A significant retail transition is occurring at Strood Retail Park, where Iceland Foods Ltd is poised to replace the current Hobbycraft superstore. The craft retailer has announced its closure, effective February 14, 2025, leaving customers with lingering questions about the future of the location. Signs advertising discounts of up to 20% on all stock appeared at the store in late December, signaling the impending shutdown.
A spokesperson for Hobbycraft confirmed the store’s closure and emphasized their commitment to supporting affected employees, stating, “We are working hard to support everyone affected and are seeking to redeploy colleagues throughout the business.” The company has faced challenges recently, including a temporary closure in May 2025 due to issues related to repossession notices. At that time, company leaders expressed confusion over the eviction, noting that the store was performing well and rent payments were current.
As the transition to Iceland Foods moves forward, a planning application has been submitted to Medway Council for alterations to the store’s frontage. The design statement indicates that the existing structure will remain unchanged, maintaining the current layout of the site. Iceland already operates a store in the nearby Strood High Street, further solidifying its presence in the area.
This decision comes amid broader restructuring efforts at Hobbycraft, which has recently closed nine stores across the UK, resulting in the loss of approximately 126 jobs. The company cited financial difficulties in its decision to shut down these “loss-making” locations, including branches in Canterbury and Crayford.
The closure of the Strood Hobbycraft marks a notable shift for local shoppers, as the nearest remaining store will now be located in Maidstone, approximately 11 miles away. Other Hobbycraft locations in Kent include stores in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, and Thanet.
The transition from Hobbycraft to Iceland Foods reflects ongoing changes in the retail landscape, where consumer preferences and economic pressures continue to shape the future of various stores. For more details on planning applications that may impact your area, visit the Public Notice Portal and reference MC/25/2546.
