Hobby Lobby Class Action: Are the Retailer's Sales Fake?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Hobby Lobby misled consumers with deceptive pricing practices, advertising perpetual sales on products never sold at full price.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in California who purchased products from Hobby Lobby at advertised "sale" prices.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Hobby Lobby is under legal fire with a class action lawsuit accusing the retailer of misleading customers through perpetual sales on products never actually sold at full price. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims the advertised discounts are not genuine and that the so-called sale prices are the actual regular prices for these items.

Plaintiffs Nicole Loza and Lorraine Romero, both California residents, say they were misled by Hobby Lobby’s marketing. Loza purchased photo frames and T-shirts in 2023 and 2024 from a San Mateo store, while Romero bought frames in 2024 at a Concord location. Both say they relied on Hobby Lobby’s promotional materials, believing they were saving money based on the advertised discounts.

The lawsuit specifically mentions items like photo frames, framed wall art, furniture, and T-shirts as “Always Discounted Products,” claiming these goods are rarely, if ever, sold at the full price listed.

Hobby Lobby's "Perpetual Sale" Tactics Mislead Shoppers, Lawsuit Claims

According to the lawsuit, Hobby Lobby routinely advertises items like picture frames, framed wall art, custom framing services, furniture, party supplies, and T-shirts as being on sale. Discounts are typically promoted as “50% off” or “30% off,” but the plaintiffs argue these items are almost never sold at the original listed price.

Promotional materials, including Hobby Lobby’s weekly ads, allegedly reinforce the illusion of savings by framing these products as limited-time offers. However, the lawsuit contends that these discounts are never-ending, violating California consumer protection laws and Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

The plaintiffs claim they relied on these marketing tactics when making their purchases, believing they were receiving real discounts. Instead, they argue, they were misled into paying the standard retail price under the impression that they were getting a deal.

Past Legal Actions Against Hobby Lobby Over Pricing

This isn’t Hobby Lobby’s first time facing questions about its pricing. In 2014, the company paid $223,600 to settle a case with New York’s attorney general over allegations that it advertised perpetual sales on items like furniture and framing services for more than a year. A 2017 settlement with Virginia’s attorney general also involved penalties and restrictions on its advertising practices.

In the Hobby Lobby deceptive discounts class action lawsuit, Loza and Romero are seeking to represent Californians who bought products from Hobby Lobby at the advertised “sale” prices, believing they were receiving a discount. They are asking for a jury trial, monetary damages, and legal orders to stop the company from continuing these practices.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Loza, et al. v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc.
• Case Number: 3:24-cv-07861
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California  

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Stephen R. Basser and Samuel M. Ward (Barrack, Rodos & Bacine)

Have you shopped at Hobby Lobby? What are your thoughts on their sales practices? Share your experience in the comments below.