Deborah Prescott | Daily Press Store manager Joe Rondeau cuts a ribbon marking the grand opening of Hobby Lobby in Escanaba at the Delta Plaza Mall Monday morning. Local dignitaries and ambassadors from the Delta County Chamber of Commerce attended the ribbon cutting. Hobby Lobby is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

ESCANABA — Hobby Lobby held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of its Escanaba store Monday — the only Hobby Lobby store in the Upper Peninsula. Local dignitaries joined the festivities along with customers, eager to see what the store offered. In attendance at the ribbon cutting were 38th District State Sen. Ed McBroom, Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall, Escanaba City Manager Patrick Jordan, Commissioner Patrick Johnson, Downtown Development Authority Director Ed Legault and ambassadors from the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and various business leaders.

Hobby Lobby Store Manager Joe Rondeau cut the ribbon with employees in attendance. Rondeau previously worked in the Upper Midwest states for many years and is eager to get the Escanaba Hobby Lobby up and running.

“We are very glad they decided to come to the area. We welcome them as chamber members and we’re happy to back them,” said Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executiuve Director Vickie Micheau.

The craft, home decorating and seasonal store chain has enjoyed continual growth in recent years. In 2018 the company opened 54 new stores and plans for an additional 65 stores in 2019.

Some customers have been to other Hobby Lobby stores, while others in attendance had never stepped foot in one before.

Customer Connie Maule went to the grand opening hoping to get something for her living room.

“Hobby Lobby is a fantastic addition to Escanaba,” said Maule. “For shopping, and the community and economy.”

Delta Plaza Mall Property Manager Katherine Hedges was in attendance celebrating the grand opening.

“We are excited to have Hobby Lobby come to the mall. Plan to see additional things happen in the future,” said Hedges.

According to Hedges, management continues to identify tenants they feel can transform the mall and retail environment.

“We hope traffic from new anchors (stores) will bring improved sales, and we appreciate the willingness of these tenants to work with us and stay in this community,” said Hedges. “We are thankful for the cooperation of the city and its leaders, as together we are all striving to make Escanaba and Delta Plaza Mall a destination to drive to, not drive through.”

Kimberly Argall and Doneen Ferris are both customers who frequent other Hobby Lobby stores and are glad the new store is in town.

“I have gone to the store in Green Bay before,” said Argall. “They have a variety of beautiful items in Hobby Lobby. I feel inspired every time I walk in.”

When asked what Ferris likes about the store, she said, “The question is more, what’s not to like.”

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and closed on Sunday.