Many Brown County and area residents have shown excitement about the July 2 opening of Hobby Lobby at Heartland Mall. Early Economic Development Director Larry McConn said the hiring event recently was successful. “The last count I received is that more than 300 applied for 75 jobs,” McConn said. “They will make a few further cuts as they finish stocking the store.”

The excitement of the retail giant has not subsided, McConn said. “I think it is clearly the biggest opening we have had in several years, if not the biggest since the store opened. The city is excited. The citizens are excited. Each Hobby Lobby related post we make on social media easily generates 15,000 to 20,000 views.”

McConn said he expects to see a huge jump in monthly sales tax allocations with the presence of Hobby Lobby. “I think it is going to be huge until the end of the year,” McConn said. There is a two-month delay from the time a purchase is made until the comptroller gives us money back. When that happens, we are going to be through the grand opening and heading into the holidays and Hobby Lobby always has huge holiday sales.”

Interest from other potential businesses has also increased. “The uptick in interest in that area from where Burger King is being built to Humphrey Pete’s has been huge,” McConn said. “It has been probably been five fold since Hobby Lobby coming here was announced.”