KINGMAN — Hobby Lobby officially opened its doors this weekend on Stockton Hill Road in Kingman. The retailer held a soft opening on Friday, July 17, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on the following Monday.
Many residents came out to celebrate the Grand Opening of the 49,000-square-foot location—even Santa Claus.
Santa Claus was there to celebrate the Grand Opening of Hobby Lobby. Photo by Connie Jones.
“All of my elves make sure they have all their supplies abd decorations for Chridtmas from Hobby Lobby,” said Santa Claus, aka Jerry Galland. “It’s good we have one in Kingman now for all the local elves.”
Amy Sanchez and Phyllis Berryman, mother and daughter from Golden Valley were excited because thus one is closer for them than the one in Bullhead City.
“If we’re heading to Hobby Lobby, this is where I’m coming,” said Ms. Sanchez.
Manager Michael Luebke, said at the ribbon cutting ceremony thanked everyone in Kingman who had worked hard to make it happen and concluded with, “all the glory to God.”
Take a look at our photos from both events below.
Hobby Lobby in Kingman had Grand Opening Monday morning. Mayor Watkins ssid some had been in line since 6:30 a.m. Store Manager Michael Luebke, cut the ribbon and let all waiting in the store to shop about 10 minutes before scheduled opening. Photo by Connie Jones.There was a long line almost all the way the the new NIU Hawaiian Grill that just opened beside the Hobby Lobby and sold out of food the first day, according to City Counilor Marion “Smily” Ward attending the Grand Opening. The NIU Grill was also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Connie Jones.Nearly 100 or more waited in line for the Hobby Lobby Grand Opening Monday morning, some since 6:30 a.m.Photo by Connie Jones.An unidentified customer excitedly was the first one through the doors on Friday morning July 17, as Hobby Lobby quietly opens in Kingman for the first time. The soft opening drew a small but enthusiastic crowd grateful to see the 45,000‑square‑foot space — stitched together from four former stores — finally come to life. Photo by Allen Scott.Cashier Celeste Nevarez helps customer Shannon Strunk complete the new Hobby Lobby store’s first-ever sale. The soft opening allowed the new staff of 80 to ease into their roles while early shoppers trickled into the once vacant space on Stockton Hill Road, just south of Interstate 40. With Hobby Lobby opening, three adjutant vacant stores are expected to open with new businesses. A donut shop and an Asian restaurant have already signed up. Photo by Allen Scott.
