Hobby Lobby signs lease for Merced's old Gottschalks building

Hobby Lobby announced Friday that it's signed a lease to occupy the former Gottschalks building on West Olive Avenue. The store should open later this year with approximately 35 to 40 employees. Full-time jobs will pay $12 per hour, while part-time workers will earn $8.50 an hour.

The crafting superstore based in Oklahoma City announced leases in three other California cities, including Modesto.

"The success of our first store in Visalia is a good indicator that California has many vibrant crafting communities that are currently underserved," said John Schumacher, assistant vice president of advertising, in a press release. "We are very pleased to provide Californians the quality, selection and value we offer in the crafts and home décor market while filling that void.'

Gottschalks closed its Merced store in 2009 when its parent company filed for bankruptcy.

Hobby Lobby, which started in 1972 in Oklahoma, has 480 stores across the country averaging 65,000 crafting and home decor products. Departments include floral, fabric, needlework, picture framing, baskets, home accents, arts and crafts, wearable art, jewelry and scrapbooking supplies. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.