Hobbycraft has launched a 70% closing down sale as it prepares to pull down the shutters for the last time on three shops. The high street retail giant is due to close its branch in Crayford, southeast London, today (September 20).
Closures are then scheduled to follow in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, on Monday (September 22) and in Stafford on September 28. Sales have begun at the arts and crafts retailer so shoppers can grab a bargain. Fans of Hobbycraft’s Crayford branch reacted on social media, with on Facebook user commenting: “So heartbreaking. I loved that shop and the staff were always so kind in there.” Another lamented: “Oh no! Working in schools I enjoyed shopping/visiting there. What a shame.”
Others voiced fears for their high street. One Facebook user wrote: “Why? Soon there will be no lovely shops just nail bars, barbers, vape shops and take aways.”
Another said: “It’s a shame that so many places are closing. Give it a few years and there won’t be [anything] left.”
Responding to the King’s Lynn branch closing, a Facebook user said: “Not surprised. Too much online competition and they can’t keep the price low enough with having to run that building and rent.”
Hobbycraft closed nine of its branches in June, including in Bristol, Borehamwood, Basildon and Dunstable under restructuring plans.
Those plans will ensure the future of 99 shops and 1,800 jobs, according to the retailer, with bosses said to be negotiating rents with landlords at a number of branches.
Alex Wilson, Hobbycraft’s Chief Executive, said previously: “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.
“Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country.”