Latest news with #AlexWilson
Metro
19 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Major retailer to shut a further nine stores this month
Hobbycraft is set to close nine stores in the coming days putting hundreds of jobs at risk. The stores set to close on June 21 include sites across Bristol, Basildon, Dunstable and Borehamwood. Two more sites will close in Essex, one in Gloucestershire and a store in Kent. But another 18 branches on top of those are also at risk of closing if Hobbycraft's new owners aren't able to negotiate rent cuts for their premises. That means up to 27 shops could close, putting between 72 and 126 jobs at risk. Hobbycraft CEO Alex Wilson 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. 'Very sadly, the strength of our offering has not made us immune to 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.' Private investment firm Modella Capital has launched the Hobbycraft overhaul after buying the retailer last August. Its restructure also includes redundancies at its head office in Bournemouth and the distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent, though it's not yet known how many people will lose their jobs there. More Trending Modella said the overhaul is intended to try and save at least 99 branches and 1,800 jobs across the business as a whole. A spokesperson said: 'Modella understands that high streets provide a vital service to consumers, are an essential source of employment and are key to the future success of local economies. Bagshot Basildon Borehamwood Imperial Retail Park Canterbury Cirencester Dunstable Epping Forest Lakeside Shopping Centre 'Modella Capital believes that many retailers can thrive on the high street; particularly those with a distinctive offer and a loyal customer base. '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.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Uniqlo launches 'timeless' satin trousers for £24.90 – and we predict a sell out MORE: Tom Daley partners with Reiss on exclusive Pride Collection – with proceeds going to charity MORE: Popular discount store announces another shop closure in blow to high street
Daily Mirror
2 days 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
3 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
3 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
6 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.
