Overview

• Hobbycraft has confirmed that its branches in Stafford, Wigan, Maidenhead, King’s Lynn, Chichester and Crayford will close in September.
• Earlier waves of closures have led to the shutdown of 12 stores and prompted closing-down sales offering up to 20% off stock at sites such as Stafford and Wigan.
• Modella Capital says the closures form part of a strategic review aimed at securing a core of 99 stores and roughly 1,800 jobs and involves ongoing rent negotiations with landlords.
• The chain has also highlighted that certain outlets, including Telford and Swindon, have survived the latest cuts and will remain open.
• The current downsizing mirrors Modella’s restructuring approach at other acquisitions like The Original Factory Shop and the rebranded WH Smith stores under TG Jones.