Hobby Lobby Vendor

Selling your consumer product to a retailer like Hobby Lobby can be a great opportunity to expand your business. In this article, we will discuss some key points to consider when selling to Hobby Lobby and how to approach them as a potential vendor.

The Power of Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is a well-known retailer that specializes in arts and crafts products. With over a thousand stores, they have significant buying power, making them a desirable retailer to work with. If your product is a good fit for Hobby Lobby, it has the potential to generate significant revenue for your business.

Understanding Hobby Lobby’s Product Range

Hobby Lobby offers a wide range of products, including home decor, seasonal items, tableware, floral arrangements, art supplies, craft materials, jewelry, and hobby-related products. They have over 70,000 items in their inventory, which means they are constantly looking for new products to add to their stores.

Manufacturing for Hobby Lobby

When selling to Hobby Lobby, it’s important to note that they are looking for products that are mass-produced and can be supplied in large quantities. Unlike retailers that cater to smaller volumes, Hobby Lobby’s extensive store network requires products that can be stocked across all their locations. Therefore, it’s crucial to have your manufacturing and production processes in place before approaching them as a potential vendor.

Exploring Opportunities Beyond Hobby-related Products

While Hobby Lobby is known for its arts and crafts products, they also purchase a variety of other items. They buy gifts and other products that may not seem like an obvious fit for their stores. Therefore, it’s worth considering approaching Hobby Lobby even if you have a product that doesn’t fall into the traditional hobby category. You never know what opportunities may arise, so it’s always a good idea to explore all possibilities.

Certifications and Supplier Diversity

Hobby Lobby’s customer base primarily consists of women and families, so they value diversity and often seek out suppliers that align with their target audience. If you have the ability to get certified as a woman-owned business or a diverse supplier, it can give you a competitive edge when approaching Hobby Lobby. Certifications such as Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) can open doors and increase your chances of becoming a vendor for Hobby Lobby.

Regional Buyers and Corporate Buyers

Hobby Lobby operates with both regional buyers and corporate buyers. While corporate buyers handle purchasing for all their stores, regional buyers are responsible for specific regions or a smaller number of stores. It’s important to be aware of this distinction as it can present additional opportunities for selling your product. If the corporate buyer turns you down, consider reaching out to the regional buyers who may have different budgets and buying requirements. This approach can be particularly effective if your product is tailored to a specific region or demographic.

Hobby Lobby Vendor

Selling your consumer product to a retailer like Hobby Lobby can be a lucrative opportunity for your business. With their extensive store network and diverse customer base, Hobby Lobby offers a wide range of potential customers for your product. By understanding their buying power, product range, manufacturing requirements, and the importance of certifications and supplier diversity, you can increase your chances of becoming a vendor for Hobby Lobby. Additionally, exploring opportunities beyond traditional hobby-related products and considering regional buyers can open doors and provide alternative avenues for selling your product. If you’re interested in learning more about how to approach, pitch, and sell to retailers like Hobby Lobby, check out the links below for resources and training programs.