Hobby Lobby Shoppers Sound off After Company Closes All Stores and Furloughs Most Employees

Michael Hein

04/05/2020 12:47 pm EDT

Hobby Lobby officially closed down all of its locations on Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic, and customers are still in shock over the whole saga. The craft store chain made waves last month when it refused to close its doors, saying that it qualified as an "essential business." When it finally shut down, many people were equally disturbed by the treatment its employees got.

Hobby Lobby shut down all of its stores across the country on Friday after days of fighting to stay open, sometimes even incurring police intervention. The chain has now furloughed most of its employees, keeping on just a few for administrative functions and warehouse work. Even now, however, the company insists that it offers "essential products."

"We know our customers relied on us to provide essential products, including materials to make personal protective equipment, such as face masks, educational supplies for the countless parents who are now educating their children from home, and the thousands of small arts and crafts businesses who rely on us for supplies to make their products," the company's announcement read.

Many customers were upset with Hobby Lobby after the announcement came out, feeling that the company's actions had created a worst-case scenario for workers, who had to keep going in well into the rest of the country's quarantine, and are now out of work. Others felt that the company's usefulness had just been proven, since the CDC changed its recommendation on face coverings and masks on Friday.

Here is what social media is saying in the wake of Hobby Lobby's closure.

Consequences

Many Twitter users wondered what kinds of legal consequences could be brought against Hobby Lobby for staying open so late, then laying off employees without severance. Some wanted to see the company fined, while others called for its executives to be tried for criminal negligence against its employees.

Employees

For many people, the tragedy of the Hobby Lobby quarantine saga was for the employees, who were caught between a rock and a hard place. Many expressed their sympathy for workers who were furloughed late, after they may have already been exposed to the virus, and for those who were laid off without warning.

Generosity

Meanwhile, some people pointed out that the founder of Hobby Lobby, David Green and his family, are billionaires, and wondered why they are not doing more for their employees through this crisis. Their personal fortunes are enough to do a lot of good for the retail employees who suddenly find themselves short on options.

Horror Stories

With this big story making the rounds, some people shared their own personal experiences with Hobby Lobby, or those of friends. Many referenced the company's strong evangelical Christian ties, accusing the company of homophobia or religious bias.

Essential

On the other hand, some people argued that Hobby Lobby's supplies really were "essential" considering that so many parents are trying to hastily learn to homeschool their children. They compared Hobby Lobby with other industries that have been deemed "essential," such as liquor stores.

Controversies

Meanwhile, users referenced some of the other controversies surround Hobby Lobby and the Green Family, including the Museum of the Bible, which was allegedly involved in schemes to smuggle stolen biblical artifacts into the country. The Greens have also strongly opposed any forms of healthcare for employees that clash with their religious beliefs, from access to abortions to simple contraceptives.

Real Uses

Finally, Some users pointed out the ill-timing of Hobby Lobby's closure — right after the CDC recommended that everyone wear cloth face masks when they go out in public. They admitted that now would be a good time to have access to sewing supplies. Thankfully, the Surgeon General has demonstrated a technique for making a simple mask without sewing.

For the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the CDC's website.

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