OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Craft retailer Hobby Lobby announced Monday it is raising its minimum full-time hourly wage to $17 effective Oct. 1.

The Oklahoma City-based company last raised its minimum wage in 2014 to $15-per-hour, KOCO reported.

“We have always worked hard to be a retail leader when it comes to taking care of our people,” David Green, Hobby Lobby founder and CEO, said in a news release.

“From closing our stores on Sundays and at 8 p.m. the rest of the week, to providing some of the best pay and benefits in the retail industry, we are thankful that we are able to share our success with our valued employees and provide time for rest, family and worship,” Green added.

The privately-owned retailer operates 923 stores nationwide, Fox Business reported.

Cox Media Group