Fact check: Hobby Lobby will end 40% off coupon on Feb. 28 in favor of broader discounts

The claim: Hobby Lobby is getting rid of its 40% off coupon

Oklahoma City-based arts and crafts giant Hobby Lobby plans to discontinue its 40% off coupon this year, according to viral social media posts.

"As of February 28th, 2021, Hobby Lobby will no longer be offering the 40% off coupon in stores or online. By making this decision, we are intensifying our efforts to discount thousands of items every day," reads a screenshot of a purported statement from Hobby Lobby that has been posted to Facebook.

"Did you know this?" Facebook page My Creative Days captioned the Jan. 25 post, which has hundreds of shares.

Other users shared a purported letter from Hobby Lobby, dated Jan. 22 and sent to store managers titled, "Beginning Sunday, February 28th, we will no longer be accepting the Hobby Lobby 40% Off Coupon in store or online."

Some social media users were skeptical about the announcement, commenting, "This is not true. Research it."

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Coupon will end in February

It's true that the retail chain plans to end its popular coupon. Hobby Lobby announced the 40% off deal will no longer be offered at its 900-plus stores or online, USA TODAY reported.

“By making this decision, we are intensifying our efforts to discount thousands of items every day,” Hobby Lobby said in a Facebook comment on Jan. 28. “This will offer a better value instead of providing a discount on only one item with the coupon.”

Some customers protested the announcement in the comment section of Hobby Lobby's Facebook page. Other users speculated the change could potentially lead to a decrease in prices.

According to the Krazy Coupon Lady, there is a two-week grace period, so customers will technically have until March 14 to use their coupons.

The famous 40% coupons have certain restrictions, and they are available on the Hobby Lobby app and website.

Hobby Lobby previously issued the coupon in weekly social media posts with the caption, "The moment you've been waiting for has arrived: the 40% off coupon is here!"

Hobby Lobby has not returned USA TODAY's request for comment.

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Our rating: True

The claim that Hobby Lobby is ending its 40% off coupon is TRUE, based on our research. In a Facebook comment, the company confirmed the rumors that it would be ending its popular coupon on Feb. 28. There will be a two-week grace period for the coupons.

Our fact-check sources:

• USA TODAY, Jan. 27, "Hobby Lobby is getting rid of its 40% off coupon starting Feb. 28 and shoppers are mourning"

• Hobby Lobby, Jan. 27, Facebook comment

• The Krazy Coupon Lady, Jan. 28, "Say Goodbye To Hobby Lobby's 40% Off Coupon"

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Hobby Lobby will end 40% off coupon in February