Hobby Lobby Raising Its Minimum Wage Well Beyond CT Standards

CONNECTICUT — Hobby Lobby Monday announced that it is raising its minimum full-time hourly wage to $17 for store employees.

The move is effective Oct. 1 and is well ahead of the pace in Connecticut. The minimum wage went to $ 12 per hour on Sept. 1. It is scheduled to go to $13 on Aug. 1, 2021; $14 on July 1, 2022; and $15 on June 1, 2023.

In Connecticut, Hobby Lobby has stores in Manchester, Bristol, Milford and East Haven

Hobby Lobby has raised its minimum wages 10 times over the last eleven years. In 2014, Hobby Lobby raised its full-time minimum hourly wage to $15.

"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."

Green added, "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.

Hobby Lobby was founded in 1972 and currently operates 923 retail stores nationwide.