It’s huge. If you’ve ever walked into the Hobby Lobby Destiny USA location, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Most people heading to Syracuse’s massive retail hub are there for the typical stuff—maybe a new pair of sneakers at the flagship stores or a quick bite at the food court. But tucked into the third floor of the expansion wing, Hobby Lobby operates as a sort of quiet giant. It’s a massive footprint in a mall that has seen more than its fair share of turnover and drama over the last decade. Honestly, it's one of the most reliable anchors the mall has left.
You might think a craft store is just a craft store. But this specific spot represents a weirdly successful marriage between big-box retail and the "destination" mall experience. While other retailers were shrinking or fleeing to strip malls, this location leaned into the chaos of Destiny USA.
The Weird History of This Specific Spot
Destiny USA is a beast. For those who aren't local, it used to be just "Carousel Center." Then, the Pyramid Management Group had this wild, billion-dollar dream to turn it into a global tourist destination with a massive expansion. Hobby Lobby didn't jump in right away. In fact, for a long time, that specific area of the mall felt a little empty, like a ghost town with high ceilings.
When Hobby Lobby finally moved in around 2017, it took over a massive chunk of real estate that previously housed parts of the short-lived Sports Authority. It was a gamble. Usually, Hobby Lobby likes standalone buildings with their own parking lots—think of the one in Clay or over in DeWitt. Putting one on the third floor of a mega-mall meant customers had to lug heavy frames and 40-pound bags of yarn through a labyrinth of escalators.
It worked anyway.
The store occupies roughly 55,000 square feet. To put that in perspective, that’s about the size of a football field filled entirely with seasonal decor, fabric bolts, and enough fake eucalyptus to forest the entire Syracuse metro area.
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Navigation is Kind of a Nightmare (But Worth It)
Let’s be real: getting to Hobby Lobby Destiny USA isn't always a breeze. If you park in the main underground garage, you’re in for a hike.
Pro tip for the locals: Park in the multi-level "Solar Street" garage or the rooftop lot near the Embassy Suites. It puts you much closer to the expansion wing. If you’re coming in through the old section of the mall, you have to cross the pedestrian bridge—the one that smells like Cinnabon and ambition—and head past the go-karts.
- The store is located on the 3rd Level.
- It sits near other heavy hitters like Dick’s Sporting Goods and the museum of Science and Technology (MOST) satellite areas.
- Because it’s on the top floor, the natural light from the skylights actually makes it feel less like a windowless basement and more like a massive warehouse.
What Actually Sells at This Location?
It’s not just glitter. Syracuse is a college town. Between Syracuse University, Le Moyne, and ESF, there is a constant rotation of students looking for dorm decor. This Hobby Lobby does a killing in the "Home Decor" aisle. Think wall clocks that look like they’re from a Parisian flea market but are actually made of plastic.
The seasonal turnover here is aggressive. If you go in July, it’s Christmas. If you go in October, it’s Spring. The logistics of moving that much inventory up to the third floor of a mall is a feat of engineering that most shoppers never think about. They use the massive freight elevators near the loading docks on the backside of the mall, which stay busy around the clock.
Why People Choose the Mall Over the Clay Store
Syracuse has other Hobby Lobby locations. The one on Route 31 in Clay is easier to park at. The one in DeWitt is more "suburban chill." So why do people deal with the Destiny USA crowds?
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Selection. Because this is a "Destiny" sized store, the inventory levels are often higher. If the Clay store is out of a specific shade of Lion Brand yarn, the Destiny store probably has a hidden stash. Plus, there is the "one-stop-shop" factor. You can get your custom framing done, then go grab a margarita at Margaritaville or take the kids to the aquarium. It turns a boring errand into a whole afternoon.
However, there are downsides. The weekends are absolute mayhem. Between the tourists coming down from Canada and the local families, the checkout lines can snake back into the floral department. If you value your sanity, go on a Tuesday morning. It’s a completely different world.
The Economic Reality of Retail in Syracuse
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the mall’s financial health. Pyramid Management has been in and out of the news for years regarding debt restructuring and tax agreements. Amidst all that uncertainty, Hobby Lobby remains a stable tenant. They pay their rent, they draw a specific demographic (mostly suburban moms and DIY enthusiasts), and they don't rely on the "hype" culture that fuels stores like Apple or lululemon.
They are also closed on Sundays. In a mall that is built on weekend traffic, seeing a 50,000-square-foot store dark on a Sunday is jarring. It’s part of their corporate policy based on religious beliefs, and they haven't budged on it, even with the pressure of being in a high-traffic tourist mall. It’s a fascinatng bit of leverage—Hobby Lobby is such a big draw that the mall management accepts a "dark" storefront on the busiest shopping day of the week.
Misconceptions and Surprises
One thing people get wrong? They think the prices are higher because it's in the "big mall." That’s a myth. Hobby Lobby keeps its pricing consistent across all national locations. The 40% off sales (which used to be coupons but are now just rotating weekly specials) apply here just like they do in a rural store in Oklahoma.
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Another surprise is the Custom Framing department. Most people think of mall framing as a "kiosk" thing. At the Hobby Lobby Destiny USA, the framing section is a full-service operation. They handle everything from shadow boxes for SU jerseys to high-end archival framing for local artists. It’s actually one of the highest-rated framing departments in the region, partly because the staff there tends to be long-term employees rather than seasonal mall help.
Logistics of Buying Large Items
If you buy a massive farmhouse table or a giant mirror, don't panic. You don't have to carry it through the food court. The staff can coordinate with you to bring your vehicle around to the Level 3 loading area. Most people don't even know this exists. You can actually drive up the ramp system to specific access points where they can wheel out your oversized items. Always ask the manager at the front desk for the "loading dock" instructions before you try to wrestle a bookshelf onto an escalator.
Real Expert Advice for Navigating Hobby Lobby Destiny USA
After spending way too much time in this mall, here is the "insider" way to handle a trip to this specific Hobby Lobby:
- Check the Weekly Ad Before You Park: Since cell service can be spotty in the middle of the mall’s steel structure, screenshot the weekly specials on the Hobby Lobby app while you’re still outside.
- The "Hidden" Restrooms: Don't use the mall's public restrooms if you can avoid it—they're often crowded. There are restrooms located toward the back of the store that are generally cleaner and much quieter.
- The Monday Morning Restock: This store typically receives its heaviest shipments late in the week, but the shelves are best organized on Monday mornings. If you’re looking for specific seasonal items that sell out fast, that’s your window.
- Avoid the "Bridge" Entrance: If you can help it, don't enter the mall through the main carousel entrance. Use the Hiawatha Boulevard entrances. They lead more directly to the expansion side where the store is located.
What’s Next for This Location?
As we move through 2026, the retail landscape in Central New York is still shifting. Destiny USA is trying to pivot more toward "entertainment" and "experiences" (think escape rooms and virtual reality) rather than just clothes and shoes. Hobby Lobby fits into this surprisingly well because "making things" is an experience.
The store recently updated its layout to prioritize more "ready-to-hang" art, acknowledging that the modern shopper wants the "look" of a DIY project without necessarily doing the work. Expect to see more of this—hybrid products that bridge the gap between raw materials and finished home decor.
If you’re planning a trip, just remember the Sunday rule. Nothing is more disappointing than trekking through the Destiny parking lot only to find those big glass doors locked. Plan your projects, check the loading dock availability for the big stuff, and maybe grab a coffee before you head into the third-floor wilderness.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the App: Even without the old 40% coupon, the app tracks what's currently on sale (usually furniture one week, yarn the next).
- Park on the Roof: Seriously, the rooftop parking near the hotel is the secret "cheat code" for the expansion wing.
- Measure Twice: If you're buying frames or furniture, bring your measurements. The scale of the store makes things look smaller than they actually are. That "little" clock will look massive in your apartment.
- Ask About the Clearance Corner: Usually located near the back wall by the fabric department, the Destiny location has a higher volume of "open box" returns than the suburban stores. You can find some absolute steals there if you don't mind a dented corner on a frame.