Sentinel photo by JEFF FISHBEIN
Craft retailer Hobby Lobby is preparing to open in the former Kmart storefront at Mifflin County Commons in Burnham (foreground), while workers continue to prepare the remainder of the space for a Big Lots store.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Hobby Lobby projects an August opening for its new story in Burnham, according to a press release from the company.

The privately held, national retail chain of craft and home decor stores is set to open a new in the 55,000 square-foot building formerly occupied by Kmart, located at West Freedom Avenue in Mifflin County Commons.

Based on signage at the property, the former department store is being divided, with Big Lots advertising that it will open in the remaining space. Big Lots previously had a location in Lewistown, since closed.

Hobby Lobby currently has 24 locations in Pennsylvania. The Burnham location is expected to will bring between 35 and 50 jobs to the community. Hobby Lobby pays $18.50 per hour for full-time and $13 per hour for part-time associates.

“Once you visit Hobby Lobby, you will see that we are very unique, offering the widest variety of merchandise in the craft and home decor market under one roof,” stated Kelly Black, assistant vice president of advertising for the chain. “We’re tremendously excited about becoming a part of the Burnham community.”

Hobby Lobby has more than 900 stores across the nation. Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home decor products including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.

Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. began as Greco, a miniature picture frame company, in 1970. When David Green moved his business from the family garage to a 300-square-foot retail space in 1972, Hobby Lobby was born. It is now the nation’s largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer.

For more information about Hobby Lobby, weekly specials, store locations and online shopping, visit hobbylobby.com, download the mobile app or follow on Facebook.