Hobby Lobby raises minimum wage to $18.50 an hour

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- Hobby Lobby employees have an extra reason to look forward to the new year.

The Oklahoma City-based company says it will raise full time workers' minimum wage to $18.50 an hour, starting January 1.

That's an increase of a $1.50 per hour.

In a statement, the arts-and-crafts chain said it's been ahead of other retailers when it comes to raising the minimum wage.

But Hobby Lobby is no stranger to controversy.

In 2014, it was one of two companies that won a major U.S. Supreme Court case allowing them not to pay for contraceptives in employees' medical coverage.

The Christian company, which is closed on Sundays, argued it conflicted with religious beliefs.