Hobbycraft, the UK’s leading arts and crafts retailer, is closing several stores as part of a business restructuring. The company announced it will shut at least nine stores by mid-July 2025. This decision will affect up to 126 jobs.
The stores closing include locations in Bansgot, Basildon, Borehamwood, Bristol Imperial Retail Park, Canterbury, Cirencester, Dunstable, Epping Forest and Lakeside centre.
Some stores have already closed, such as those in Southport, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bromborough in early august 2025. Additional closures are expected in September 2025 for stores in Chichester, Crayford, King’s Lynn, Maidenhead, Stafford and Wigan.
This restructuring follows a strategic review of the business amid prolonged challenges in the retail sector. Hobbycraft’s CEO, Alex Wilson, explained that while stores are more than just stops—serving also as places for crafting ideas and inspiration—the retail difficulties necessitate these tough decisions.
Closing stores is described as a last resort but essential to secure the future of the business. The company hopes this will protect at least 99 other stores and more than 1800 jobs overall. The restructuring also includes cuts to management roles and redundancies in the company’s head office in Bournemouth and distribution center in Burton-on-Trent.
The move by Hobbycraft comes after its acquisition last year by private equity firm Modella Capital. The investors aim to restructure and stabilize the company amid the tough retail environment. Modella Capital is also involved in restructuring another retail business, The Original Factory Shop and has acquired WH Smith’s high street operations earlier this year.
Employees affected by the store closures will face job losses ranging between 72 and 126. Hobbycraft has promised to communicate further plans to its staff as decisions are finalized. The company emphasizes that despite the store closures, it remains committed to serving crafters across the UK.
The retailer’s challenges reflect the wider pressures on the high street, where many retail businesses face disrupted sales and increasing costs. Hobbycraft’s steps align with broader trends of stores downsizing and closures in the sector as companies adapt to new market realities.
Although Hobbycraft is closing multiple stores to focus on a healthier business model. This regrettable but necessary action aims to ensure the company’s survival and ongoing service to thousands of customers and employees across its remaining stores.
The affected stores will close by mid-2025, with job impacts already underway. The company looks forward to stabilizing its core operations and continuing to be a key player in the UK arts and crafts market.
