Hobbycraft closes stores in the UK: which cities are losing shops.

Closure of Hobbycraft Stores

According to The Sun: Customers are in shock as their favorite hobby store closed two of its retail outlets today and plans to close a few more in the near future.

Today, Hobbycraft closed its stores in Maidenhead and Chichester.

PA

In the coming days, the store in Crayford will close (September 20), and on September 22 – in King’s Lynn. The store in Stafford will close a week later, on September 28.

In light of the store closures, sales have started with discounts of up to 70%. Discounts start at 50%, but will gradually decrease closer to the closure date.

Shoppers have been actively leaving comments about great deals at the Maidenhead store before its closure.

“£4.50 for 24 markers?!?!? I bought a few for Christmas gifts.”

“Just got back from there. There are many good deals.”

Others were disappointed to learn about the closure of yet another store in the town.

“It’s such a shame that another good store is leaving Maidenhead.”

This year, Hobbycraft has already closed over 18 stores across the UK, and further closures are also expected.

Strategic Business Review

This decision comes as a result of a strategic business review that began in May to optimize finances. Nine unprofitable stores were closed in June in Bristol, Dunstable, Borehamwood, and Basildon.

Hobbycraft has reported that the restructuring plan aims to secure the future of at least 99 stores and 1,800 jobs.

The management is also negotiating with landlords at several other stores.

“Unfortunately, our offer did not make us immune to the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years.”

“Store closures are always a last resort, and this was an extremely difficult decision.”

“These changes are unfortunately a necessary step for us to continue operating for makers across the country.”

List of Store Closures

Closure Dates for Hobbycraft Stores

• Wigan – September 4
• Maidenhead – September 18
• Chichester – September 18
• Crayford – September 20
• King’s Lynn – September 22
• Stafford – September 28

Hobbycraft is not the only retailer scaling back its operations. Original Factory Shops, River Island, Bodycare, and Tresspass are also planning to close their stores in the coming days.

Retail Struggles in 2025

The British Retail Association predicts that the rise in National Insurance contributions for employers will cost the retail sector £2.3 billion.

A study by the British Chamber of Commerce shows that more than half of businesses plan to raise prices by early April.

A survey of over 4,800 companies found that 55% expect prices to rise in the next three months.

The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) also warns that approximately 17,350 retail outlets are expected to close this year.

Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of CRR, noted: “The results of 2024 show that while store closures have not been as devastating as in 2020 or 2022, the situation is still concerning.”

He also warns of a bleak future for 2025, predicting that up to 202,000 jobs may be lost in the sector.

“Rising store operating costs and burdens on households are likely to lead to more retail job losses that will surpass the peak levels seen during the 2020 pandemic.”

This news reflects significant changes in the operations of the Hobbycraft chain, which is grappling with the challenges of the modern market. The closure of stores has evoked emotional reactions from customers as it not only concerns the reduction in the number of outlets but also leads to job losses. In light of rising prices and economic hardships, such decisions may become the norm for the retail sector seeking ways to survive. The retail situation, it turns out, remains under pressure, and many companies must seek ways to adapt to new conditions.