Jessie Taylor
Hobby Lobby is an arts-and-crafts retail chain known for promoting the Christian values of its owners. The company has been the subject of several controversies over the years, including its decision to discontinue selling Hanukkah-themed merchandise. In 2013, Hobby Lobby faced backlash for an employee's alleged anti-Semitic comment, prompting a public apology from the company's president, Steve Green. While the company did stock Hanukkah products between 2015 and 2021, it discontinued these items before the 2022 holiday season, citing factors such as customer interest, sales performance, and space constraints. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some customers expressing disapproval and accusations of antisemitism, while others defend the company's right to choose its merchandise based on consumer demand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sells Hanukkah candles | No |
| Reason for not selling Hanukkah merchandise | Low customer demand, need for space for other product lines, and the company's Christian values |
| Year Hobby Lobby stopped selling Hanukkah merchandise | 2022 |
| Previous Hanukkah products sold | Mini Menorah, Hanukkah gift wrap, wooden dreidels, themed decor |
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What You'll Learn
Hobby Lobby's history with Hanukkah merchandise
Hobby Lobby has had a contentious history with Hanukkah merchandise. The arts and crafts retailer, which promotes Christian values, has been criticized multiple times for not offering Hanukkah-themed products.
In 2013, the company faced backlash when a customer in New Jersey claimed that an employee responded to their inquiry about Hanukkah merchandise with the answer, "We don't cater to you people." This incident led to a public apology from Hobby Lobby's president, Steve Green, who stated that the company was proud contributors to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance organization. Following this controversy, Hobby Lobby began stocking Hanukkah products, with 23 items available on its website in October 2021.
However, in 2022, Hobby Lobby discontinued its Hanukkah product line, along with several other seasonal lines, citing the need to make space for stronger categories. This decision sparked another round of criticism, with some accusing the company of anti-Semitism. The company stated that the decision was based on sales and customer interest.
As of 2023, Hobby Lobby still does not offer Hanukkah merchandise, and its sister company, Mardel Christian & Education, sells Hanukkah products instead. The lack of Hanukkah items in Hobby Lobby stores has been noticed by customers, with some expressing disappointment and calling for the company to be more inclusive.
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Hobby Lobby's statement on discontinuing Hanukkah items
Hobby Lobby has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to its decision to discontinue selling Hanukkah-themed merchandise. The arts and crafts retailer, known for promoting the Christian values of its owners, has faced accusations of anti-Semitism and discrimination.
In a statement provided to the press and customers, Hobby Lobby has attributed the discontinuation of Hanukkah items to factors such as customer interest, sales performance, and the need for additional space for stronger and newer product categories. The company emphasizes that its seasonal merchandise offerings are subject to constant evaluation and change.
Hobby Lobby's spokesperson stated:
> The decision on what to offer our customers is based on many factors, including customer interest and what sells well. Our seasonal merchandise assortment carried at Hobby Lobby is constantly changing, and we evaluate it annually. Due to the need to find additional space for some of our stronger categories as well as our newer ones, the decision was made over the last couple of years to discontinue several seasonal product lines, including Mardi Gras, Halloween, and Hanukkah.
This statement, provided by a corporate customer service employee, aligns with the explanation given by Hobby Lobby's corporate office to NBC 10 News. They mentioned that the company stopped selling Hanukkah and Halloween items two years ago to refresh their "core seasonal merchandise."
Hobby Lobby's decision to discontinue Hanukkah merchandise has sparked mixed reactions from customers. While some accuse the company of excluding Jewish customers and being insensitive to religious diversity, others defend the company's right to make business decisions based on sales performance.
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Customer reactions to the discontinuation of Hanukkah items
Customers have expressed disappointment and disapproval over Hobby Lobby's decision to discontinue Hanukkah items. Some customers have accused the company of antisemitism, particularly as the stores stock Christmas merchandise. However, Hobby Lobby has stated that the decision was based on customer demand and the need to make space for stronger product categories.
In 2013, the company faced a similar controversy when a customer claimed that a Hobby Lobby employee said, "We don't cater to you people" in response to an inquiry about Hanukkah merchandise. This incident led to a public apology from Hobby Lobby's president, Steve Green, who affirmed the company's respect for the Jewish faith and its commitment to non-discrimination.
Following the 2013 incident, Hobby Lobby began offering Jewish holiday items in select stores in New York and New Jersey to test the market. However, it appears that the company has since discontinued Hanukkah merchandise again, sparking renewed criticism from customers who feel the company should be more inclusive of different religions and cultural traditions.
Some customers have defended Hobby Lobby, arguing that the company has the right to choose what products to sell. Additionally, Hobby Lobby has stated that its sister company, Mardel, does stock Hanukkah merchandise. Nonetheless, the discontinuation of Hanukkah items at Hobby Lobby has prompted calls for the company to reconsider and offer a wider range of holiday items that represent diverse religious traditions.
The company has faced other controversies related to the religious beliefs of its founder and CEO, David Green, and its commitment to operating based on "Biblical principles." The decision to discontinue Hanukkah items has further fueled debates about the inclusivity and representation of different religious groups in retail spaces.
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Accusations of antisemitism against Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby has faced accusations of antisemitism due to its decision to stop selling Hanukkah-themed merchandise. The arts and crafts retailer, which is known for promoting the Christian values of its owners, confirmed in November 2023 that it would not be selling any Hanukkah-themed items for the second year in a row. This decision sparked accusations of antisemitism on social media, with some users sharing screenshots of conversations with Hobby Lobby's online customer service representatives.
In response to the backlash, Hobby Lobby issued a statement on its Facebook page, apologizing for any offensive comments made by employees and pledging to evaluate its merchandising practices. However, the company attributed its decision to discontinue Hanukkah-themed products to the need for additional space for stronger product categories.
This is not the first time Hobby Lobby has faced accusations of antisemitism. In 2013, the company came under fire after an employee made offensive comments to a Jewish customer who inquired about bar mitzvah cards. Additionally, the company's founder and CEO, David Green, has been criticized for his evangelical Christian beliefs and the perceived imposition of those beliefs on the company's policies. Green has been accused of using his company to "shill for Jesus Christ" while also collecting and appropriating Jewish artifacts, including a large collection of Torah scrolls.
Hobby Lobby's decision to stop selling Hanukkah merchandise, combined with its history of controversies, has led to widespread speculation about the company's values and commitment to inclusivity. While some customers have expressed disappointment and called for the company to reconsider, others have defended Hobby Lobby's decision, arguing that it reflects the Christian values of its owners.
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Stores that sell Hanukkah items
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that takes place between November and January. While Hobby Lobby did sell Hanukkah-themed items in the past, the store discontinued its Hanukkah product line in 2022. This decision was based on sales and the need for additional space for stronger product categories.
If you are looking for stores that sell Hanukkah items, there are several options available. Some popular choices include:
- Michaels: This craft store offers a wide range of Hanukkah items, with 18 pages of Hanukkah products available on its website. You can find various options, from decorations to gifts.
- Target: The availability of Hanukkah items at Target may depend on the store's proximity to a Jewish community. Stores located in areas with a larger Jewish population are more likely to have a dedicated section for Hanukkah products. You can also find a variety of Hanukkah items online at Target, including cookie play sets and decorations.
- ModernTribe: This online store specializes in contemporary Judaica and offers a wide range of Hanukkah products. You can find everything from menorahs and dreidels to gifts, decorations, and Jewish toys.
- Home Goods: TJ Maxx and Marshalls, which are part of the same company, offer a great selection of Hanukkah items. You can find unique and festive options to celebrate the holiday.
- The Home Depot: The Home Depot carries a variety of indoor Hanukkah decorations, allowing you to add a festive touch to your home during the holiday season.
Additionally, you may find Hanukkah items at select Bullseye's Playground stores and online retailers like Amazon. It's always a good idea to check the availability of specific products by contacting the stores directly or searching their websites.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Hobby Lobby does not sell Hanukkah candles or any other Hanukkah-themed items. The company discontinued selling Hanukkah-related products in 2022.
Hobby Lobby has stated that the decision to discontinue selling Hanukkah products was based on sales and customer interest. However, the company has been accused of antisemitism for not selling Hanukkah-themed items while selling Christmas merchandise.
You can try shopping at Michaels, which has 18 pages of Hanukkah items on its website. Mardel Christian & Education, Hobby Lobby's sister company, also sells Hanukkah merchandise.
