Hobby Lobby Expands Store Footprint: What New Locations Mean for Framing Services
By James H. Sterling
Custom framing has long operated under a high-markup, recurring-discount retail model. Hobby Lobby regularly runs alternating promotions discounting custom framing services by 50%. Even with these discounts, profitability remains strong because materials are ordered in bulk and cut on-site or processed through central regional distribution hubs.
The typical turnaround time at newly opened stores hovers between 10 and 14 business days. Turnaround fluctuates based on whether the specific moulding profile is stocked on-site or needs to ship from the central distribution center in Oklahoma City. Simple ready-made frame fitting, where an off-the-shelf frame from the retail floor is paired with a custom-cut mat and fitted with existing art, can often be turned around in 3 to 5 business days.
| Service Tier | Typical Turnaround | Core Materials Used | Average Base Cost (Discounted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-Made Frame Fitting | 3, 5 Days | Stock frame, custom mat, basic clear glass | $25, $65 |
| Standard Custom Build | 10, 14 Days | Wood or composite moulding, Conservation Clear glass, alpha-cellulose mat | $90, $220 |
| Complex Shadow Box Framing | 14, 21 Days | Deep-rabbet moulding, hand-sewn textile mounts, Museum Glass, spacer walls | $180, $450 |
| Canvas Stretching & Floating | 7, 12 Days | Heavy-duty stretcher bars, gallery floater frame, mechanical tensioners | $110, $280 |
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
