Hobbycraft, the popular arts and crafts retailer with 115 UK stores, has announced it will be closing nine more shops as part of a restructuring plan, with big sales in the affected locations. One London store, located in Crayford, is on the list of closures.
The chain, which has a number of shops in London, confirmed the closures are set to take place this month and in September, with three stores in Bromborough, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Southport already having shut their doors on August 4, 6, and 7 respectively.
Another six locations in Wigan, Chichester, Stafford, Maidenhead, Crayford, and Kings Lynn are slated for closure next month, reports BirminghamLive.
Alex Wilson, CEO of Hobbycraft, commented: “Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years. Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision.”
He added: “Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country.”
A spokesperson for Modella Capital said: “Modella Capital is absolutely committed to bricks and mortar retail, at a time when the sector is coming under increasing pressure. [Modella] understands that high streets provide a vital service to consumers, are an essential source of employment and are key to the future success of local economies.”
The spokesperson added: “Modella Capital believes that many retailers can thrive on the high street; particularly those with a distinctive offer and a loyal customer base. Where necessary, Modella Capital has the skills and experience to restructure retailers that require it, in order to ensure they create profitable, ongoing businesses that will continue to serve communities and employ thousands of people across the UK.”
Hobbycraft stores closing in August and September
- Bromborough: August
- Stratford-upon-Avon: August
- Southport: August
- Wigan: early September
- Maidenhead: September
- Chichester: September
- Stafford: September
- Kings Lynn: September
- Crayford: September
The twelve stores already closed earlier this year are:
- Bagshot
- Basildon
- Borehamwood
- Bristol Imperial
- Bromborough
- Canterbury
- Cirencester
- Dunstable
- Epping Forest
- Lakeside
- Southport
- Stratford Upon Avon
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