneficial to compare pricing and discounts across stores, especially for those who are flexible with where they shop. The table below illustrates how the discount landscape differs.
| Retailer | Senior Discount Policy | Other Notable Savings | Best for Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | No specific senior discount. | Weekly sales up to 50%, clearance deals up to 90%, discounted gift cards. | Shoppers who plan purchases around weekly ad and clearance finds. |
| Michaels | 10% off for shoppers 55+ with a Michaels Rewards account. | Daily deals, loyalty program, accepts competitor coupons in some cases. | Shoppers seeking consistent, everyday savings with less effort. |
| JOANN Fabric | 20% off for shoppers 55+ on designated Senior Discount Days (varies by location). | Weekly ads, loyalty program, coupons. | Seniors who can shop on specific senior discount day. |
Leveraging Loyalty Programs and Competitor Price Matching
Beyond senior discounts, competitor policies can also provide indirect savings. For example, Michaels and JOANN sometimes accept competitors' coupons. Although Hobby Lobby no longer issues their famous 40% off coupon, their competitors may still honor older Hobby Lobby ad prices, sometimes with an additional percentage off. This tactic, while not a direct senior discount, can still result in substantial savings, particularly on regularly priced items.
For seniors who frequent other stores, joining their loyalty programs can also unlock new opportunities. Programs like Michaels Rewards offer more than just discounts, providing points for purchases that can be redeemed later for additional savings.
Finding Your Best Strategy
Ultimately, the best approach for seniors shopping at Hobby Lobby is to become a savvy shopper. This involves combining strategies: check the weekly ad before every visit, always browse the clearance section for hidden gems, and consider the discounted gift card approach for an extra layer of savings. For those whose purchases align with a competitor's senior discount day, shopping at Michaels or JOANN may be the most straightforward path to immediate savings. However, for those who love Hobby Lobby's unique product selection, becoming an expert on their internal promotions is a rewarding endeavor. For more general advice on navigating discounts for seniors, the National Council on Aging provides valuable resources and lists of available discounts at various retailers.
