Hobbycraft to shut nine stores in UK restructure – Meadowhall store under review

The arts and crafts giant confirmed the news on Tuesday (April 22), stating that between 72 and 126 jobs could be at risk as a result of store closures across the UK.

The affected stores include sites in Bagshot, Basildon, Borehamwood, Bristol, Canterbury, Cirencester, Dunstable, and Epping Forest, but none are in South Yorkshire. Several other locations remain under review though, with decisions yet to be made.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hobbycraft said: “A number of other stores in the store estate are currently part of an ongoing review process, the outcome of which is currently undecided. Any further store closures will be communicated to employees in due course.”

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Shoppers in Sheffield, who frequent the store at Meadowhall Retail Park for everything from card-making supplies to yarn, will be relieved to know that their local branch is not among those set to close.

A spokesperson for Hobbycraft said the decision followed a strategic review of the business and was part of a wider restructuring effort.

“Hobbycraft confirms that, following a strategic review of the business it has announced a restructuring which will result in the closure of some of its loss-making stores, and unfortunately lead to redundancies for the colleagues who work there," they said.

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They added that nine stores will cease trading by mid-July, and that some management roles across stores, head office, and the distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent will also be made redundant. Several other locations remain under review, with decisions yet to be made.

“The retail sector has been under a great deal of pressure for a prolonged period and this restructuring is necessary to ensure a healthy future for Hobbycraft. Hobbycraft anticipates that the restructure will secure the future of at least 99 stores and over 1,800 jobs,” the spokesperson said.

Hobbycraft CEO, Alex Willson, said: “Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years. Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country.”

Hobbycraft currently operates more than 100 stores across the UK, and the brand remains popular among craft enthusiasts of all ages. Its Meadowhall store has become a key destination for creatives in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

For now, Hobbycraft Meadowhall appears to have survived the cut – and Sheffield’s crafting community can breathe a sigh of relief.

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