T4K3.news
Hobbycraft to close nine more stores
Nine Hobbycraft locations will shut next month as the retailer clears stock and reorganises its network.
Hobbycraft confirms nine more UK store closures next month as it launches stock clearance sales across affected branches.
Hobbycraft confirms nine more store closures and stock clearance sales
Hobbycraft, the arts and crafts retailer with 115 stores in the United Kingdom, said nine more branches will close next month as it runs closing down sales to clear remaining stock. The closures follow earlier exits in mid July and will affect locations including Bromborough Stratford upon Avon and Southport, with exact dates yet to be announced. The new rounds of closing down sales have already begun in some stores with discounts up to 20 percent to clear stock.
The closures come amid a wider strain on high street retailers and a broader restructuring led by Modella Capital after it bought Hobbycraft last year. The plan to restructure has already seen up to 126 jobs impacted across the group, and it is not yet clear how many positions will be affected in the remaining stores. Separately Poundland owner Pepco Group has announced a large scale shutdown programme, with around 49 stores slated to close by mid October after a sale to Gordon Brothers for a nominal fee. The closures are spread across multiple regions including Wigan Chichester Stafford Maidenhead Crayford and Kings Lynn and reflect the tough environment facing shoppers and retailers alike.
Key Takeaways
"Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision"
CEO statement on closure decision
"Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years"
CEO on sector challenges
"UK's leading arts and crafts retailer that has become places for gaining crafting ideas and inspiration"
Brand positioning
"Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country"
CEO on strategic changes
The pattern here shows a retail sector under sustained pressure from rising costs and shifting shopping habits. Private equity owners are pressing to reshape portfolios for sustainability, but the human cost is real for workers and local communities. The closures across Hobbycraft and Poundland illustrate how even familiar high street names struggle to maintain footfall in a market leaning toward online shopping and discount rivals. Regulators and local leaders may increasingly scrutinize how such restructures affect jobs, store viability, and community access to affordable goods.
Highlights
- Closing stores is always a last resort
- Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years
- UKs leading arts and crafts retailer that has become places for gaining crafting ideas and inspiration
- Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country
Retail job losses and investor driven restructuring raise concern
The ongoing closures and redundancies in Hobbycraft and related chains signal persistent pressure on UK high street retail. Investor led restructures and the scale of job losses may invite political and public scrutiny and could impact local economies and consumer confidence.
Retail is changing fast and so must the businesses that serve it.
Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!
Related News
Hobbycraft store closures
Major retail downturn as UK stores close in August
UK high street stores close in August
Merseyside jails 66 criminals in July
Middlesbrough town centre struggles as Next closes
Game retailer to close five branches in the UK
McDonald's Snack Wraps boost sales significantly
Walsall struggles with high street decline
