Business & Tech

Hobby Lobby Gets Called Out on Jewish Decorations

A New Jersey customer's inquiry about why the craft store chain does not carry Jewish holiday decorations has spurred an internal investigation.

By Kaitlyn Anness

A New Jersey man's blog post has sparked an internal investigation within Hobby Lobby, which operates a newly opened store in Lake Forest. 

Written by Ken Berwitz, author of the political book Hopelessly Partisan, the post pointed to a conversation in which a Hobby Lobby employee was asked why the craft store doesn't carry Jewish holiday decorations. The employee allegedly answered, "We don't cater to you people."

When Berwitz looked into the issue himself, he claims the answer from Hobby Lobby's Marlboro Township, NJ store, "Because Mr. [David] Green is the owner of the company, he's a Christian, and those are his values." 

Hobby Lobby representative Vincent Parker initially answered Patch with a brief statement, saying the store is working with buyers and looking into including Jewish holiday decorations.

In an email, Parker told Mayor Jon Hornik of Marlboro Township the company is conducting an investigation.  

"Alleged comments made by employees are currently being investigated and will be addressed accordingly," Parker said. "These comments are in no way indicative of Hobby Lobby culture, the owners and the operators."

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS: Should Hobby Lobby inventory include Jewish holiday decorations, or would you rather shop where such decorations are already sold? 


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