Hobbycraft is closing nine stores between this month and in September, with major sales to follow – here’s the full list of branches being shut and their confirmed closure dates
Hobbycraft, a major retail chain, has confirmed the closure of nine more stores as part of a restructuring plan, with big sales launched at branches.
The retailer will be closing down these stores this month and in September. Three shops located in Bromborough, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southport have already closed their doors on August 4, 6 and 7 respectively.
Six other branches in Wigan, Chichester, Stafford, Maidenhead, Crayford and Kings Lynn are set to close next month, although exact dates have not yet been confirmed by Hobbycraft. It comes after a major broadband provider introduced a new £60 charge and issued a deadline to act.
Closing down sales have begun at some of the branches as management seeks to clear remaining stock, with shoppers on Facebook reporting that the Wigan and Stafford branches are offering up to 20 percent off on stock, reports the Sun.
Customers affected by the closures can find their nearest branch using Hobbycraft’s store locator. Alex Wilson, Hobbycraft’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his regret over the situation, stating: “Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years”.
He shared: “Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision.,” and that “making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep doors open to crafters up and down the country”.
Hobbycraft chiefs are currently in talks with landlords over rent negotiations for several other branches, although the exact locations remain under wraps. This follows a strategic review launched by Hobbycraft in May aimed at balancing its books.
As part of this overhaul, nine unprofitable stores were closed in June, including those in Bristol, Dunstable, Borehamwood and Basildon. The company has stated that this restructuring plan will safeguard the future of at least 99 stores and 1,800 jobs.
Here is the full list of closures and their respective dates:
- Bromborough (August 4)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (August 6)
- Southport (August 7)
- Wigan (early September)
- Maidenhead (September)
- Chichester (September)
- Stafford (September)
- Kings Lynn (September)
- Crayford (September)
The high street has taken a hit in recent years, with numerous major chains and independent retailers shutting their doors. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping, while some chains are opting to open new outlets in out-of-town retail parks and close high street locations.
Poundland, acquired by investment firm Pepco in June, is set to close 49 branches this month, with plans to shut a total of 68 by mid-October.
