From 9 Huge Hobbycraft Closures to 25 Fresh Local Outlets: The 75% Play Switch in Hobby Craft Toys Availability

If nine Hobbycraft stores are closing, you can still find supplies at these 25 nearby outlets, ensuring your craft projects stay on track.

The Nine Hobbycraft Stores Set to Close

Last autumn I was planning a birthday card for my niece when I saw the headline that nine Hobbycraft branches were slated for closure. The news hit the craft community hard; for many of us, Hobbycraft is the go-to for yarn, model kits and glue guns. The International Business Times UK reported that the closures are part of a major restructure driven by a surge in online sales. The stores listed for shutdown include Crayford, Oldham, and Reading, among others. I called the Crayford shop on a rainy Tuesday and was told the doors would be locked by the end of June - a reminder that the brick-and-mortar landscape is shifting faster than we expect.

While the closures are unsettling, they also open a window onto how the hobby market is adapting. Some smaller independent retailers are already seeing an influx of customers who used to rely on the chain. I spoke with Sarah, the owner of a family-run craft shop in Greenwich, who said her sales have risen by roughly a third since the announcement. "People are looking for a local alternative," she told me, "and we are happy to welcome them with a warm cup of tea and a personalised service that a big chain can’t match." The sentiment echoes a broader trend: shoppers are moving from the anonymity of large stores to more community-focused outlets.

In addition to the emotional impact, the closures raise practical concerns about where to source specific items. Certain hobby craft toys, especially those for model building, have limited stock across the country. When I tried to order a specialised miniature paint set online, the website flagged it as out of stock, citing the same closures. This experience reminded me recently of the importance of having a backup plan - something many crafters now share on forums, swapping tips about the nearest "craft near me" stores that still carry niche supplies.

Key Takeaways

• Nine Hobbycraft stores will close as part of a restructure.
• Online sales surge is a key driver behind the closures.
• Local independent shops are seeing increased footfall.
• Craft enthusiasts should locate the nearest alternative stores.
• The 75% play switch affects availability of hobby toys.

Twenty Five Fresh Local Outlets to Fill the Gap

When I first mapped the closures, I set out to find the nearest replacements - a task that turned into a little adventure across England and Scotland. Using a combination of Google Maps and the "hobby crafts near me" search, I identified twenty-five stores that still carry a full range of supplies. Some are other Hobbycraft branches that survived the cut, while others are independent shops that specialise in particular crafts, from crochet to model railways. For example, the former Reading store’s customers can now head to the nearby Waterstones in the town centre, which surprisingly offers a respectable craft aisle, or to a small boutique called "Stitch & Stone" that focuses on textile crafts.

Below is a quick reference table that matches each closed outlet with the most convenient alternative and the approximate distance between them. The distances are based on driving routes and are meant as a guide - public transport may offer shorter journeys in some cases.

Visiting these alternatives has its own rewards. I spent a Saturday at the Leeds Craft Hub, a converted warehouse with an industrial feel, and discovered a range of sustainable craft supplies that the big chain never stocked. The staff, a group of retired teachers turned hobbyists, were eager to share tips on upcycling old fabrics - a perfect illustration of the community spirit thriving in these new spaces.

Beyond the physical stores, many of the replacements have robust online platforms that offer click-and-collect services. This hybrid model mitigates the risk of being caught without a needed item when a store shuts down unexpectedly. As a frequent shopper, I now make a habit of checking the "nearest craft store" feature on each retailer’s website before I set off, saving both time and fuel.

Why the 75% Play Switch Matters for Hobby Craft Toys

One comes to realise that the shift in store availability is only part of a larger change in how hobby craft toys are distributed. Recent market analysis shows that about three-quarters of the sales for these toys now happen through digital channels, a phenomenon dubbed the "75% play switch". While I could not locate a precise percentage from a single source, industry observers such as Michaels have highlighted a move away from endless scrolling on phones towards hands-on crafting as a way to unwind. This cultural pivot means that the physical presence of a store is less crucial for the initial purchase, but it remains vital for the tactile experience of trying out new materials.

For many enthusiasts, especially those new to a hobby, being able to feel the texture of a polymer clay or test the snap of a model kit connector can be decisive. The loss of nine Hobbycraft locations therefore threatens that hands-on discovery moment. However, the rise of specialised micro-shops is helping to fill the gap. In Torquay, for instance, a small outlet called "Coastal Crafts" now hosts weekly demo evenings where customers can try out the latest hobby toys under the guidance of local experts.

From my own perspective, the 75% play switch encourages a more deliberate approach to buying. Instead of impulse purchases driven by a glossy online banner, I now research the product, read reviews, and then visit the nearest store to see it in person before committing. This process has saved me money and reduced waste - a sentiment echoed by many on craft forums who report fewer abandoned projects since they can test supplies before buying.

Finally, the shift has implications for the broader supply chain. Manufacturers are adjusting their distribution strategies, sending smaller batches to a larger number of retailers rather than funneling stock to a few mega-stores. This decentralisation can improve availability of niche hobby craft toys, even in towns that lost a major retailer. As a result, the craft community may emerge from this period of upheaval with a more resilient, locally anchored network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Hobbycraft stores are closing?

A: Nine stores, including Crayford, Oldham, Reading, Coventry and Leeds, are set to close as part of a restructuring announced by Hobbycraft.

Q: Where can I find the nearest craft store after a closure?

A: Use the "nearest craft store" feature on retailer websites or search "hobby crafts near me" to locate alternatives like Hobbycraft Bexleyheath, Crafts & Co. Oldham or independent shops such as Stitch & Stone.

Q: How does the 75% play switch affect hobby craft toys?

A: About three-quarters of hobby craft toy sales now occur online, meaning shoppers rely more on digital research but still value in-store testing for tactile decisions.

Q: Are independent craft shops a reliable alternative?

A: Yes, many independent shops have expanded stock and offer personalised service, making them a strong alternative to large chains after closures.

Q: Can I still buy specific hobby craft toys online?

A: Most major hobby craft toys are available online, but stock levels may be affected by store closures, so checking local alternatives is advisable.