A leading DIY retailer with 124 branches across the UK will in just two weeks' time. Earlier this year, announced plans to shut at least nine stores up and down the country in a move affecting up to 126 jobs as part of a restructuring.
The Hobbycraft store in Imperial Park, , has confirmed that it will pull down its shutters for good on June 21. Shoppers wishing to nab a bargain should rush to the store now, as you can bag every item for 50% off. Some items are on offer for 70% less than their normal price. Disappointed shoppers have taken to social media to express their sadness at the news and concerns for the area, with some fearing there will be "nothing left soon".
One said, as reported by : "Another one bites the dust for South Bristol !! There'll be nothing left soon."
Another added: "No! First Home Sense now Hobbycraft."
"That is such a shame, I visited the store in Truro over the weekend and it was so quiet, just so sad for all concerned" said a third.
Owner Modella Capital is launching an overhaul after buying the arts and crafts retailer in August last year.
The retail chain said the restructuring will also result in redundancies across its Bournemouth head office and distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent, but it has not disclosed how many roles this will affect.
Nine stores are currently earmarked for closure; however, private equity firm owner Modella Capital added earlier this year that the future of "a number of other stores" is still being reviewed.
It said the shake-up is a "last resort" and is intended to help secure the future of at least 99 stores and 1,800 jobs across the business.
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.
"Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision."
Hobbycraft stores set to close this summer:
Bagshot, Surrey
Basildon, Essex
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
Bristol: Imperial Retail Park
Canterbury, Kent
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Epping Forest, Essex
Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex
