'It's been an extremely difficult decision': Major blow as Hobbycraft announces more closures - with Chichester retail park affected
Crafters are concerned after a major retailer has confirmed the closure of more stores across the country - with only one store left in the Portsmouth vicinity.
Hobbycraft has announced that the ‘extremely difficult’ decision has been made to close nine stores across the UK, leaving customers shocked.
The retailer, which is known for its offering of paints, crafts, fabrics and more, has said the closures will be staggered over August and September.
As a result, Chichester’s Portfield Retail Park store will close its doors next month, leaving only one Hobbycraft store open for Portsmouth customers.
Safe from this wave of closures, the Havant store, in Solent Retail Park, will remain open in the Portsmouth vicinity, with the next closest being Southampton and Basingstoke.
Alex Wilson, Hobbycraft's chief executive officer, said: “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.”