If you‘re an avid crafter or DIY enthusiast in Canada, you‘ve likely heard of Hobby Lobby. With over 900 stores across 47 U.S. states, Hobby Lobby has become a go-to destination for American shoppers looking for a wide selection of arts, crafts, and home decor supplies at competitive prices. But what about Canadian shoppers? Is Hobby Lobby coming to Canada anytime soon? And if not, what are the best alternatives for crafting supplies north of the border?
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As a retail industry expert and picky shopper, I‘ve done a deep dive into the world of Canadian arts and crafts retail to bring you the most comprehensive and insightful analysis of Hobby Lobby‘s potential future in Canada. Let‘s start by looking at the current state of the market and the company‘s history of expansion.
The Canadian Arts and Crafts Retail Landscape
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada and IBISWorld, the arts and crafts retail market in Canada is valued at approximately $3.2 billion as of 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.5% over the next five years. The industry encompasses a wide range of product categories, from painting and drawing supplies to sewing and fabric crafts to DIY home decor and seasonal merchandise.
| Category | Share of Sales |
|---|---|
| Painting and Drawing | 22% |
| Sewing and Fabric Crafts | 18% |
| Kids‘ Crafts | 15% |
| Floral and Wedding | 12% |
| Home Decor and Framing | 11% |
| Jewelry Making | 8% |
| Paper Crafts and Art Supplies | 7% |
| Other | 7% |
Source: IBISWorld Industry Report 45112CA, "Arts & Crafts Supplies Stores in Canada," 2024.
As you can see, the Canadian market is quite fragmented and diverse, with no single product category dominating sales. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for retailers looking to capture market share across multiple segments.
In terms of retail channels, the Canadian market is currently served by a mix of big-box chains, specialty stores, independent retailers, and e-commerce players. Here are some of the key competitors:
Michaels: The largest arts and crafts retailer in Canada, with over 100 stores across the country and a growing online presence. Michaels offers a broad assortment of products across all major categories, with a focus on value and selection.
DeSerres: A Quebec-based retailer with 32 stores across Canada, specializing in fine art supplies, crafting materials, and custom framing. DeSerres targets a slightly more upmarket and professional customer base compared to Michaels.
Curry‘s Art Store: A family-owned chain with 11 locations in Southern Ontario, known for its wide selection of art supplies, digital printing services, and knowledgeable staff. Curry‘s has a loyal following among local artists and students.
Independent Retailers: There are hundreds of small, locally-owned arts and crafts stores scattered across Canada, ranging from urban boutiques to rural general stores. These independents often offer unique products, personalized service, and community events.
Online Marketplaces: E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay have made it easier for Canadians to shop for crafting supplies online, often at lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. However, the vast selection and lack of curation can be overwhelming for some shoppers.
Overall, the Canadian arts and crafts retail market is highly competitive and fragmented, with no single player commanding a dominant market share. This could make it challenging for a new entrant like Hobby Lobby to gain a foothold, especially given the company‘s focus on large-format stores and broad product assortment.
Hobby Lobby‘s History and Expansion Strategy
To understand the likelihood of Hobby Lobby expanding into Canada, it‘s helpful to look at the company‘s growth trajectory and strategic priorities. Founded in 1972 in Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby has grown from a single store to a national chain with over 900 locations and $5 billion in annual revenue, making it one of the largest privately-owned companies in the United States.
| Year | Number of Stores | Net Sales (Billions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 13 | $0.02 |
| 1990 | 55 | $0.27 |
| 2000 | 234 | $1.20 |
| 2010 | 503 | $2.40 |
| 2020 | 900+ | $5.00 |
Source: Hobby Lobby corporate website and press releases.
Throughout its history, Hobby Lobby has maintained a strategy of slow and steady expansion, primarily focused on the U.S. market. The company has prioritized opening stores in suburban areas with strong population growth and family demographics, often in power center or standalone locations with ample parking and visibility.
Unlike some of its competitors, Hobby Lobby has been cautious about expanding internationally or pursuing aggressive e-commerce growth. In fact, the company only launched its online store in 2011, nearly a decade after Michaels and other major retailers. And while Hobby Lobby has opened a handful of stores in Puerto Rico, it has not yet ventured into Canada or any other foreign markets.
There are a few reasons why Hobby Lobby may be hesitant to expand into Canada at this time:
Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: As a foreign retailer, Hobby Lobby would need to navigate a complex web of Canadian regulations related to taxes, labeling, product safety, and more. The company‘s conservative Christian values and past controversies around contraception coverage and imported artifacts could also pose compliance risks.
Supply Chain and Logistics: With all of its stores and distribution centers located in the U.S., Hobby Lobby would need to establish a new supply chain infrastructure to serve the Canadian market. This could involve significant investments in warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
Market Saturation: As noted earlier, the Canadian arts and crafts retail market is already served by several established players, including Michaels and DeSerres. Hobby Lobby may struggle to differentiate itself and attract customers in a crowded and mature market.
E-Commerce Competition: The growth of online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer brands has made it easier for Canadian consumers to access a wide variety of crafting supplies without visiting a physical store. Hobby Lobby‘s relatively limited e-commerce capabilities could put it at a disadvantage compared to more digitally savvy retailers.
Economic Headwinds: The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic uncertainties have made many retailers more cautious about expansion plans. With consumer spending expected to remain soft in the near term, Hobby Lobby may choose to focus on its core U.S. business rather than taking on the risks of international growth.
Given these challenges, it seems unlikely that Hobby Lobby will be rushing to open stores in Canada anytime soon. However, that doesn‘t mean crafty Canadians are out of luck when it comes to finding great deals and selection on arts and crafts supplies.
How to Shop at Hobby Lobby from Canada
While there may not be any Hobby Lobby stores in Canada, there are still a few ways that determined shoppers can get their hands on the retailer‘s products:
- Cross-Border Shopping: If you live within driving distance of the U.S. border, you may be able to visit a Hobby Lobby store in person and bring purchases back to Canada. However, keep in mind that you‘ll need to declare any goods at the border and pay applicable duties and taxes. Here are the current duty-free allowances for Canadians returning from the U.S.:
| Trips of less than 24 hours | No exemption |
|---|---|
| Trips of 24-48 hours | Up to $200 CAD per person |
| Trips of 48 hours – 7 days | Up to $800 CAD per person |
| Trips of 7+ days | Up to $800 CAD per person, plus goods up to $800 CAD mailed to yourself |
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, "Returning to Canada" (2024).
- Package Forwarding: Another option is to use a package forwarding service that provides a U.S. mailing address where you can ship your Hobby Lobby orders. The service will then forward your packages to your address in Canada, usually for an additional fee plus applicable duties and taxes. Some popular package forwarding services for Canadians include:
- Reship.com
- CrossBorderPickups.ca
- USaddress.ca
- MyMallBox.com
Keep in mind that using a package forwarder can be more expensive and time-consuming than shopping at a local retailer. You‘ll also need to be aware of any restrictions or additional paperwork required for importing goods into Canada.
- Online Marketplaces: Finally, you may be able to find some Hobby Lobby products on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. These platforms allow third-party sellers to list and ship items to Canada, often at a markup compared to U.S. prices. However, selection may be limited and quality can vary, so be sure to check seller ratings and reviews before making a purchase.
The Best Alternatives to Hobby Lobby in Canada
If the idea of cross-border shopping or package forwarding seems like too much hassle, don‘t worry – there are plenty of excellent arts and crafts retailers right here in Canada that offer comparable selection, quality, and value to Hobby Lobby. Here are a few of the top options:
Michaels
As the largest specialty arts and crafts retailer in North America, Michaels is often considered the closest equivalent to Hobby Lobby in Canada. The company operates over 1,200 stores across the U.S. and Canada, including 100+ locations in Canada across all 10 provinces.
Like Hobby Lobby, Michaels offers a vast selection of products in categories like art supplies, sewing and fabric, home decor, seasonal merchandise, and more. The company also provides a range of services like custom framing, floral arranging, and online party planning.
One area where Michaels really shines is its e-commerce capabilities. The company has invested heavily in its online store and mobile app, which offer features like personalized recommendations, product reviews, and free shipping on orders over $49 CAD. Michaels also offers a popular loyalty program called Michaels Rewards, which gives members exclusive discounts, bonus coupons, and early access to sales.
DeSerres
If you‘re looking for a more specialized arts and crafts retailer, DeSerres is a great option. Founded in 1908, the company operates 32 stores across Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces, as well as a robust online store that ships Canada-wide.
DeSerres is known for its focus on fine art supplies, including paint, canvases, brushes, and drawing materials. The company also offers a wide range of crafting supplies, stationery, and unique gift items. DeSerres prides itself on providing expert advice and inspiration to artists of all skill levels, with knowledgeable staff and in-store workshops.
One unique service that DeSerres offers is custom framing, with over 3,000 moulding options and professional design consultations available. The company also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with eco-friendly products and packaging, as well as a recycling program for used art supplies.
Curry‘s Art Store
If you‘re in the Greater Toronto Area, Curry‘s Art Store is a must-visit destination for artists and crafters. With 11 locations across Southern Ontario, Curry‘s offers an unparalleled selection of art supplies, digital printing equipment, and creative services.
What sets Curry‘s apart is its focus on professional-grade products and personalized service. The company‘s staff includes many working artists and designers who can provide expert advice on techniques and materials. Curry‘s also offers a range of in-store services like custom framing, canvas stretching, and digital printing on demand.
While Curry‘s may not have the same nationwide presence as Michaels or DeSerres, it has a loyal following among local artists, students, and hobbyists who appreciate the store‘s depth of knowledge and community focus.
Local Independent Retailers
Finally, don‘t underestimate the value of supporting your local independent arts and crafts stores. While these retailers may not have the same scale or brand recognition as the big chains, they often offer unique products, specialized expertise, and a personal touch that you won‘t find elsewhere.
Some of the benefits of shopping at independent retailers include:
Curated Selection: Independent stores often carry hand-picked, artisanal, or locally-made products that you won‘t find at mass retailers. This can be a great way to discover new brands or find one-of-a-kind items.
Knowledgeable Staff: Many independent store owners and employees are passionate crafters or artists themselves, and can provide valuable advice and inspiration based on their own experiences.
Community Connection: By supporting local businesses, you‘re helping to build a stronger and more vibrant creative community in your area. Many independent stores also host workshops, classes, or events that can be a great way to meet like-minded people and learn new skills.
Personalized Service: Independent retailers often pride themselves on going above and beyond for their customers, whether it‘s special ordering a hard-to-find item or offering tailored recommendations based on your interests.
To find independent arts and crafts retailers near you, try searching online directories like Yelp or Google Maps, or asking for recommendations from local artist groups or craft guilds. You may be surprised at the hidden gems in your own backyard!
Conclusion
While it‘s natural for Canadian crafters to feel a twinge of envy when they see the selection and prices at U.S. retailers like Hobby Lobby, the truth is that we have plenty of excellent options right here at home. Whether you prefer the convenience and value of big-box chains like Michaels, the specialized expertise of niche retailers like DeSerres or Curry‘s, or the personal touch of local independents, there‘s no shortage of places to feed your creative passions.
As for whether Hobby Lobby will ever make the leap into the Canadian market, only time will tell. Given the challenges of cross-border expansion and the competitive landscape of Canadian retail, it seems unlikely that we‘ll be seeing Hobby Lobby stores popping up in our neighborhoods anytime soon.
But who knows – perhaps the company will surprise us with a bold new strategy or partnership that brings its unique brand of crafting inspiration to the Great White North. Until then, happy crafting!
