Walk into the Hobby Lobby Allentown PA location on a Tuesday morning, and you’ll hear it before you see anything: that specific, low-frequency hum of cart wheels hitting linoleum and the crinkle of faux floral plastic. It’s located in the Lehigh Shopping Center on Union Boulevard. Honestly, if you grew up in the Lehigh Valley, you probably remember when this area felt a bit different, but now it’s a destination for anyone trying to DIY a wedding or fix up a tired-looking living room.
People think they know this store. They think it's just aisles of picture frames and yarn. But there is a rhythm to the Allentown location that separates it from the cookie-cutter experience you might find in a different state.
The Layout of Hobby Lobby Allentown PA
First off, let’s talk about the geography of the place. You can’t just "pop in." It’s huge. The Allentown store follows the standard massive floor plan, but because of its placement in the Lehigh Shopping Center, the foot traffic patterns are erratic. If you’re heading there on a Saturday, be ready to dance around strollers and local art teachers stocking up on bulk canvases.
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The store is roughly divided into zones. You’ve got your home decor on one side, wearable art and jewelry making in the middle, and the massive fabric and sewing section tucked toward the back.
Why the Floral Section is Actually a War Zone
The floral department in the Allentown Hobby Lobby is legendary among local decorators. It's not just about plastic flowers. It’s about the seasonal rotation. You’ll see people hoarding eucalyptus stems like they’re prepping for an apocalypse. The staff here is surprisingly fast at restocking, but if there's a 50% off sale on "Floral Stems," you need to get there early. I’ve seen the bins cleared out by 11:00 AM.
The smell is also something nobody mentions. It’s a mix of cinnamon brooms, cedar shavings, and whatever glue they use for the pre-made wreaths. It hits you the second you walk through those sliding glass doors.
The Strategy Behind the Sales
Let’s be real: nobody should ever pay full price at Hobby Lobby. It’s basically a sin in the world of crafting. The Allentown location follows the corporate "Always On" sale cycle, but locals have figured out the timing.
For a long time, everyone relied on that 40% off coupon. You know the one. You’d pull it up on your phone at the register, feeling like a genius. But they killed that a few years back. Now, you have to track the department rotations.
- Home Decor: Usually 50% off every other week. If the wall clocks are full price today, wait seven days. They won’t be then.
- Books and Cards: Usually stay at a steady discount, but the selection in Allentown is surprisingly heavy on local interest and specific niche craft guides.
- Fabric: Always check the remnants. Because the Allentown store moves so much volume, the remnant bin is a goldmine for small projects.
It’s about patience. You’ve got to play the long game. If you’re buying a $100 mirror on a "non-sale" week, you’re basically donating money to the store.
The Logistics of Shopping at Lehigh Shopping Center
Parking can be a nightmare. There, I said it.
The Lehigh Shopping Center is shared with other heavy hitters like Marshalls and Big Lots. During the holidays, the parking lot becomes a chaotic gridlock of SUVs. My advice? Park further out near the edge of the lot and walk. It’ll save you ten minutes of circling like a shark.
The store hours are standard—9:00 AM to 8:00 PM—but remember the golden rule: they are closed on Sundays. This catches people every single weekend. You’ll see cars pulling up to the darkened storefront on a Sunday afternoon, drivers staring at the doors in disbelief. It’s a corporate policy rooted in the company’s religious foundations, and they don't budge on it, even in a busy market like Allentown.
What the "Pro" Crafters in Allentown Do
If you talk to the regulars—the people who run Etsy shops out of their basements in Bethlehem or Whitehall—they don't shop like tourists. They have a system.
They use the Hobby Lobby Allentown PA location as a warehouse. They know exactly when the truck arrives. Usually, new stock starts hitting the shelves mid-week. If you’re looking for the newest seasonal releases—like the farmhouse chic stuff that everyone obsesses over—Wednesday mornings are your best bet.
The Custom Framing Secret
Most people walk past the framing counter at the back without a second thought. Big mistake. The framing department in the Allentown store has some of the most experienced staff in the region. Custom framing is expensive everywhere, but if you catch them during a 50% off frames sale (which happens almost every other week), the price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat.
I once brought in a weirdly shaped vintage map I found at a flea market in Kutztown. The guy behind the counter didn't just slap a frame on it; he explained acid-free matting and UV-protective glass. It’s that level of expertise that keeps people coming back despite the "big box" feel.
Dealing With the Crowds
Allentown is a diverse, bustling city, and the store reflects that. It’s a melting pot. You’ll hear three different languages in the yarn aisle.
But with that diversity comes volume. The checkout lines can get long. Really long. The management at the Union Blvd location is pretty good about opening new registers when the line snakes back into the scrapbooking section, but it takes time.
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Pro Tip: If you see a line, don't just stand there huffing. Walk to the back and check if the floral or fabric counters can ring you up. Sometimes they can, sometimes they can't, but it’s worth the ask if you only have one or two items.
Common Misconceptions About This Specific Store
People often confuse this location with the one in Whitehall or nearby Easton. While they are all Hobby Lobby stores, the Allentown one feels more "lived in." It has a slightly different inventory mix, often leaning harder into school supplies and poster boards because of the proximity to local schools and community centers.
Another misconception: "They have everything online, so why go?"
Shipping glass or heavy frames is a recipe for disaster. Plus, the Allentown store often has "clearance endcaps" that aren't reflected on the website. These are the "red tag" items. You might find a slightly chipped ceramic vase for $2.00 that just needs a bit of acrylic paint to look brand new.
The Reality of the Brand
It’s impossible to talk about Hobby Lobby without acknowledging the "elephant in the room." The company has been at the center of numerous Supreme Court cases and controversies regarding health care and the sourcing of artifacts.
In Allentown, most shoppers seem to fall into two camps: those who shop there specifically because of the company’s values, and those who just really need a specific shade of teal yarn and don't care about the politics. It’s a complex dynamic. You’ll see religious decor everywhere, from "Bless This Mess" signs to elaborate nativity sets. If that’s not your vibe, it can be a bit overwhelming, but the sheer volume of supplies usually wins people over regardless of their personal stance.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just drive over there without a plan. You'll end up spending $200 on things you didn't know you needed.
- Check the Weekly Ad: Before you leave the house, go to the website and see which departments are 50% off. If it's "Home Decor" week, focus on that. If it's "Paper Crafts" week, stock up on cardstock.
- Download the App: Even without the 40% coupon, the app makes it easier to price-check items and see if something is in stock before you fight for a parking spot.
- Measure Your Space: If you’re looking for wall art or furniture, measure your wall before you go. The scale of the store makes everything look smaller than it actually is. That giant clock will look way bigger in your kitchen than it does on the 20-foot-high store wall.
- Go Early or Late: The "sweet spot" for avoiding the suburban rush is usually Tuesday or Wednesday around 2:00 PM. The morning rush has died down, and the "after-work" crowd hasn't arrived yet.
- Inspect Everything: Since it’s a high-volume store, items get handled a lot. Check your picture frames for corner dings and your fabric for pulls before you head to the register.
The Hobby Lobby Allentown PA is more than just a retail space; it's a resource for the local creative community. Whether you're a professional maker or a parent trying to finish a last-minute school project, knowing how to navigate the sales, the parking, and the layout will save you a massive headache.
Next time you’re on Union Blvd, stop in. Just remember to check the calendar—it's probably 50% off anyway. Shopping here is less about the brand and more about the hunt for that one specific item that finishes a project. It's a Lehigh Valley staple for a reason.
If you're planning a massive DIY project, start by auditing your current supplies. Most people buy duplicates of things they already have buried in a drawer. Once you have your list, wait for the specific department sale at the Allentown branch to maximize your budget. If you're doing custom framing, bring your artwork in on a Monday morning when the staff has more time to walk you through the options without a line forming behind you. This approach ensures you get the best price and the most attention to detail for your specific needs. Shopping smart is the only way to shop this location.
Avoid the Saturday afternoon peak if you value your sanity. The parking lot alone is enough to test anyone's patience. Instead, aim for those midweek windows where the aisles are clear and the shelves are freshly stocked with the latest seasonal arrivals.
By following the rotation of the sales and being mindful of the Sunday closure, you can turn a potentially stressful shopping trip into a streamlined, cost-effective mission. Allentown's crafting scene is vibrant, and this store remains its unofficial headquarters, provided you know the ground rules.
Reference Notes:
- Location: 1901 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109 (Lehigh Shopping Center).
- Standard Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun Closed.
- Sale Cycle: Generally alternates bi-weekly across major categories (Home Decor, Floral, Frames).
- Local Context: High traffic area near Bethlehem border; shares parking with multiple high-volume retailers.