Hobbycraft to close 9 stores, putting up to 126 jobs at risk

The arts and crafts chain said nine stores will stop trading by mid-July, affecting between 72 and 126 jobs

Hobbycraft is closing nine of its UK stores, which could lead to the loss of up to 126 jobs.

The craft chain, now owned by private equity firm Modella Capital following its acquisition last year, said the stores would close by mid-July.

The company added that the closure would put 72 to 126 jobs at risk, with further redundancies also planned at its Bournemouth headquarters and Burton-on-Trent distribution hub as part of a wider restructuring.

The stores that are closing are:

* Battersea

* Bolton

* Bolton One

* Bridlington

* Burton

* Chester

* Chichester

* Mansfield

* Sevenoaks

Hobbycraft said it had reached the "incredibly difficult decision" to close the stores following "a number of factors".

It explained: "We're really proud of the role our stores play in their local communities. For many our stores are more than just arts and crafts supplies – they have become places for gaining crafting ideas and inspiration.

"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. We've done everything we can to avoid it, but we've reached a point where we feel it's necessary to ensure the longevity of Hobbycraft shops nationally."

The company added that it would be "providing support to colleagues impacted by the closures".

A spokesperson for the company said: "Despite the best efforts of our colleagues, we've reached the difficult decision to close nine of our Hobbycraft stores.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and is the result of a number of factors, including the increasing costs of living and doing business, which have impacted customer spending behaviour and the frequency of visits to our stores.

"The stores that will be closing are: Battersea, Bolton, Bolton One, Bridlington, Burton, Chester, Chichester, Mansfield and Sevenoaks. The closures will be completed by mid-July and, sadly, will affect 72 to 126 colleagues, for whom we're providing support during this time.

"We're also planning to make redundancies at our Bournemouth headquarters and Burton-on-Trent distribution hub as part of a wider restructuring, the full extent of which is still being determined."