The Kingston Retail Park site will not be impacted by a recent restructuring decision
Arts and crafts superstore chain Hobbycraft has confirmed its Hull site will not be part of a raft of closures. The chain is restructuring with at least six more stores to shut next month.
A spokesperson for the retailer – known for its sewing, knitting and painting supplies – said the Kingston Retail Park shop will remain open. It follows a shake-up of the £218m turnover group announced in May.
The moves are intended to secure the future of at least 99 stores and more than 1,800 jobs. Bosses have previously complained about the impact of the cost of living crisis, increased labour and energy costs on the business.
As previously reported by Hull Live, staff at the Hull branch marked its 15th anniversary last year with giveaways of goodie bags and a ‘golden ticket’ prize. Since opening in 2010, the store has become a hub for local crafters with thousands of tools and accessories available to buy.
Alex Willson, Hobbycraft CEO, said: “Hobbycraft is the UK’s leading arts and crafts retailer, with a strong presence across the country and online, fantastic colleagues and loyal and engaged customers. 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. Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country.”
Confirmation of Hobbycraft’s survival in Hull comes as the group announced the launch of a new TV shopping channel. In a bid to boost its sales opportunities, Hobbycraft has acted on research that indicates video content – particularly YouTube – is a source of inspiration for crafters.
Hobbycraft TV will launch in early September, giving viewers daily demonstrations from craft experts. It will be available on Freeview Channel 97 from 7.30am on Thursday, September 4, as well as online, with archive episodes available on YouTube.
Bosses say they want the channel to be a “platform for education, inspiration and connection”. The content will be “fully shoppable” with demonstrations including hundreds of brands.
Mr Wilson said: “The launch of Hobbycraft TV marks an exciting chapter for the business with the introduction of an innovative new media channel for customers to experience Hobbycraft. It will offer a seamless shoppable experience with daily demonstrations, expert guidance and creative content, all designed to inspire, educate and connect with both new audiences and our existing crafting community.”
Steven Hubbard, board advisor for Hobbycraft, said: “As the UK’s leading craft retailer, we’re proud to be investing in a brand-new live media experience that brings even more inspiration and innovation to our engaged customers and passionate makers. Hobbycraft TV will become a destination for crafters of all abilities to hear from some of the craft industries’ leading makers, showcasing over a hundred leading brands inspiring our viewers to get making.”
Hobbycraft stores to close next month include Wigan, Maidenhead, Chichester, Stafford, Kings Lynn and Crayford. Sites in Bromborough, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southport closed earlier this month.