Brownwood News – A representative with Hobby Lobby confirmed by email plans to open a location inside Heartland Mall in Early in 2018.

“Hobby Lobby plans to open a store in Early,” wrote Bob Miller, Hobby Lobby Communications Coordinator. “The store is projected to open in June, 2018, and is expected to bring 35-50 new jobs to the community. Currently, Hobby Lobby pays $15.70 for full-time and $10.45 for part-time.”

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The Hobby Lobby store will be located where JC Penny was previously housed inside the mall, but will take up approximately 2,000 more square feet.

“We can confirm that there has been a leased signed between Hobby Lobby and Victoria Retail Property Group, which own Heartland Mall,” said Early City Manager Tony Aaron. “We’ll have a press conference on Tuesday with the property group, the Early MDD, and Hobby Lobby to answer more detailed questions.”

“We’re excited about the potential impact this will have on our local economy,” Aaron added.