Hobby Lobby Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Founded in 1972, Hobby Lobby began when David and Barbara Green took out a $600 loan in 1970 to make miniature picture frames from their home. On August 3, 1972, the company opened its first 300-square-foot retail store in Oklahoma City. By 1975, David Green left his supervisor position at variety store TG&Y to open a second Hobby Lobby location, followed by a Tulsa store in 1976. The company expanded steadily, reaching 50 locations across seven states by late 1992.

As of 2025, Hobby Lobby operates over 1,000 stores across 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and employs over 46,000 people. The company has grown into the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world, offering more than 70,000 items including home decor, seasonal products, craft supplies, fabrics, framing materials, and art supplies.

Hobby Lobby operates through both physical retail stores and an e-commerce platform. The company's retail strategy focuses on offering a vast product selection at competitive prices, enhanced by a popular weekly 40% off coupon. The expansion approach often involves repurposing existing large retail spaces, which can reduce startup costs. In alignment with the founder's religious principles, all stores close on Sundays.

Hobby Lobby has raised its minimum wage for full-time employees multiple times in recent years, reaching $17 per hour in October 2020, $18.50 per hour as of January 1, 2022, and $19.25 per hour as of October 1, 2024, marking the company's 13th minimum wage increase since 2009. Full-time employees also receive:

All employees, regardless of position or seniority, receive a 15% discount on in-store purchases.

The company offers flexible scheduling options including part-time, full-time, and flexible hours. Employee recognition programs may include monthly awards and employee of the month at the individual store level, with the company stating a commitment to promoting from within whenever possible.

Yes. Hobby Lobby and similar retailers may request a background report, typically after an initial interview, from a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). Background checks help the company validate information and support workplace safety. Background checks may be mandatory for certain positions and verify criminal history and employment eligibility.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches can close in minutes, while searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may extend beyond a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more general information about the timeline of a completed report.

A background check report may include:

Lookback periods vary by state law, position, and the employer’s policies. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, but certain roles can require a deeper review. Candidates should review state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand local limits.

Drug testing practices vary by position and location. Some stores may test all potential new employees. Drug tests may also be required if an employee is suspected of using drugs on the job or following a workplace injury.

When drug testing is required, Hobby Lobby may use a mouth swab test or a urine sample test. The specific testing method may vary by location and position. Some candidates have reported taking a mouth swab test during the hiring process.

The typical hiring process at Hobby Lobby often includes the following steps, which may not occur in this specific order:

The process may take a few days to multiple weeks, depending on position level and screening requirements.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before ordering a background report. Employers must also provide a copy of the report plus a pre-adverse action notice if they may take negative action, and allow a period of time for the candidate to dispute errors.

Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and its relevance to the role.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr lets you preview what Hobby Lobby may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or families.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and contact information for the customer support team.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.