City Official: Hobby Lobby Interested In Moving Into KMart Building

A Lakewood official revealed Monday night the name of at least one potential tenant for the KMart building.

And that name might sound familiar to local arts-and-crafts enthusiasts.

Economic Development Manager Ellie Chambers-Grady said Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma City-based arts-and-crafts retailer, is interested in locating in the 87,000-square-foot space at 5401 100th St. S.W.

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The arts and crafts store would likely fill one of two spaces that used to comprise KMart, which closed its doors in January after four decades of operation. The building's Pittsburgh-based owner, Daniel Kamin, is also in discussions with another potential tenant, she said.

Representatives of Hobby Lobby--whose stores are typically 55,000 square feet--are scheduled to meet with the city next week to help determine if the chain wants to move forward in Lakewood. During the May 15 meeting, they will discuss tenant improvements, potential design and other issues.

As its name somewhat implies, Hobby Lobby is an arts and crafts specialty store that has 525 locations nationwide, according to its website. Offerings include fabricing, scrapbooking and floral supplies.

In addition to considering Lakewood, it also plans to open a Bonney Lake location.

In Washington, Hobby Lobby has stores in Federal Way, Lynnwood, Everett, Wenatchee, Kennewick and Spokane. It doesn't have any stores currently in Pierce or Thurston Counties.

The city's marketing reports show a Hobby Lobby would serve a large area and be a destination for shoppers, including ones from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"We think there’s a good opportunity to capture a market from a larger commuting area," Chambers-Grady told the Lakewood City Council.

We want to hear from you, Patch users, what do you think? Do you think a Hobby Lobby is a good fit for the former KMart building? Tell us in the comments below.