Finding the Hobby Lobby Federal Way location isn't just about grabbing a tube of acrylic paint or a discounted frame. It’s a whole thing. If you’ve ever driven down South 320th Street during rush hour, you know exactly what I mean. The traffic near The Commons at Federal Way can be a total nightmare, but for the local crafting community, this specific store serves as a massive hub that draws people from all over South King County.
Honestly, it's huge.
Located right at 1706 S 320th St, this spot took over a significant chunk of real estate that used to be a Sears. When Sears started disappearing from the American landscape, these massive "big box" vacancies left holes in suburban malls. Hobby Lobby stepped in, and in Federal Way, they didn't just fill the space—they transformed the shopping dynamic of that entire corner of the city. You aren't just getting a small shop; you're getting thousands of square feet of home decor, seasonal kitsch, and aisle after aisle of yarn.
Why the Federal Way Location is Different
Most people think every Hobby Lobby is a carbon copy of the next. That’s mostly true, but the Federal Way store has a specific "vibe" because of its placement in an urban-suburban transition zone. It’s one of the primary locations for people living in Milton, Edgewood, and even Northeast Tacoma who don't want to trek all the way to Puyallup or Tukwila.
The footprint here is sprawling.
Because it occupies a former department store space, the ceilings are high and the aisles feel slightly wider than some of the older, purpose-built locations. This matters when you're trying to navigate a giant cart filled with floral foam and half-off mirrors while dodging a toddler.
One thing you’ve gotta realize: the inventory management here is surprisingly tight. While some craft stores feel like they haven't restocked their scrapbooking section since 2014, the Federal Way crew stays on top of the trends. You’ll see the "aesthetic" stuff—the muted neutrals, the cottagecore decor—hitting the shelves here faster than in some of the more rural Washington locations.
Navigating the Sale Cycles Like a Pro
If you pay full price at Hobby Lobby Federal Way, you’re basically doing it wrong. I'm serious. The store operates on a predictable, almost rhythmic rotation of discounts. Most regulars know the "40% off" drill, but it goes deeper than that.
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The seasonal stuff is the big draw.
Walk in during July, and you’ll find Christmas trees. It feels weird when it’s 80 degrees outside in the Pacific Northwest, but that’s how they play the game. By the time the actual holiday rolls around, those items are often marked down by 66% or even 90%. I’ve seen people wait until the day after Christmas to swarm the Federal Way location, clearing out entire aisles of wrapping paper for pennies on the dollar.
- Furniture and Wall Decor: Usually rotates every other week for 40-50% off.
- Fabric: Typically on sale every few weeks; check the "Remnant" bin near the back cutting counter for the real steals.
- Jewelry Making: This section is surprisingly robust in Federal Way. They carry brands like The Jewelry Shoppe and Traditions, and these often hit the 50% off mark frequently.
Don't forget the "Always On" sales. Things like Home Decor categories (clocks, pillows, rugs) are almost perpetually discounted. It’s a psychological pricing strategy that works. You feel like you're winning every time you hit the register.
The Layout: Where Everything Actually Is
Entering from the main mall-adjacent parking lot puts you right in the thick of the seasonal "strike zone." This is where they tempt you with whatever holiday is three months away. If you’re on a mission, bypass the gnomes and the pumpkin-scented candles immediately.
To the left, you’ve got the framing department. This is actually one of the better-rated framing services in the Federal Way area. They often have a "master framer" on site who knows how to handle delicate canvases or sports jerseys. It’s not cheap, even with the constant sales, but the quality usually beats the DIY kits you’d find at a big-box mart.
The middle of the store is a labyrinth of wearable art, party supplies, and models. If you’re a hobbyist into Gundam or Revell model cars, the selection here is actually decent for a generalist store. They’ve managed to keep a steady supply of paints and glues that sometimes go out of stock at smaller shops.
Further back, you hit the yarn and fabric. This is the "quiet zone." It’s tucked away from the main hustle, and it’s where you’ll find the serious crafters debating the merits of acrylic versus wool blends. The Federal Way location stocks a massive amount of "I Love This Yarn," which is their house brand. It’s popular because it doesn’t pill as much as the cheap stuff from competitors.
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Common Misconceptions About the Federal Way Spot
People often get confused about the hours. Let’s be clear: they are closed on Sundays. This is a corporate-wide policy rooted in the company’s religious foundations, and the Federal Way location is no exception. Every year, you’ll see dozens of cars pull into that parking lot on a Sunday afternoon, only to realize the doors are locked. Plan your weekend projects accordingly.
Also, some people think you can still use the 40% off digital coupon.
Gone.
It’s been gone for a while now.
The company shifted to lower everyday pricing and more frequent "category sales" instead of the single-item coupon. It’s a bummer if you just wanted one expensive thing, but it actually ends up being cheaper if you’re buying a whole cartload of stuff that’s already marked down.
Parking and Accessibility Woes
Let's talk about the parking lot. It’s shared with the rest of The Commons, which means you’re competing with people going to Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the movie theater.
Pro tip: Don’t try to park right in front of the Hobby Lobby doors. It’s a bottleneck. Instead, park slightly further out toward the Panera Bread or the defunct Sears auto center area. You’ll save yourself ten minutes of frustration and a potential door ding.
The store itself is fully ADA compliant. The aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs and double strollers, which is a huge plus compared to some of the cramped craft shops in Seattle or Tacoma.
Expert Tips for the Best Shopping Experience
If you want to avoid the crowds, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are your best bet. The Federal Way location gets a shipment in early in the week, and by Tuesday afternoon, most of the new stock is actually on the floor.
- Check the Clearance Endcaps: These are usually hidden at the very back of the aisles, near the restroom corridor or the fabric section. This is where the truly "clearance" items live—stuff that’s been discontinued or has a slightly dented box. You can find items for 70-90% off here.
- Download the App: Even though the big coupon is dead, the app still shows you exactly what is on sale that week. It saves you from wandering around wondering if the "Paper Crafts" are 40% off this week or next.
- The "Rain Check" Myth: Hobby Lobby generally doesn't do rain checks. If they are out of a specific sale item at the Federal Way store, you might be out of luck unless they can find it at the Tukwila location for you.
- Bulk Orders: If you’re planning a wedding in Federal Way or a large church event, you can actually talk to the manager about ordering in bulk. They won’t always give you an extra discount, but they will ensure you get 50 of the same vase instead of the three they have on the shelf.
Why This Store Matters to the Local Economy
Federal Way has seen a lot of retail shifts lately. With the redevelopment plans for the downtown core and the incoming light rail, the "big box" landscape is changing. Hobby Lobby remains a cornerstone of the 320th Street retail corridor. It provides jobs for local residents and keeps a significant amount of foot traffic flowing into the mall area, which helps the smaller kiosks and food court vendors survive.
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The store also acts as a resource for the local school districts. Teachers from Federal Way Public Schools often frequent this location for classroom supplies, especially when the "Education" and "Posters" sections go on sale. It's an underrated part of the local supply chain.
Addressing the Competition
You’ve got a Michaels right down the road on Pacific Highway. Why choose Hobby Lobby?
It usually comes down to the decor. Michaels is great for "raw materials"—beads, specific paints, and tech-heavy crafting like Cricut machines. Hobby Lobby Federal Way, however, wins on the "finished goods" side. If you want a giant wooden clock or a metal sign that says "Farmhouse," Hobby Lobby has five aisles of it. Michaels has half an aisle.
The floral department at the Federal Way Hobby Lobby is also significantly larger. Their selection of silk flowers and greenery is massive, making it the go-to for local DIY brides and funeral floral arrangements.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to the Federal Way Hobby Lobby, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Check the Weekly Ad: Go to the official website on Monday morning to see which categories are currently 40-50% off.
- Inventory your supplies: Don't buy more "Midnight Blue" yarn if you already have three skeins at home. The scale of the store makes it easy to overbuy.
- Time your visit: Aim for 10:00 AM on a weekday. You’ll avoid the lunch rush and the after-school crowd.
- Inspect your items: Because it’s a high-volume store, sometimes items get dinged or scratched. Check the bottom of ceramic pots and the corners of frames before you head to the checkout.
- Plan your exit: Remember that turning left out of that parking lot onto 320th can be impossible. Use the back exits toward 1st Ave S or the side roads near the transit center to save your sanity.
The Federal Way Hobby Lobby isn't just a store; it's a 55,000-square-foot warehouse of potential. Whether you're a hardcore crafter or just someone who needs a new welcome mat, knowing the rhythm of this specific location makes all the difference.
Go early, check the clearance, and for heaven's sake, don't show up on Sunday.