Hobby Lobby Called a ‘Blessing’ at Corinth Grand Opening

By Josh Mitchell

Corinth Today News Editor

Janis Robinson of Kossuth was one of many people in line Monday morning to visit the new Hobby Lobby in Corinth.

“I’m very excited,” Robinson said at the grand opening event. “Every time we go to Tupelo or Florence I always stop at the Hobby Lobby. Now I’ve got one at my backdoor.”

Corinth Mayor Tommy Irwin is also very pleased that the national craft and home décor chain has made a home in Corinth. It is a great investment in Corinth, and other companies are sure to follow, the mayor noted.

Not only are residents and city officials excited, but Hobby Lobby representatives are also looking forward to a bright future in Corinth.

“We look forward to being here for years,” said Vince Parker with Hobby Lobby’s corporate office. “We saw Corinth as a great opportunity to be a part of a great city and really thought we could bring something a little special to Corinth.”

The 55,000 square-foot store currently employs around 30 employees.

Likewise, Clayton Stanley, president and CEO of the local economic development group The Alliance, said Hobby Lobby could be a catalyst for other national retailers to locate in Corinth. Having an anchor tenant such as Hobby Lobby succeed here can show other companies that Corinth is a great market to do business, Stanley added.

The investment made by Hobby Lobby in Corinth is greatly appreciated and gives residents another reason to shop locally, Stanley said. Moreover, Hobby Lobby is a company that treats its employees well, and this store brings Corinth’s retail shopping to another level, he said.

It appears Hobby Lobby in Corinth will also draw people from surrounding counties, such as Tippah. Husband and wife Linda and Mike Fitts of Tiplersville said they have been looking forward to Hobby Lobby opening.

“This is a blessing,” said Mike Fitts, who has been going to Memphis and Tupelo for Hobby Lobby. “I like to paint, so I go to the art department.”

Linda Fitts agreed that Hobby Lobby is great for Corinth and the surrounding area.

“We’re not going to have to drive an hour and 15 minutes; it’s very convenient,” she said. “This is our shopping hub that we come to.”

She also thinks that other big retailers will follow Hobby Lobby and open stores in Corinth

“If Hobby Lobby came here, then other people are going to start looking,” she said.