Hobby Lobby opening store in Manchester

Oklahoma City-based crafts chain Hobby Lobby will be opening a store in New Hampshire sometime later this year – its first store in New England.Hobby Lobby is planning to open a new store at 1525 S. Willow St. in Manchester prior to Thanksgiving. It will be hiring some 35 workers, said the company.”New Hampshire has a vibrant crafting community who are always looking for the latest ways to make their projects and their homes come to life. The New Hampshire store will be our first location in New England, and we’re extremely excited to open later this year,” said David Green, Hobby Lobby CEO and founder.The company said it is looking to add 35 stores across the country this year. In addition to the proposed New Hampshire store, Hobby Lobby is also adding stores in Maryland and Oregon.Hobby Lobby also announced it increased full-time minimum wages to $12 per hour, with part-time workers receiving at least $8.50 an hour.The company said it was the third consecutive year it has increased minimum wages.”Hobby Lobby has been able to grow steadily during a national recession, and we want to thank our employees for their hard work and allow them to share in the company’s success,” said Green. In 2009 during the height of the recession, Hobby Lobby raised its minimum wage for full-time hourly employees to $10 per hour. Last year, the company raised full-time wages to $11 per hour and initiated an $8-per-hour minimum wage for part-time workers. – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW