UPDATE: In a significant shift for local shoppers, frozen-food giant Iceland Foods Ltd is set to replace the Hobbycraft superstore at Strood Retail Park. The popular craft store will officially close its doors on February 14, 2025, leaving customers with questions and uncertainty over the future of the retail space.
Closing down sale signs have been prominently displayed outside the Hobbycraft store since late December, with discounts of up to 20% on all stock. A spokesperson for Hobbycraft confirmed the closure, stating, “We are working hard to support everyone affected and are seeking to redeploy colleagues throughout the business.”
Authorities have now received a planning application from Iceland Foods for a new shop frontage, signaling their intention to move into the area. The proposal, submitted to Medway Council, indicates that while the new store will be established, the overall configuration of the site will remain unchanged.
The Hobbycraft store’s closure marks a challenging period for the arts and crafts chain, which has faced financial difficulties in recent months. Earlier this year, Hobbycraft temporarily shut down due to repossession issues, with Ropemaker Properties Ltd securing the site to prevent access. After reopening in August, it has now emerged that the closure is permanent, although specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.
Nationally, Hobbycraft has shut down approximately 126 jobs across nine stores, including locations in Canterbury and Crayford, as part of a restructuring strategy deemed “necessary to ensure a healthy future.” The closest remaining Hobbycraft store will now be in Maidstone, located 11 miles away from Strood, with additional branches in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, and Thanet.
As the Strood community anticipates the arrival of Iceland Foods, residents are left to grapple with the loss of a beloved local store. The transition reflects broader trends in retail, where businesses must adapt rapidly to market demands and economic pressures.
For updates on planning applications that may affect your area, residents can visit the Public Notice Portal and use reference MC/25/2546 for further details.
