My protest of Hobby Lobby is more than a drop in the bucket.

[Turn CO Blue]

I have seen many, many posts here and elsewhere the last couple of days about not shopping at Hobby Lobby, but many or even most of them basically say "not too hard for me to protest them, I've never been there." Or "never even heard of them until this case came up."

Well, let me tell you. I am more than a casual crafter. I make custom made-to-fit clothing items for my living (very blingy, very wild, costumes, drag, pageant, cosplay, etc) . And I get a huge percentage of my supplies there, perhaps 25%

So when tell you that I pulled back my average of $6,000 or $7000 spent PER YEAR at Hobby Lobby - it's just a little bit more than their losing a customer here and there. And it's nothing that the next fundie/zealot/handmaiden who may start shopping there is going to be able to easily make up for in the next couple of trips to get some yarn or acrylics.

I understand that many full-time Etsians (Etsy shop owners) have already pulled back too.

I'm not going to tell you it's been easy or that it will get easier. I'm a visual person, and I truly love to get my eyes and hands on the trims and sparkles I am purchasing. Many of my repeat formals are based on embellishments from HL. I will have to redesign those, because trying to match exactly with wholesale suppliers from China is too time consuming. Believe me I've tried. To replace one type of ribbon, I could easily spend 2-3 hours searching eBay and/or a catalogue. Yes, I'm picky. Yes, I should be. And yes, there are other places to shop, but to be perfectly frank, Michael's can't cut it for me because they only carry about 1/4th the stock that a typical Hobby Lobby store carries and they don't have sewing supplies and have very limited embellishments. Even Walmart (ugh) has a better selection on some types of things I need. Like THAT'S an improvement over HL.

But no more. I could never walk in there again. I cut way back on my trips there when news of this case first popped up, and then gave in when I had a rush order. But I have cut back by perhaps 75% on purchases there for the last five months or so.

But they won't get a dime of mine (or my customer's) again. It's going to take a huge amount of pre-planning so that I order my supplies 2 or 3 weeks out from it's scheduled spot in my calendar and that's not exactly my strongsuit as a designer. But I'm determined to do it.

Thanks for reading.

Please be kind. This is not just personal for me, it's also business and changing a process in any business is usually a tough row to hoe.

/tcb

[Squinch]

1. I get what you are saying about the sensory appeal of places that supply our arts. And I appreciate

that it creates difficulties for you. I hope there are many more like you out there.

I wish I had ever shopped there so I could stop now.

[Liberalynn]

5. My sister shopped there few times and said she would have gone again.

but not now.I personally like Jo-Anne Fabrics the best! Thank You for fighting back.

[roguevalley]

43. what a great job, turn co blue

[yeoman6987]

54. I am not sure if this will Hurt Holly Lobby or not

Many Conservatives had not heard of Holly Lobby before either and now will support them anyway they can. The exposure to the store that I never heard of before has turned folks into a love it or hate it situation. Time will tell what will happen to Holly Lobby. One thing for sure, Chick Fil A was supposed to be hurt but that never happened. Folks are notorious for their short term interest. Next week, a new shiny penny will take the attention away from the populous. It is a shame but that is the way the World works.

[Bandit]

60. Not for everyone

I have a pretty good memory and I pay attention where my money goes. I haven't set foot in a Walmart in years and years. There are several companies that promote their politics and I refuse to do business with those that are Republican.. I don't spend a lot of money so it doesn't really hurt the business but at least I know I am doing what I think is correct. I think there are probably a few more people like myself and it just goes to show the stupidity of any business that wants to promote politics. At least some of their customers will stop spending in their stores or utilizing their services.

[Squinch]

67. I am with you. I also do my best to pay attention to where my money goes.

It seems to be working against Rush.

[Lifelong Protester]

80. I agree with your sentiments

I am sure what I don't spend at Wally World or other joints like that won' t make a huge difference, but at least I know I'm not putting another dollar in their pockets. At least it is good for my mental health.

[goldent]

105. I agree - financially this could be good or bad for Hobby Lobby

I think boycotts should be done just for personal peace of mind and not with the idea you are going to hurt them. It's a little like voting - I know that the odds of my single vote making a difference are nearly 0, but I have to do it for peace of mind.

[yeoman6987]

106. Yes. I get a bit apprehensive when I hear boycott only because...

JCPenny for example. It has been hurt for years, but they hired Ellen to be the spokesman and of course the conservatives called for a boycott. Now because JCPenny is even worse off, the think it is due to their boycotting which is not true one bit. it is a dangerous precedent for all.

[JoeyT]

109. It's pretty unlikely many conservatives hadn't heard of them.

My right wing family members have been shitting up facebook and forwarding stupid emails about how Hobby Lobby is a Christian business that everyone ought to support for years. I find it pretty hard to believe there's a significant number of right wing dipshits that have never heard of them or their Nazi-lite views.

Chik-Fil-A WAS hurt, just not immediately. A new shiny penny took the right wing support away from them, and decent human beings are going to remember that they're bigots and still refuse to eat there. Or did you miss the "I have had a change of heart and gays are not abominations and please buy our sandwiches!" announcement a while back?

[yeoman6987]

111. I just don't see them hurt

Everytime I pass by the place they are packed and the one in the Mall has a line a mile long every time I am there which is 5 or 6 times a month. Just my observation in Annapolis Maryland.

[customerserviceguy]

116. They make a tasty sandwich

and that's probably why there are loads of people there. Plus, if you can only get to one on the weekends, you only have one day out of the two to get a chicken sandwich.

Someday, when equal marriage is the undisputed law of the land, and Chick-Fil-A can't do a damned thing about that, I may well start buying their sandwiches again. At some point, you have to lay down your arms when the war is fully and decisively won.

[tulsakatz]

124. I did notice that!!

thanks for mentioning it!! They were hurt, just not immediately!

We all need to remember that conservatives are becoming a minority group, at least the hard core ones are! Liberal's & centrist's dollars can still make a big impact!!

Trust me, anyone who does any kind of crafting or art work, if there's a Hobby Lobby in that town, they know it's there & have most likely been there a few times. Whether or not they agree with their political or religious views. But now that it's become so obvious what kind of business they are, I'm sure it will stop a few people from shopping there.....even if it is a little more inconvenient!

I used to shop at walmart & hated giving my money to a company like that but it was the convenience that kept me coming back. Now I haven't shopped there for well over a year, maybe longer. And I also will no longer order pizza from domino's or papa john's for the same reason!! I want my liberal dollars to go to a company that will benefit liberal ideas & policies!!

[MADem]

118. Conservatives? Make their own stuff and be creative?

Hell, I'd have thought they'd just hire some poor minimum wage schmuck to do that FOR them!

I think this just might hurt them--we'll have to wait and see.

As for Chik-Fil-A, they DID backtrack, so it's not like they didn't feel any pain.

http://www.advocate.com/business/2014/04/14/huckabee-perkins-slam-chick-fil-ceo-over-marriage-backtrack

Huckabee, Perkins Slam Chick-fil-A CEO Over Marriage Backtrack
Two conservative figures say that conservative business leaders like Dan Cathy are being bullied into being silent on their political leanings.

Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, says business leaders like Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy are "cowards" for backtracking on their expressed views against marriage equality.

Shortly after Cathy said he was unapologetically opposed to marriage rights for same-sex couples in 2012, his fast-food chain became a symbol of homophobia for LGBT people and allies. The company has also donated millions of dollars in cash and services to antigay groups.

Last year, Floyd Lee Corkins entered the headquarters of Perkins's organization and opened fire. He reportedly had a bag full of Chick-fil-A sandwiches and claimed that he would smear them on the faces of his victims.

Earlier this year, Cathy said he would no longer speak publicly about marriage equality and that he would leave such public debate for politicians and pundits. "The wiser thing for us to do is stay focused on customer service," he said....

[politicaljunkie41910]

131. I think it will hurt them. If you are not a crafter, you're not going to go into a craft store

on a repeated basis if you don't need to. You have to make a conscious effort to go in there and besides most crafting supplies can be expensive.

This is not the same as Chick Fil A because a lot of people I know liked Chick Fil A's food and frequented it on a regular basis. If you did so regularly, it probably is an unconscious decision. You can do it without even thinking about it. You don't even have to get out of your car to shop there. So if a boycott of Chick Fil A is not at the forefront of your conscious, you could pull in there and order something and be halfway through with eating it before you remember that you were boycotting them.

[JNelson6563]

2. Thank you for making the effort!

You are awesome!

Julie

[FSogol]

3. +1 n/t

[cally]

4. I've often wondered why crafts items couldn't be sold at Gem Faires

or craft fairs. Seems like it would be a great business opportunity for someone.

Thanks for the boycott. It's necessary.

[valerief]

6. Your job sounds like fun! Good move to drop HL. Is there a Michael's or Jo-Ann near you instead? nt

[oldandhappy]

7. This is painful for you.

Thank you for making the effort. You are absolutely correct. For most of us, HL is a now and again or never thing and our back up from them means little. Your decision is a big one for you and for HL. I commend you. I hope you will be rewarded with some new sources.

[csziggy]

8. I do needlework and stopped going to Hobby Lobby months ago

When I first heard about the lawsuit. I did send my husband there once for a doll needle to finish the memory bears I made for family from Dad's shirts. (JoAnn's might have carried the item, but they were not clear on their web site and the store is much further from my husband's place of work.)

Same as you, I like seeing and feeling the textiles - matching colors over the internet just doesn't work. I use a large variety of fibers and the different sheens and textures affect the color in ways photography just can't catch.

I'm luckier than you - I'm not a professional and Hobby Lobby has never carried very many of the fibers I want to see in person - so I am not losing as much by boycotting them. But before the lawsuit I had a number of my needlework pieces framed there. At 4-6 pieces per year, that is significant money paid for just that service they will no longer be making.

Multiply the effect of hundreds of people like you and thousands like me (or ten times those numbers) and it will have an effect on Hobby Lobby. They can reap what they sow, to quote their "good book."

[Turn CO Blue]

11. Absolutely, so in agreement with everything you wrote.

[JustAnotherGen]

52. I have a few locally owned places I go to

But if I'm getting ready to start a project and know I want a certain fabric or floss - I order from here:

http://www.herrschners.com/dept/Needlepoint.aspx

And their customer service when they get it wrong is pretty good!

[csziggy]

82. I used to get their catalogs and may have ordered from them in the past

These days I get a lot of stuff from Nordic Needle (http://www.nordicneedle.com/), Fireside Stitchery (http://www.firesidestitchery.com/) or 123Stitch (http://www.123stitch.com/), mostly because those companies have very good websites that let me browse and pick my own stuff. It's hard for any shop to beat Nordic Needle for variety of fibers, fabrics and tools!

Needle Orts (http://www.needleorts.com/) is the closest well stocked local store to me but it's a five hour drive one way. They are good about taking long distant orders and trying to match colors and put together kits for projects but their website is not as complete as their inventory really is.

I've gotten some lovely hand dyed crewel wool from Renaissance Dyeing (http://www.renaissancedyeing.com/en/) and wonderful fabrics to stitch those on from Tristan Brooks (http://www.tristanbrooks.com/) - I lust after some of the designs there, but haven't had time to fit anything else into my stitching schedule!

I've had wonderful service from all these places - even the order from Renaissance Dyeing shipped from France came really, really fast without any difficulties. They've all been really good when I call or email with questions

I would much prefer to walk into a brick & mortar store and be hands on with my browsing - but I do that when I go to national and regional seminars. Since I've moved from doing strictly needlepoint to many different types of needlework I've had to branch out and my stash has blown up! Mostly these days I stitch out of my stash and only buy the fibers I need for specific projects.

I thought about getting into designing needlework but to do that you have to stay aware of currently available threads. Many designers get known by doing free designs for fiber manufacturers. Without buying full lines of the new threads, or at least having access to them, I can't compete with established designers.

I have enough projects to do to keep me busy for the rest of my life - I think I will see how much of my stash I can use up before my eyes and hands give out!

[tea and oranges]

9. Just in Case you haven't written to "Person" Lobby

to say what you so eloquently said here, please do. And encourage others to write.

I began my boycott as soon as I heard about the suit. I wrote immediately to Lobby, whose lawyers wrote back w/ infuriating BS. Surprise.

I hope you can replace everything you once purchased at HL w/ better, less expensive sources.

[Turn CO Blue]

18. I will write them. I am a retired report analyst from a large Customer Relations office.

That will probably be one of my next discussions I start here on DU. About my expertise in Customer Relations.
People cannot even imagine the weight of work that has to happen with a letter compared to a quick comment on a site, or a phone call, or an email.

Letters really bog down an office LOL and take a lot of time, even if they only respond with boilerplate.

And we need to weigh them down with tens of thousands.

[alfredo]

24. If they send out business reply envelopes, send it back empty. They will have to pay postage.

[diane in sf]

112. Or tape it to a brick before mailing.

[alfredo]

113. Ha!

[theHandpuppet]

10. You're a hero to me

[Turn CO Blue]

14. Aw, thank you. I certainly didn't mean to make it out like a hardship.

I do understand real hardship LOL.

Just wanted to share that I am boycotting and that it is worth it to do so.

[Triana]

12. Thank you for really making this effort.

I know it's not easy. I am one of those who have never set foot in one of their stores (needless to say now that I never will). So, it's people like you who will make the difference. And I really appreciate it!

As someone else said, your job sounds fun and fascinating!

I hope you continue to do great business and are able to find all the supplies you need!

[joshcryer]

13. Best of luck with your alternatives.

I understand the hands on thing can be a lot better than shopping online for stuff, especially if you're DIY.

[Cha]

15. We Love you, Turn CO Blue! Has that been mentioned?!

[Turn CO Blue]

28. Love ya back! :hugs:

[Cha]

35. Mahalo!

[sir pball]

16. You say you need to touch and see the material, it hurts them even more if you "showroom" there..

Showrooming is the practice of examining merchandise in a traditional brick and mortar retail store, and then buying it online at a lower price.

Showrooming can be costly to retailers, not only in terms of the loss of the sale, but also due to damage caused to the store's floor samples of a product through constant examination from consumers.

Showrooming was said to be behind the collapse of UK photography chain Jessops,[5] and Target’s decision to discontinue carrying the Amazon Kindle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showrooming

I don't know that much about the bespoke clothing sector, at least as a creator, but I'd imagine you can find the same materials they offer for less online...so not only can you deny them your business, you can actually negatively impact their bottom line while doing it!

I'm dead serious, in case anybody thinks otherwise. A concerted campaign of firebombing would be illegal and immoral, but showrooming is perfectly legit and in this case, a moral win.

EDIT - I glossed over your post, replied, then actually RTFA. I didn't know HL had such a curated inventory - still, Amazon has a great app that lets you scan any barcode and see if that product is available through them; even if you do have to spend more time hunting down products (I'm assuming most materials aren't HL-exclusive brands) I'm sure your client base will cheerfully pay more to avoid them. God knows I would, if I could afford that bespoke morning suit I want for my (well, The Future Mrs. Pball's) wedding

[Turn CO Blue]

19. Wow, I have done this with fabrics often (sorry Jo-Ann Fabrics LOL)

but I could do this.

[sir pball]

22. Make sure you really work, knead, twist, FEEL those samples..

After all, you have to understand them intimately to work with them properly (chef here, it's the same as food) - the unfortunate effect of severe wear-and-tear on the samples is an honest side effect

[Ineeda]

65. Keep 2 t-shirts in your car....

one with some sort of prominent 'Praise Allah' message if that's not disrespectful to the Islamic faith. Wear this one if you HAVE to go into a HL. The other shirt could say something like, 'Hobby Lobby is ANTI-WOMAN and AGAINST MY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM' and wear this into Jo-Ann's or Michael's, or wherever other crafters might be shopping.

I think picketing outside a HL might be problematic, what with private-property issues. But if hoards of people, in twos and threes, are in the stores, behaving normally, loading up shopping carts like any other customer, but are wearing an alternate-religion messaged, brightly colored, hard-to-miss t-shirt -- see their 'religious freedom' go right out the window.

Sincere question: Is wearing a burka or hijab disrespectful if you're not Islamic?

[Ecumenist]

122. Hi Ineeda. I LOVE your suggestion for the tee shirts. I have NEVER shopped HL and NEVER WILL

BUT.. I might have to saunter into one with the Islamic Tee. As it applies to a Burka, niqab or hijab if one isn't Islamic... NOPE it isn't disrespectful. Happens all the time in some parts of the world like Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

[Turn CO Blue]

21. Still re-reading your post. thank you

and congrats on your upcoming nuptials to your beautiful bride.

[sir pball]

23. Thank you so much! nt

[MohRokTah]

17. I've lots of friends who Craft and eBay/Etsy.

Every one of them have put HL on their do not buy list.

[alfredo]

20. My sister has stopped shopping there.

[PsychGrad]

25. Same...

I don't own a business, but I quilt in my spare time and I quilt a LOT. I also make clothes for myself (mostly pajama pants, but whatever, they are comfy!) and my nieces and nephews (pajama pants too, lol). And, I pulled my business almost a year ago, when this thing broke - I think it was a year ago? It feels like it. Thankfully, I can order my fabrics and supplies from other places, and it's not as nice as being able to touch them and see them in person, but I refuse to shop there ever again, or until they remedy this. Same as Chic Fil A - I will never eat there again (I didn't eat there much, but never will again now). It will take a lot of us to hurt their bottom line, but I have faith in my fellow Americans that they will see what is right and do the right thing. I literally drive out of my way and pay more to go to Jo-Ann Fabrics - I pass two Hobby Lobbys on that drive, or I order online. It may not seem like much, but all together, we all add up.

[Turn CO Blue]

27. thank you!

[Turn CO Blue]

26. I also want to get out of pageantwear - for many of the same feelings and reasons

It's just a love of bling and color that got me into it in the first place. So when I learn to fit men better, I think I will do more drag (feather and bling and ruffles, my kind of stuff).

(But ah, those rises are so long, back so wide - very different!)

But I can make just about anything - ANYTHING - with fabric etc. If anyone has any bright ideas, please message me LOL.

I just could not believe the comments from pageant people approving this SC decision the last couple of days.

[LynneSin]

29. I make some homemade Jewelry and I'm lucky - we have everything but Hobby Lobby

Closest one to me is in Vineyard NJ.

I would have to ask - don't you have Michaels, Joann Fabrics or AC Moore near you? We have all 3 of them and they are loaded with the things you are looking for.

[mountain grammy]

30. K & R for doing the right thing!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

31. Now THIS is a real fabric store in a big city.

They have two stores across the street from each other. One is for clothing and trim; the other is for upholstery and curtain fabric. I got some really neat dark blue cut velvet with a large sine wave pattern and got my old but solidly framed burnt orange sofa recovered.

The burnt orange one before it was recovered looked like one of the winners in that annual Ugly Sofa Contest. Except mine didn't have quilting on it, just piping around the cushions.


www.highfashionfabrics.com

[Turn CO Blue]

34. OOH! I want to go there! So much! thanks!

[Ilsa]

32. I appreciate your commitment to not shop there

any longer. It will be difficult. But I hope a better supplier becomes available to you very soon.

I probably used to spend about $100-200 a year there. Silk flowers for graves, bits of fabric, Christmas decor. But no more. Not a freaking dime.

[prairierose]

33. I've been boycotting them for years...

first it was all the Chinese stuff but then they started talking about birth control and think they should tell their employees which they should use and on it went. I can't go there ever again.

But good for ou for the amount of business you are taking away from them.

[stage left]

36. I think what you're doing is great.

I quilt some and make clothes and things for gifts. I confess I've gone to Hobby Lobby because they're close. My purchases don't amount to much and I know they won't miss my business, but, I figure, multiply that by a few thousands....

Luckily I have a Joann's which is probably another three miles or so away.

[NJCher]

37. you walk the walk

Bravo, turn Co Blue.

Talk is easy. What you're doing is tough, and actually even costs you for awhile until you get your new sources.

I hope these idiots enjoy seeing their sales numbers tumble as much as they enjoyed their SC "victory."

Here's to you.




Cher

[Dustlawyer]

38. Good luck and I appreciate your sacrifice, it's the right thing to do as you already know!

[davidthegnome]

39. See, this is what a "principled stand" really is.

Being willing to stand by what you believe in even when it might hurt your business and, possibly, your profits. This is something conservatives could never understand.

I have never actually seen a Hobby Lobby, I don't think. Until recently, I hadn't even of the place. In any event, I certainly have no intentions of ever shopping in one - even if they open one here in my neck of the woods. This is all just fairly bizarre to me.

In any event - K & R for your courage and your passion.

[JDPriestly]

40. Why don't you link up with other former Hobby-Lobby customers and start your own chain of stores

or at least an internet supply outlet?

[bettyellen]

41. well done, and thank you so much!

[joc46224]

42. Thank you

I'm so spitting mad at the awful Supreme Court decision but I feel so impotent to do anything about it. I'm not a crafter and I don't think we even have a Hobby Lobby within a 100 mile radius of my town. I'm doing what I can by contributing to Democratic candidates and trying to educate on forums, but it still feels like a drop in the bucket. Reading stories like yours helps me feel just a bit better. I'm getting some revenge/satisfaction vicariously through you, lol! Thank you, thank you! And I do understand how this wasn't an easy business decision to make. Good for you.

[Uncle Joe]

44. I wish you the best, Live Long and Prosper.

I don't shop there anyway, but I believe you and many like you will rapidly turn drops into a flood.

Thanks for the thread, Turn CO Blue.

[Hekate]

45. Thank you for doing this -- for all of us.

[Sherman A1]

46. I applaud your effort

and hope for the best in what you do. It is very important for you and those of us who really don't do any major amount of business with them to tell them we will not be back. I did in an email yesterday AM. Granted I like those you mentioned in your post don't spend very much money there but it all counts and frankly it was what I could do, so I did that much. I have also spoken with co-workers and encouraged them to do the same. Upthread it mentions that letters make a bigger impact, perhaps they do, but something is better than nothing and I believe that you are more likely to convince a person to send a short email than a letter, so again it's better than nothing at all.

[pnwmom]

47. Wow. Good for you, Turn CO Blue. I know this will take a great effort. You're planning

on telling them why they lost your business, right?

[Enthusiast]

48. Kicked and recommended!

[Stuart G]

49. Thank You Very Much For What You Have Done...

[Skidmore]

50. Thank you for being willing to put your livelihood at risk

to take a stand. Every effort is important.

[sendero]

51. What I don't get ..

.... is why now? Their policies have been clear for a long time. They filed this lawsuit years ago, it was the SCOTUS that made it happen.

[JustAnotherGen]

53. Write Hobby Lobby and tell them

Ive had a a target credit card since 2004. I keep detailed bill records - I can tell you what my water bill was in July 2003.

I think my letter to Target re open carry might have helped.

[randome]

55. That is commendable of you. I mean that. However...

...would it be of more benefit to tell HL how much money you are pulling out of their stores and which stores and tell them you will continue to shop elsewhere until they rescind their interference in people's health care?

Carrot on a stick?
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You have to play the game to find out why you're playing the game. -Existenz[/center][/font][hr]

[crim son]

57. That was addressed earlier in the thread. Good idea. n/t

[randome]

58. Didn't realize this thread had grown so fast. My mistake.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]You have to play the game to find out why you're playing the game. -Existenz[/center][/font][hr]

[crim son]

56. I'm so glad I read this post.

My tiny little boycott of HL feels like it has no impact, but you remind me that together, we can make a real difference. Thank you for your effort, truly.

[mercuryblues]

59. could

you just window shop at HL to get your ideas, then go online and purchase from another seller?

I do that when I am purchasing something online a lot. I find out which local store carries the item in the color I am looking for, to make sure the color is what I want. Then go home and purchase it online where it is cheaper. Use free shipping sites.

[Jamastiene]

61. Thank you for that.

If more people did what you are doing, these unethical companies would either have to join the civilized world or deal with not having business from ethical, civilized customers.

[myrna minx]

62. Thank you for your commitment!

I know this is a sacrifice for you and I wholly respect you for it.

[spooky3]

63. Could you consider starting a business to compete with them?

It would be a big undertaking but it sounds as if you have lots of company with people wanting to buy somewhere else on principle.

[WinkyDink]

79. Have you ever been to a Hobby Lobby? They carry like millions of items.

[spooky3]

97. No, I haven't. But I was thinking more of

The OP's focusing on the products s/he likes that are hard to find.

[WCLinolVir]

64. I have the same issue.

The other stores here do not carry the same supplies and Michael's has reduced their inventory and narrowed their range. HL has a lot of hooks and knobs that I would use for furniture, if I could shop there, but I can't. I can not find them online either, I have looked. Frustrating. Kudos to you.

[get the red out]

66. Thank you!

I am a knitter, but I knew how right wing they were before they ever opened a store in my community. But I believe that everyone who speaks out against Hobby Lobby and publicizes the harm they are doing to women's reproductive rights may get the attention of someone like yourself who has been a loyal customer.

[Phentex]

68. It's worth trying...

Your efforts are to be applauded.

Thank you!!!

[CrispyQ]

69. If you have those receipts or credit card statements,

copy them & send them, with a letter, to HL explaining that they've just lost all your business & why. Have your friends do it too.

[Thekaspervote]

70. Thank you from a fellow etsyian

I get what you are doing and I thank you profusely. You earn your living doing what you do, me too. As a fellow etsyian I shopped some at HB. But they will not see one thin dime of mine. I am shouting from the roof tops to others asking them please don't go there

[katmondoo]

71. Thank you for your huge effort

I wish and hope there are more like you. I use crafts in my Miniature business but nowhere near the amount you use. I do buy a lot on the internet.

[Greybnk48]

72. I started boycotting them several months ago

because of this. I'm a knitter so I bought my "cheap" yarn there and my "good stuff" from my LYS. We also went there for other craft supplies and holiday decorations for fall and the Christmas season. I'd say they're losing about $500 or $600 a year from our household. That's not a fortune but it adds up. I will never go there again no matter what.

[sinkingfeeling]

73. I'm like you. I believe I've spent more than $25,000 at Hobby Lobby over the

years I've lived in Arkansas. It's hard to give them up, but I certainly will. (Still have a bottle of Cobalt Dryer I was going to return).

I live an hour from the nearest Michael's and will have to make some trips there. I will try to use Joanne's Fabrics and Hancock Fabrics for sewing and some crafting items. The rest will come from the internet.

[olegramps]

74. Perhaps that opens up a new opportunity for you.

If was younger and I was your situation, I would explore the possibility of opening a import business and begin buy those supplies that people in your trade use. You could start out small and operated from home at first. Use your connections to other vendors that you know and provide a outlet that could really damage these sanctimonious bastards.

[spooky3]

98. That is similar to the thought I had (see my post).

Wouldn't it be great if there were blue competition?

[LoisB]

75. No Hobby Lobby anywhere near me; I buy fabric, yarn, etc. from JoAnn's but if

there was one near, I would treat them just as I do Walmart.

[Turbineguy]

76. This showed up on Facebook

I love irony almost as much as goldy

[LoisB]

84. None of them appear they would need any form of birth control.

[Ineeda]

130. Please archive this picture!!!

If you hear of any anti-HL group that is prevented from picketing/protesting on their property, this picture would clearly prove discrimination. This shows they are only prohibiting demonstrations that are against them, therefore violating the rights of free speech and assembly of individuals with contrary opinions. I don't see how they can use the private property argument or claim some sort of disruption to business while allowing demonstrations by those who support their bigotry. (Not that they would care about being proven to discriminate.)

[Rider3]

77. I admire your trying

[WinkyDink]

78. You have my admiration.

[Lindsay]

81. Good on ya!

Many years ago I worked for a theatrical costume company. It was by far my favorite job; would have stayed with it forever if the company hadn't burned down. Yay to you for making a go of it as an individual; I know how much work that is.

So solidarity with you and all the other creative people who will never again spend one hard-earned penny in HL.

[DesertDiamond]

83. Turn Co Blue, THANK YOU for your efforts! I know it's not easy. I can't even compare to you

with my piddly efforts to boycott Walmart. My biggest thing is shopping at other stores for things I might be able to get a little cheaper at Walmart, which can be a sacrifice when I'm down to pennies, which I often am. But the effort you are making to boycott Hobby Lobby is really totally awesome!! Thank you so much!! Good fortune will come to you because you are standing up for justice!

[fadedrose]

85. I agree

I live near both Hobby Lobby and Joann's.

Joann occasionally has coupons that save you some money, and I'd go to their website and see if you can find some things there.

joann.com

[BrotherIvan]

86. Brava!!!

A little extra effort goes a long way. I haven't heard anything about pageants supporting this decision--at first if made me sick and then I didn't know why I was surprised. Awful.

Anyone looking for fabric at wholesale prices (if you buy more than $300 a year) check out this company

http://checkerdist.com/

You need a resale license, but if you are making things for sale that's easy. Or a group of friends can get together to make the minimums. They have name brand fabric, much better than anything you can find at JoAnn, WalMart or HL. Because often brands have to make a cheap version for those stores because the margins are so low. A good example is the flannel at Joann is often screened and shrinks and pills horribly in one wash. I found a company called Diamond Textiles that makes many of the same basics at the same price per yard but it is double brushed and dyed. Big difference.

Checker Distributors is not my favorite in terms of customer service, but their big advantage is you can buy from all different vendors. And thier first minimum buy is much lower than the companies themselves, I think about $300 Quilters unite and buy wholesale! And as noted above, showrooming is a good idea, though as I said, most chain stores won't even carry the quality. If I want to see a color, I will often order a fat quarter from somewhere like Hawthorne threads or one of the very nice indie strores in my area and then by the bolt. I can sometimes buy a whole bolt for how much it costs to buy a few yards. If you are on Etsy, check out the buying groups as there are many.

They also have craft supplies, notions, thread, etc. A really good assortment that any crafter needs. We should all share our great sources depending on what you need so we can help cut out HL.

Good luck with your work and thanks for helping to send a message that treating your employees as less than human is not acceptable.

[Cary]

87. Cool

[CatWoman]

88. you're my hero

[ismnotwasm]

89. K&R

[Island Deac]

90. And all surrounding businesses.

My boycott is not going to be only Hobby Lobby. It will be every business that is located in the shopping center, strip mall, or business park where they are located. Let's see how those who are near them feel about losing business also. I ain't much, but I'll be able to sleep at night knowing I'm doing something.

[lark]

91. Thank you

I get this will be hard for you and appreciate your dedication to doing the right thing. My $100-200 spent per year there going away won't phase them, but if more people like you get on board, it will. I still wouldn't spend a penny there for any reason and if enough of us ocassional buyers quit going, along with the business folks like you, we can hurt them.

[3catwoman3]

92. You are walking the walk...

...and have my admiration.


A thought on Michaels - Bain Capital, of Mitt Romney fame, is a co-owner of this company.

http://247wallst.com/retail/2014/06/18/michaels-stores-ipo-to-repay-massive-debt/

[polynomial]

93. There will be a time when Republican

Political operatives of this era in displaying such arrogance and defiance towards what the public really wants will eventually diminish in such a magnitude they will remain a minority for generations longer than any time in history. Or likely never to regain any majority or leadership.

The depth and breadth in the fundamental business structure that is capitalism will change to eliminate what is an obvious corrupt unbalanced government/ business/ Judicial action taken by the American Supreme Court.

That opinion handed down from the Supreme Court shatters the one important element of the first amendment. Separation of religion and state is clearly defined. No entity in the social environment is to force a religious stand into the public.

What really flies in the face in this opinion is the idea corporations are people, worse the citizen under the definition of the Constitution is cast aside, ditched, displaced, with a defiance in arrogance that is committed to destroy the basic Constitution.

These five justices need to be called out with a nonstop public demand for their resignations because these five justices are unfit to make any further decisions. It is obvious for the last years since Bush appointed these justices they make decisions for personal gain, profiteering in family fortunes.

[tulsakatz]

125. I agree completely!!!

republican ideas are quickly making them an endangered species! It won't happen all at once but eventually (unless they change their policies & that seems doubtful), it will happen!

[emsimon33]

94. Thank you! We don't have a Hobby Lobby within 150 miles of here

My protest options have been limited.

[Blue_In_AK]

95. I'm not crafty at all,

and Alaska (or at least Anchorage) has no Hobby Lobbys, so I can't boycott any more than I already am, but I congratulate you on taking this stand.

[jaxind]

96. Boycott

I hope the whole boycott of Hobby Lobby didn't start just when the Supreme Court came down with its decision; I hope it started back when the suit was filed. That is when i stopped shopping there.

[ananda]

99. Good on ya!

While I have never shopped there, and never will now
for sure, I absolutely appreciate your decision.

Thank you!

[ohheckyeah]

100. Thank you for taking a stand.

I hope you find other suppliers quickly and easily.

[napi21]

101. I don't spend as much as you, but my several hundred dollars will matter too!

I mostly make things for myself and gifts, but the supplies cost more than you think. I sent HL an email back when their suit was accepted by the scotus telling them I will never set foot in any of their store again because of their religious bias. They responded that they simply disagreed with 2 forms of bc. I told them it didn't matter because they were still making decisions for their employees and that's wrong.

I used to like their sales on artificial flowers at the end of a season. they usualy sell at 75% off. I will buy my flowers somewhere else now.

I think all the people who usually do shop at HL should send them an email telling them "NO MORE"! You've lost my business forever.

Lets see how they like loosing money.

[Fla Dem]

102. Kudos to you and your fellow crafters who make the decision to walk away from HL even

though it may create more difficulties for you in accomplishing your creations. That's truly standing up for your principles. I'm not crafty by any stretch of the imagination, but I decorate A LOT for Christmas, and like to get creative with my gift wrapping. Michael's was the only craft store in our area for a long time and that's where I went. One year Michael's just didn't seem to have the right stuff, so I tried HL which had opened a couple of years earlier. I found they had a much larger selection, and for the next couple of Christmas's did my decoration shopping there. The fact that almost all their merchandise was made in China bothered me, but then, so was the merchandise in Michael's and Target. I don't do Wal-Mart. But last year it was back to Michael's. Once the true nature of the Green family and their Christian Terrorist tactics came to light, I have not stepped foot inside their store again. So I'm with you girl, maybe not to the same degree, but there all the same.

[MrMickeysMom]

103. I'm glad to rec this thread… Thank you!

There's no HL here, but things like Michele's, Pat Catan's or JoAnn Fabrics, and truthfully, I don't do that, though I do know crafters in my family.

You DO put your money as a result of where their lobby went, so THANK YOU, TCOB!

[hopemountain]

104. i have gotten my beads and bling

from this online retailer: http://www.firemountaingems.com

their catalogs are drool worthy - but, i prefer their online site.

[Epiphany4z]

107. I would advertise

product is hobby lobby free. Also it worth saying many craft stores will honor hobby lobby coupons.

This is all just freakin sad.

[niyad]

108. kudos to you for this ethical stand. I wish I had some truly helpful replacements--I think of

joann's, and britex (but, oh my, expensive!) good luck to you in finding even more wonderful replacements.

I have not set foot in hl in years, since learning of their xian owners (same with chick-fil-a), and even more so after a couple of notes posted in their stores. same with wal-mart. never, ever again.

[LeftyMom]

110. I'm an enthusiastic amateur sewer and I do a lot of sewing for charity.

I can't say Hobby Lobby will be losing my business because I was aware of their politics and they never had it. I do go right on by their store on the way to Joann. (I wish I had a good non-chain option.)

[magical thyme]

114. thank you for your efforts!

I never heard of Hobby Lobby before this, so I can't boycott them more than I already do.

Looks like there are some very good suggestions in here, esp the showrooming and also some better alternative suppliers.

[customerserviceguy]

115. If Hobby Lobby shuts down

You'll have one less brick-and-mortar place to shop, or even compete with the other locations (I would suppose that Michael's is one, but I'm not a crafter) that sell things you can pick up, touch, and see with your very own eyes. Then, you'll be in the same boat as all the rest of us whose hobbies, jobs, or just plain weekend projects involve the absolute necessity of having to buy stuff on the Internet to get what you want.

Even if HL closes, the family will still have more money than the deity they imagine they're serving. It will be the above-minimum wage employees that will be the only ones hurting. And those are the folks who have given you good service over the years, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they had cheerfully special ordered things for you that were either difficult to obtain, or just weren't in stock often enough.

The HL decision is the result of two things. One is a well-intended religious protection law that turned out to be a two-edged sword, and the other is the non-bipartisan nature of how the ACA was passed. When previous large social welfare legislation was passed (Social Security, Medicare, Voting Rights Act, etc.) there was compromise by both political parties on what should and should not be parts of the bills. When you have a single party ram something through, that compromise that was missing in the legislative process then takes place in the courts.

Hey, I managed to go back to buying my gasoline at my local BP station, the guy who owns it (and his friendly employees) didn't screw up the Gulf of Mexico, and my six month boycott of their station only hurt them and me.

[Shoonra]

117. Maybe not a boycott, maybe a tip ....

Boycotting Hobby Lobby probably won't bring the company to its knees. In fact, the company may respond by downsizing - getting rid of any employee who wanted birth control coverage - a particularly mean response from a company that certainly doesn't care about its employees' rights and concerns.

I suggest that, IF you were thinking of shopping at Hobby Lobby, go ahead and shop there, -- but be generous, give a dollar tip to every female employee (maybe also male employee) who helps you, to help them pay the extra cost for birth control that they no longer get from Affordable Care.

I'd also point out: So far it is not clear if the Hobby Lobby employees are actually being denied coverage under ACA for birth control or any other ACA coverage --- the only thing I know is that their bosses don't have to pay some trifling part of the ACA tax that would cover birth control, so presumably the employees do get ACA coverage and they get it WITH birth control coverage. It's just that the ACA system has to make up the portion that Hobby Lobby isn't paying from some other source (possibly cranking up the ACA tax all around by a fraction of a percent). So it may not be necessary to give Hobby Lobby employees this gift/tip.

[VA_Jill]

119. Thanks, Turn Co Blue

I'm a jewelry designer and USED to occasionally shop at HL for some of the supplies for my lower-priced line. I vowed never to go in one of their stores again the minute I heard about this suit, and I haven't. I can't stand their attitude, nor their hypocrisy, since they buy 93% of their stuff from China….and we all know what China's record is on abortion and birth control. Fortunately there are other stores where I live. Did you know that both Michael's and JoAnn are now accepting HL coupons?

I know this is tough for you. Keep on keeping on!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

120. K&R

[tulsakatz]

121. I'm proud of you for doing this!

I know it's not an easy thing to do especially when your business depends on it! Even though it may not be a lot of money to you or Hobby Lobby, it's still enough to get their attention!!

I used to go to Hobby Lobby until they made me mad. Hobby Lobby was more convenient for me since it's about a mile from where I live. Michael's or Walmart is about 3 miles. I spent much less money (at hobby lobby) there than you. Mostly I crochet for myself & to make afghans as gifts. Every time I would go in there, I would only need to buy 1 or 2 skeins of yarn. And every time I tried to check out, I would get stuck behind 3 or 4 people who were buying tons of little flower items. As anyone knows who has ever had this experience, it takes a long time to ring up every little piece. Much longer than it takes to check out someone who is buying a couple of skeins of yarn! The last time it happened when I finally got to the register, I complained about it to the cashier but of course she could not do anything about it. When I got home, I sent them an email to complain about it too! They have one dedicated register for returns but none for people who only want to buy a few items. And of course, he said he was sorry too but it didn't change anything.

And I haven't been there since!! Actually, I almost wish I had kept shopping there so that I could boycott them due to the SC decision!

So even though your purchases don't seem like a lot, I know they're more than I used to spend. And when Hobby Lobby begins to realize how much this decision has cost them customers, they may begin to look at other ways they can do things differently. But in deeply red Oklahoma (where I live), it's still doubtful that it will change much here but I still have to hope for the best.

Thank you so much for your efforts!!

[catrose]

123. Bravo, TCB

I'm not in your league, but I've spent a lot there. No more. I trust all the men crowing about the victory will shop there to make up for our lost sales.

[tulsakatz]

127. haha....

...it's not likely that a lot of men will make up the difference unless they're artists or their wives send them!

It seems so ironic that a company would try to make a policy that is so anti-woman while their business model relies so heavily on purchases made by women!!! Did they really think women wouldn't care?

[Bombero1956]

126. A friend of mine posted this picture on Facebook

It seems her friend decided to protest Hobby Lobby by rearranging the large letters they sell.

[Cha]

128. Kick for Turn CO Blue!

[Gloria in NM]

129. You can all try JoAnn's Fabrics...

I don't craft, but I've heard talk about JF as an alternative for some things.

Hobby Lobby...I've always detested the place, knowing that it was importing so much crap from China

[knownow]

132. this is a hosing and well deseved

HL's best asset WAS people like you. I am a crafter too and have the best luck finding supplies at small time places, the little shops that are stuffed to the ceiling, I ask if they have a reference to any online sales and sometimes they do. Period costumes (renaissance or occasionally later) are a fun hobby, I couldn't make money, I'm not fast enough, I've cranked out a lot of cookie cutter costumes for plays and I've reused old clasps I've found in thrift stores for new pieces, the lack of a HL anywhere nearby has helped me to be more inventive. Michael's and JoAnn's and even Home Depot are there for me.