The Hobby Lobby store in Meyerland, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, was one of the many locations that temporarily closed its doors during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. But why did it close, and what were the circumstances surrounding the closure?
The Hobby Lobby store in Meyerland, Houston, Texas, closed due to a combination of factors. These included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the temporary closure of all Hobby Lobby stores, as well as local challenges such as the area’s flood-prone nature and a shrinking population. The closure of other businesses in the area also likely contributed to Hobby Lobby’s decision to close its Meyerland store.
The Impact of COVID-19
In the wake of the pandemic, Hobby Lobby, like many other businesses, faced an unprecedented situation. Initially, the company resisted the efforts to close their stores, arguing that the sale of fabric was essential. However, after facing backlash and legal troubles for defying stay-at-home orders in some locations, the company decided to close all stores and furlough nearly all store employees and many corporate and distribution workers.
Financial Performance and Challenges
While there is no specific information available about the financial performance of the Meyerland Hobby Lobby store compared to other locations, it’s important to note that Hobby Lobby as a company has been successful, boasting over 900 stores and a revenue of $5 billion in 2018.
The Meyerland location faced a unique set of challenges. The area is known for being flood-prone, which worsened following Hurricane Harvey and consecutive years of flooding in 2015 and 2016. This led to a decline in the population of the main Meyerland ZIP code, 77096, which shrank to its 2010 population level, while nearby ZIP codes continued to grow. The closure of businesses in the area, such as Belden’s and the original H-E-B location, further impacted the community.
Community Impact
The closure of the Meyerland Hobby Lobby store, along with other local businesses, has had a significant impact on the community. The area has experienced a series of store closures, including Belden’s grocery store, which was a staple in the community for 40 years.
These closures have been seen as an aftershock of Hurricane Harvey, which came after back-to-back years of flooding in 2015 and 2016, worsening the area’s reputation for being flood-prone. The shrinking population in the main Meyerland ZIP code and the financial hardships faced by local businesses have added to the challenges faced by the community.
Communication and Future Plans
Hobby Lobby communicated the closure of its stores to its employees and customers through a statement shared on the company’s website. The announcement came after the craft store had reopened some stores in defiance of state-mandated lockdowns that called for the closure of nonessential businesses.
Looking ahead, Hobby Lobby’s future plans in the Meyerland area or similar markets following the closure are not explicitly mentioned. However, the company has a history of remodeling existing sites and repurposing vacant spaces for its stores. While there is no specific information about Hobby Lobby’s plans in Meyerland or similar markets, it is possible that the company may continue to pursue expansion and remodeling strategies in other locations.
In conclusion, the closure of the Meyerland Hobby Lobby store was a complex decision influenced by multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the unique challenges faced by the Meyerland community, and the company’s broader strategic decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Hobby Lobby initially close its stores due to the pandemic?
Hobby Lobby initially closed its stores in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How many employees were furloughed by Hobby Lobby during the pandemic?
Hobby Lobby furloughed nearly all of its store employees, along with many corporate and distribution workers, during the pandemic. The exact number is not publicly available.
What was the main reason for the population decline in the main Meyerland ZIP code, 77096?
The main reason for the population decline in the main Meyerland ZIP code, 77096, was due to consecutive years of flooding in 2015 and 2016, and the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
What other businesses in Meyerland closed their doors?
Aside from Hobby Lobby, other businesses in Meyerland that closed their doors include Belden’s grocery store and the original H-E-B location.
How did Hobby Lobby communicate the closure of its stores to its employees and customers?
Hobby Lobby communicated the closure of its stores to its employees and customers through a statement shared on the company’s website.
