Oklahoma’s own Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., announced that it is raising its minimum full-time hourly wage to $17 effective October 1.
“We have always worked hard to be a retail leader when it comes to taking care of our people,” said Hobby Lobby founder and CEO, David Green. “From closing our stores on Sundays and at 8 p.m. the rest of the week, to providing some of the best pay and benefits in the retail industry, we are thankful that we are able to share our success with our valued employees and provide time for rest, family and worship. These investments allow Hobby Lobby to attract and retain a great group of associates who in turn help provide the wonderfully unique shopping experience enjoyed by our many loyal customers.”
In 2009, Hobby Lobby was one of the first retailers to establish a nationwide minimum hourly wage above the federal minimum wage and has since raised wages ten times over the last elev- en years, most recently to $15 per hour in 2014.
“Because this year has presented so many challenges to our employees, we are very happy that we are able to provide pay increases to thousands of our associates before the Christmas season,” said Green.
Founded in Oklahoma City in 1972, Hobby Lobby has grown to 923 retail stores.