Stafford's Hobbycraft closes after 15 years

Stafford's Hobbycraft store, a popular destination for crafters and families for over a decade, has now permanently closed. The store, located at The Hough Retail Park, shut its doors for the final time at the end of September.

​A sign posted on the window of the empty unit thanked the community for its support over the years.

​"It has been a great privilege to serve Stafford over the last 15 years," the notice reads. "We thank all of our wonderful and loyal customers; we have served so many amazing people over the years and become close with many of you and cannot tell you how much we have enjoyed it."

Inside the empty store

​The unit is not expected to stay empty for long, as it is set to be taken over by the outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, Mountain Warehouse. No official opening date for the new store has been announced yet. Mountain Warehouse is a well-known British brand that sells clothing and equipment for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, and cycling.

​The closure is another notable change for Stafford's retail parks, following the closure of the large Poundland store on the adjacent Queens Retail Park at the end of July.