Job loss fears as Hobbycraft stores to shut

REDUNDANCIES are set to be made in Burton as part of a restructuring of Hobbycraft - which will also see nine stores close within weeks.

- By HAYLEY PARKER

The arts and crafts retailer has confirmed the branches that will shut by mid-July, with the future of 'a number of other stores' still being reviewed.

The overhaul is being launched by the new owner Modella Capital, which bought Hobbycraft in August last year.

The closures will also see between 72 and 126 job losses. The restructuring will also result in redundancies at its Staffordshire distribution centre in Burton and its head office in Bournemouth, although the number has not been confirmed.

It is hoped that the restructuring will help secure the future of at least 99 stores and 1,800 jobs across the business.