Hobbycraft closing down: arts and crafts chain to shut 9 stores amid closing down sales - full locations

• Hobbycraft is closing at least nine UK stores this summer as part of a major restructure
• Discounts of up to 70% are available in affected branches ahead of closure
• The move could impact over 120 jobs, with further redundancies expected at head office
• New owner Modella Capital says the shake-up aims to protect 99 remaining stores and 1,800 jobs
• Emotional customers have voiced sadness over the closures on social media

Shoppers across the UK are racing to bag half-price bargains at a beloved arts and crafts retailer that is preparing to close at least nine of its stores this summer in a sweeping restructure that could impact more than 120 jobs.

Hobbycraft, which operates 124 stores nationwide, is slashing prices by up to 70% in affected branches as it winds down operations. Among the first to go is the Hobbycraft store at Imperial Retail Park in Bristol, which will shut for good on June 21.

The closures come as part of a major overhaul by new owner Modella Capital, which bought the brand in August 2023 and is now taking what it calls “last resort” measures to safeguard the future of 99 remaining stores and around 1,800 jobs.

Which Hobbycraft stores are closing?

The full list of confirmed store closures includes:

• Bagshot, Surrey
• Basildon, Essex
• Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
• Bristol: Imperial Retail Park
• Canterbury, Kent
• Cirencester, Gloucestershire
• Dunstable, Bedfordshire
• Epping Forest, Essex
• Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex

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Hobbycraft CEO Alex Wilson said: “For many, our stores are more than just arts and crafts supplies – they’re places of creativity and inspiration. Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision.”

In addition to store closures, redundancies are expected at the company’s head office in Bournemouth and its Burton-on-Trent distribution centre, though exact figures have not been disclosed.

Emotions are running high among loyal customers, with many taking to social media to express sadness and frustration.

“Another one bites the dust for South Bristol!” wrote one shopper. “There’ll be nothing left soon.” Another posted: “No! First Home Sense, now Hobbycraft.”

Shoppers hoping to stock up on discounted craft goods are encouraged to visit affected stores before they shut their doors permanently.

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