If you’ve ever driven down Manhattan Boulevard on a Saturday morning, you know the vibe. It is busy. I mean, really busy. Right there in the heart of the Harvey retail corridor sits the local Hobby Lobby in Harvey, and honestly, it’s a bit of a staple for anyone in Jefferson Parish who has ever decided—at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday—that they absolutely must DIY a gallery wall or knit a chunky blanket.
It’s one of those stores. You walk in for a single frame. You walk out with a floral wreath, three sets of oil paints, and a wooden sign that says "Gather."
But there is more to this specific location than just the rows of glitter and faux eucalyptus. Whether you’re a professional crafter or someone just trying to survive a school project with a kid, the Harvey location has its own quirks, its own rhythm, and a specific layout that can be either a dream or a labyrinth depending on your mood.
The Layout of the Hobby Lobby in Harvey
Located at 935 Manhattan Blvd, this spot is strategically placed. It’s nestled in that dense shopping zone where you can hit Target, Lowe's, and then swing by the Westbank Expressway in about five minutes. It’s huge.
Most people don't realize that Hobby Lobby stores aren't just organized by "stuff." They are organized by lifestyle. When you walk into the Harvey store, you’re greeted by the seasonal section immediately. This is the danger zone. If it’s October, it’s Christmas. If it’s July, it’s... also somehow Christmas. They cycle through holidays faster than a New Orleans weather forecast changes.
The left side of the store is usually where the "hard" crafts live. Think model airplanes, woodworking, and those tiny little dollhouse miniatures that are weirdly fascinating. If you move toward the back, you hit the fabric department. This is a big deal for the local sewing community. Unlike some of the smaller craft boutiques in New Orleans proper, the Harvey store keeps a massive inventory of upholstery fabric and trim.
The center of the store? That’s home decor. Wall clocks, mirrors, and enough throw pillows to fill the Superdome. It’s where people go when they want their house to look like a Pinterest board but don't want to spend "boutique" prices.
Why Timing is Everything on Manhattan Blvd
Let’s talk logistics. Harvey traffic is no joke.
If you try to go to the Hobby Lobby in Harvey at 5:30 PM on a Friday, bring your patience. Manhattan Blvd becomes a parking lot. The best time to go is actually right when they open at 9:00 AM on a weekday. It’s quiet. The aisles are wide enough for two carts, and you won’t have to dodge three families trying to pick out a birthday gift.
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And here is the big thing: They are closed on Sundays. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Someone pulls up, sees the empty parking lot, and has that moment of realization. It’s a company-wide policy, but it feels especially impactful in a busy commercial hub like Harvey where Sunday is usually prime "errand day." Plan accordingly. If your project needs supplies for a Sunday afternoon session, you better be at that store by Saturday evening.
Dealing with the "Always on Sale" Mystery
People always ask how the pricing works. It’s kinda famous at this point.
Hobby Lobby doesn't really do "coupons" anymore—they got rid of that famous 40% off single item coupon a few years back. Instead, they just rotate their sales. One week, all jewelry making is 50% off. The next week, it’s frames. Then it’s furniture.
If you are standing in the Harvey store and the thing you want isn't on sale, just wait. Seriously. Check their weekly ad on the app. Chances are, if the yarn is full price this week, it’ll be 30% or 40% off next week. The only things that rarely go on deep discount are the "Everyday Values" items, but even then, the clearance wall at the back of the Harvey location is a goldmine. I’ve seen high-end art canvases marked down to nearly nothing because of a tiny dent in the corner of the frame.
Beyond the Glitter: Art Supplies and Professional Needs
There’s a misconception that this store is just for scrapbooking moms. It isn't.
The fine arts section in the Harvey branch is surprisingly robust. They carry brands like Master's Touch and Winsor & Newton. If you’re a local artist working in acrylics or oils, you’ve probably spent a significant amount of time staring at the brush aisle.
What’s interesting is the custom framing department. This is tucked away in the back corner. In Harvey, the staff there is usually pretty seasoned. Custom framing can be expensive—anywhere—but they often run "50% off custom framing" deals. If you have a diploma or a Mardi Gras poster you want preserved, it’s worth talking to the folks back there. They know the humidity issues we deal with in South Louisiana and can suggest mats and glass that won't let your art warp in six months.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Check the App First: Don't guess what's on sale. The Hobby Lobby app is basic but functional. It’ll tell you exactly which departments are discounted that day.
- The Clearance Corner: In the Harvey store, the clearance items are usually clustered near the back-right wall, near the kitchen and party supplies. It’s hit or miss, but when it hits, it’s great.
- Avoid the Lunch Rush: Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, the store gets a surge of people from nearby offices and schools. It makes the checkout lines get long, fast.
- Large Items: If you’re buying a large piece of furniture or a massive mirror, pull your car up to the front curb after you pay. The staff is generally pretty helpful with loading, but Manhattan Blvd is tight, so don't leave your car idling there for too long or the Harvey PD might have a word with you.
The Hobby Lobby in Harvey serves a huge area—not just Harvey, but Marrero, Gretna, and even people coming over the bridge from New Orleans. It’s a hub of creativity and, let’s be honest, a place to wander around when you just need to get out of the house.
What to do next
- Download the Hobby Lobby app before you leave the house to verify the current weekly ad and ensure the department you need is actually on sale.
- Audit your craft room. Check your stash of basics like hot glue, white paint, and floral wire. These are the items people usually forget and end up making a second trip for.
- Map your route. If you're coming from the Eastbank, check the bridge traffic. If there's a stall on the Crescent City Connection, your 15-minute trip to Harvey will easily turn into 45.
The Harvey location is efficient, well-stocked, and stays pretty clean despite the high foot traffic. Just remember the Sunday rule and you’re golden.