Hobbycraft
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail , arts and crafts sector |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, Dorset, UK |
| Key people | Catriona Marshall - chief executive |
| Products | art and craft and hobbyist materials |
| Revenue | $10 - 50M [1] |
| Employees | 250 - 1000 [1] |
| Website | www.hobbycraft.co.uk |
HobbyCraft is the registered trademark of HobbyCraft Group Ltd., an arts and crafts superstore chain.
It is the largest chain of craft superstores in the United Kingdom, and the first of its kind in Europe.[2] Craft shops are traditionally small and based on specific crafts, whereas HobbyCraft stocks material for several different crafts.[3] It was started by the Haskins group, a nursery and garden supplier in the south of England. Hobbycraft has recently been bought by investment group Bridgepoint.[4][5] The first store opened in Dorset in 1995. There are currently 51 stores across the UK - the newest being in Croydon, Basingstoke, Chelmsford and Norwich.
Several publications have described it as useful for obtaining craft projects for children, particularly for school holidays.[6][7] The store holds a national arts and crafts competition for children and adults.[8]
The stores are often suggested by newspapers as places in which women can find items such as sequins with which to embellish their clothes.[9][10] The store is suggested by publications such as The Guardian for those who wish to make their own Christmas, table, or wedding decorations.[11]
The stores have been blamed for putting independent craft suppliers out of business, and the amount of choice for specific hobbies has been said to be not as good as in specialised stores.[12] HobbyCraft reported a 10% increase in sales in early 2010, and opened two new stores,[13] with the chief executive saying arts and crafts are a low cost hobby and so he believes they will do well despite difficulties in the economy.[14]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Alexa.com
- ^ http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/WhoWeAre.asp HobbyCraft website
- ^ http://www.designweek.co.uk/Articles/133976/FLB+wins+HobbyCraft+pitch.html FLB wins HobbyCraft pitch
- ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bridgepoint-pays-pound100m-for-hobbycraft-stores-1958726.html
- ^ http://www.bridgepoint.eu/about-us/news-views/hobbycraft-acquired-bridgepoint
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2007/feb/24/familyandrelationships.family Craft books for kids
- ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9745681_ITM Get stuck into some fun this half-term.
- ^ http://www.daventrytoday.co.uk/news/Budding-animator-reaches-national-finals.3924472.jp Budding animator reaches national finals
- ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/3336822/The-directory-boho-chic.html The directory: boho chic
- ^ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/wm/2008/07/29/be-your-own-designer-91466-21424512/ Be your own designer
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2005/apr/08/planningyourwedding.money Cut the costs before you cut the cake
- ^ [1] Time up for craft store
- ^ http://www.diyweek.net/news/news.asp?id=12001&title=Hobbycraft+expands+store+portfolio+ Hobbycraft expands store portfolio
- ^ http://www.toynewsmag.com/news/30934/Hobbycraft-boss-predicts-craft-explosion Hobbycraft boss predicts craft explosion
[edit] External links
- Official Website
- Further Hobbycraft expansion by Ronnie Dungan in Toy news February 19, 2009.
- Alexa report of the Hobbycraft website.
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