The future of a Watford store could be at risk after a neighbouring branch's closure was announced.
Hobbycraft has confirmed plans to shut at least nine stores across the UK, including a branch in Borehamwood, in a move affecting up to 126 jobs as part of a restructure.
The list of stores shared this afternoon (April 22) does not include Hobbycraft Watford, in Century Park, Dalton Way, but the brand added that the future of “a number of other stores” is still being reviewed.
Modella, which is also reportedly pursuing a restructuring at its The Original Factory Shop business, agreed to buy WH Smith’s high street business earlier this year.
Today, Hobbycraft said nine stores will stop trading by mid-July, affecting between 72 and 126 jobs.
The retail chain said the restructuring will also result in redundancies across its Bournemouth head office and distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent. It has not disclosed how many roles this will affect.
Hobbycraft chief executive officer Alex Wilson said: “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.
- Meet the 'local lad' looking to take a community pub 'back to basics'
- Shutters up at Watford business after more than 50 years
- Behind-the-scenes look at rail upgrades during Watford's Easter disruption
“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.”
The following stores are set to close:
- Bagshot, Surrey
- Basildon, Essex
- Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
- Bristol: Imperial Retail Park
- Canterbury, Kent
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Dunstable, Bedfordshire
- Epping Forest, Essex
- Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex
