Rio West Mall to Add New Anchor: Hobby Lobby Arts and Craft Store in January 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2017

Gallup, NM – Adding more variety for our shoppers in the Gallup and surrounding area, Rio West Mall will add a new anchor, Hobby Lobby is projected to open in January 2018.

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a major Oklahoma City-based corporation began as Greco, a miniature picture frame company in 1970. When David Green moved his business from the family garage to a 300 square-foot retail space in 1972, Hobby Lobby was born. It is now the nation’s largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer. “The success of our stores in New Mexico led us to look at Gallup and Alamogordo,” said Bob Miller, company spokesperson. “We think these are great locations and we are eager to get the doors open and become a part of these communities.” The new stores will join a chain of over 700 stores across the nation. Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home decor products including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, wedding supplies, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.

“It has been a long two-year process working with Hobby Lobby and showing them that we are a beautifully diverse community of Artists in and around the surrounding reservations. We executed a signed lease on Monday and I am grateful that Hobby Lobby has decided to invest in Gallup by opening a store at the Rio West Mall,” said Leasing Director of Rio West Mall Ida Mangum. “I know they will do well, bring more jobs to our area and give our local economy a boost.”

“Our area has an abundant number of crafters and artists who will be thrilled that they don’t have to travel far to get their supplies, “said General Manager of Rio West Mall Anita Artalejo. “Hobby Lobby appeals to everyone from homeowners who enjoy seasonal decorating to families who love to plan lavish events/parties and to everyone in between. I am excited about the growth for Rio West Mall.”

About the Rio West Mall

With more than 40 shops, six eateries and three entertainment tenants, Rio West Mall is the Place to Be: the place to shop, the place to eat and the place to gather with family and friends for food, drinks and entertainment. For more information, please visit www.riowestmall.com.

Contact:

Anita Artalejo
(505) 722-7281
Anita.artalejo@riowestmall.com

Ida Mangum
(505) 722-7281
Ida.mangum@riowestmall.com