Latest news with #AlexWilson
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Popular high street chain to close eight stores in matter of days
Hobbycraft has already closed its Canterbury store in Kent, but now, eight more sites will close on June 21 - you can see the full list of closures below Hobbycraft is set to close a further eight high street stores this month, in a huge blow to shoppers. It comes as part of wider plans from the arts and crafts retailer to shut nine sites by this summer. Hobbycraft has already closed its Canterbury store in Kent - but now, eight more sites will close on June 21. The stores that will close are located in: Bristol, Borehamwood, Basildon, Bagshot, Cirencester, Dunstable, Epping Forest, Lakeside Shopping Centre. Devastated shoppers have been reacting to the news on social media. One person said: "No! I shop there most weeks!" Another said: "Love Hobbycraft, will be a shame to close it so soon after opening." A third person commented: "Thought it was too good to be true when hobbycraft moved to dunstable!" Another said: "I'm so sad about this. We were really excited when it opened." Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital previously revealed the nine closures, which form part of a larger restructure of the business, would result in up to 126 job losses. The retail chain said the restructuring will also result in redundancies across its Bournemouth head office and distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent. It said the shake-up is needed 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. 'Making these changes is sadly a necessary action to enable us to keep our doors open to crafters up and down the country.' It comes after Modella Capital revealed it is on track to complete its purchase of the retail arm of WH Smith by the end of this month. The deal, which was agreed in March and values the high street chain at £76million, will see the WH Smith name disappear from British high streets and its 480 stores replaced with the brand TGJones. The deal does not include the remaining WH Smith travel division, which includes shops in airports, train stations and hospitals. Full list of Hobbycraft store closures Basildon, Essex - June 21 Bagshot, Surrey - June 21 Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - June 21 Bristol, Imperial Retail Park - June 21 Cirencester, Gloucestershire -June 21 Canterbury, Kent - closed Dunstable, Bedfordshire - June 21 Epping Forest, Essex - June 21 Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex - June 21
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Beloved craft chain to shut nine stores as closing down sales spark rush
Bargain hunters are flocking to stores for huge discounts 🎨 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hobbycraft is closing at least nine UK stores this summer as part of a major restructure Discounts of up to 70% are available in affected branches ahead of closure The move could impact over 120 jobs, with further redundancies expected at head office New owner Modella Capital says the shake-up aims to protect 99 remaining stores and 1,800 jobs Emotional customers have voiced sadness over the closures on social media Shoppers across the UK are racing to bag half-price bargains at a beloved arts and crafts retailer that is preparing to close at least nine of its stores this summer in a sweeping restructure that could impact more than 120 jobs. Hobbycraft, which operates 124 stores nationwide, is slashing prices by up to 70% in affected branches as it winds down operations. Among the first to go is the Hobbycraft store at Imperial Retail Park in Bristol, which will shut for good on June 21. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The closures come as part of a major overhaul by new owner Modella Capital, which bought the brand in August 2023 and is now taking what it calls 'last resort' measures to safeguard the future of 99 remaining stores and around 1,800 jobs. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Which Hobbycraft stores are closing? The full list of confirmed store closures includes: Bagshot, Surrey Basildon, Essex Borehamwood, Hertfordshire Bristol: Imperial Retail Park Canterbury, Kent Cirencester, Gloucestershire Dunstable, Bedfordshire Epping Forest, Essex Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex Hobbycraft CEO Alex Wilson said: 'For many, our stores are more than just arts and crafts supplies – they're places of creativity and inspiration. Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision.' In addition to store closures, redundancies are expected at the company's head office in Bournemouth and its Burton-on-Trent distribution centre, though exact figures have not been disclosed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Emotions are running high among loyal customers, with many taking to social media to express sadness and frustration. 'Another one bites the dust for South Bristol!' wrote one shopper. 'There'll be nothing left soon.' Another posted: 'No! First Home Sense, now Hobbycraft.' Shoppers hoping to stock up on discounted craft goods are encouraged to visit affected stores before they shut their doors permanently. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Beloved craft chain to shut nine stores as closing down sales spark rush
Bargain hunters are flocking to stores for huge discounts 🎨 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hobbycraft is closing at least nine UK stores this summer as part of a major restructure Discounts of up to 70% are available in affected branches ahead of closure The move could impact over 120 jobs, with further redundancies expected at head office New owner Modella Capital says the shake-up aims to protect 99 remaining stores and 1,800 jobs Emotional customers have voiced sadness over the closures on social media Shoppers across the UK are racing to bag half-price bargains at a beloved arts and crafts retailer that is preparing to close at least nine of its stores this summer in a sweeping restructure that could impact more than 120 jobs. Hobbycraft, which operates 124 stores nationwide, is slashing prices by up to 70% in affected branches as it winds down operations. Among the first to go is the Hobbycraft store at Imperial Retail Park in Bristol, which will shut for good on June 21. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The closures come as part of a major overhaul by new owner Modella Capital, which bought the brand in August 2023 and is now taking what it calls 'last resort' measures to safeguard the future of 99 remaining stores and around 1,800 jobs. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Which Hobbycraft stores are closing? The full list of confirmed store closures includes: Bagshot, Surrey Basildon, Essex Borehamwood, Hertfordshire Bristol: Imperial Retail Park Canterbury, Kent Cirencester, Gloucestershire Dunstable, Bedfordshire Epping Forest, Essex Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex Hobbycraft CEO Alex Wilson said: 'For many, our stores are more than just arts and crafts supplies – they're places of creativity and inspiration. Closing stores is always a last resort and this has been an extremely difficult decision.' In addition to store closures, redundancies are expected at the company's head office in Bournemouth and its Burton-on-Trent distribution centre, though exact figures have not been disclosed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Emotions are running high among loyal customers, with many taking to social media to express sadness and frustration. 'Another one bites the dust for South Bristol!' wrote one shopper. 'There'll be nothing left soon.' Another posted: 'No! First Home Sense, now Hobbycraft.' Shoppers hoping to stock up on discounted craft goods are encouraged to visit affected stores before they shut their doors permanently.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- RNZ News
Kids miss out as sports field vandalism issue grows in Rotorua
Recent damage caused by trail bike riders at the Westbrook Reserve in Rotorua. Photo: LDR / Supplied Hundreds of Rotorua kids have been unable to play rugby on their club's field after vandals broke in to do burnouts almost two weeks ago. Now, one club member is trying to find the "bloody idiots" responsible. It was one of several recent incidents, with Rotorua councillors told this week incidents of sportsfield damage and vandalism are on the rise. Community experience group manager Alex Wilson and active and engaged communities manager Rob Pitkethley spoke to a Rotorua Lakes Council meeting on Wednesday about the issue. The topic hit the headlines last month when parents attending a rugby training session at Ray Boord Park and Westbrook Reserve tried to stop trail bike riders doing doughnuts on the field, after becoming fed-up with the masked gang's intimidating antics. It followed reports of vandalism there in the preceding weeks. Wilson said the council worked with police and additional security measures included CCTV and limiting reserve access points. "It still proves to be a challenge for us." She said the council was recently successful in getting reparation for two motorbike-damage incidents. Pitkethley said the council did what it could to deter vandalism, which was most often caused by vehicles. Two-wheeled vehicles were most difficult to stop as restricting their access to sports fields could also block pram and wheelchair users. "It's a combined piece of work with our community safety team and police friends to try to deter as much as we can." Rotorua Lakes Council active and engaged communities manager Rob Pitkethley. Photo: LDR / Laura Smith Council reserves weren't the only target. Waikite Rugby and Sports Club's fields were damaged recently when several vehicles took advantage of an unlocked gate to get access, driving over a curb and a horizontal power pole used as a bollard. Club member Kim Ratapu, a retired police officer, said he had been conducting an investigation of sorts on behalf of the club to try to find the "bloody idiots" responsible. The damage was also reported to the police. Ratapu told Local Democracy Reporting he spoke with neighbours who said they heard the vehicles on Saturday, May 24 about 9.30pm. He had been going through video footage trying to find something to identify the culprits. The fields hadn't been used since the incident and the club was working out what was needed to fix the tyre ruts. Ratapu hoped the fields would be usable by this weekend. Waikite Rugby and Sport Club in Koutu. Photo: LDR / Andrew Warner It was the first such incident he was aware of at the club, which had a long history in Koutu and strong community focus. He did not believe the culprits were local and did not think they had considered the consequences, such as the children who used the fields each week - numbering about 200 - but had been unable to because of the damage. "It saddens me the children had to miss out … they just want to play." Despite that, he offered an "olive branch" to those responsible and wanted to try some kind of community intervention. "We can sort this, just need them to front up." Ratapu was aware of other similar incidents in the city, particularly involving motorbikes. He called it "quite alarming". Bay of Plenty District Rugby League chairman Anaru Pewhairangi - a former Rotorua police area commander - said, like others, he was disappointed by the damage caused around different sports fields in Rotorua. He encouraged those people responsible to "please do the right thing and help us to look after our fields for the benefit of all of our users and visitors". Central Pride Sports Club trains at various fields, including Mataatua, Westbrook and Puketawhero Park. Chairman Jason Walker said he noticed damage to sports fields "quite often" and had seen motorbikes being ridden on them. He did not think the riders had thought about what would happen if a child got in their path. "They don't realise the harm." He believed there had been more incidents at Westbrook lately. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Miami Herald
24-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular retail chain to close stores and cut hundreds of jobs
Retail store closures are becoming a concerning pattern worldwide. The unpredictable state of the global economy and changing consumer trends are impacting companies from all angles. Both established and emerging retailers can encounter financial problems that lead to store closures. However, some companies turn these turbulent times to their advantage, recasting strugging businesses as lucrative assets. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The private equity firm Mondella Capital has made multiple major business moves to expand its portfolio over the last few years. This firm is known for acquiring and restructuring troubled retailers across the UK and Europe to return them to growth. Related: Iconic retail chain reveals dates and places for store closures Just this year, Mondella Capital acquired The Original Factory Shop in February, along with its 180 stores and 1,800 employees. The firm also sealed a £76 million (nearly $99 million) deal with WHSmith a month later to acquire 480 high street stores and turn them into new spin-off locations, which will be rebranded as TGJones. This will save the jobs of approximately 5,000 employees who will be working under the new ownership. Image source:Modella Capital acquired the UK-based arts and crafts retail chain Hobbycraft in August of last year, and less than a year later, it has launched the awaited overhaul. Hobbycraft revealed on April 22 that it plans to close at least nine stores in the UK by mid-July and axe up to 126 jobs as part of its new owner's restructuring plan. "Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune from the challenges faced by the retail sector in recent years," said Hobbycraft CEO Alex Wilson. "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," he added. Related: Massive grocery chain shuts down in-house sit-down restaurants Unfortunately, these closures will affect not only the stores and staff but also the future of employees at the company's Bournemouth head office and Burton-on-Trent distribution center. However, Hobbycraft has yet to disclose how many jobs will be affected. Here are all the locations that will be closing their operations forever, as reported by BBC: Bagshot, SurreyBasildon, EssexBorehamwood, HertfordshireBristol: Imperial Retail ParkCanterbury, KentCirencester, GloucestershireDunstable, BedfordshireEpping Forest, EssexLakeside Shopping Centre, Essex More shutdowns and job losses may be on the horizon. The company has stated that 18 stores are currently under review, and negotiations with landlords are being conducted. The decision to close nine stores is a strategic move to keep at least 99 stores open and secure the future of around 1,800 employees. More Retail News: Walmart makes major store changes to answer TargetTarget recalls baby food after disturbing findingEtsy CEO says site can help Americans with key problem However, if the negotiations with landlords are unsuccessful, up to 18 stores could be completely shut down, putting the jobs of over 150 employees at risk. "Modella Capital is absolutely committed to bricks and mortar retail, at a time when the sector is coming under increasing pressure," said a Modella Capital spokesperson to Sky News. "Where necessary, Modella Capital has the skills and experience to restructure retailers that require it, in order to ensure they create profitable, ongoing businesses that will continue to serve communities and employ thousands of people across the UK." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
