Hobbycraft looks to open new shop in Poole Retail Park

Hobbycraft has applied to BCP Council for permission to open a new shop in the former Carpetright unit in Poole Retail Park, Branksome. 

Located between Benson for Beds and Decathlon, Hobbycraft could be opening its second shop in the area; there is a branch in Ham Lane, Longham near Haskins Garden Centre. 

According to documents lodged with the local authority,  around 15 full and part-time jobs could be created by the proposed venture. 

Hobbycraft already has a shop in Ham Lane, Longham (Image: Google Maps)

Read more: Arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft to open new stores and create jobs

Hobbycraft, which has headquarters next to Bournemouth Airport and was founded in 1995, has 100 shops across the country and stocks up to 35,000 different arts and crafts products. 

Its stores provide a range of materials and equipment used for weddings, needlework, card making, fine art materials and framing, as well as selling kits for models and knitting. 

In a planning and retail statement submitted to the council, Hobbycraft said: “The development will ensure the continued operation of the unit and retain existing employment opportunities and generally meet sustainable economic development objectives.

“Therefore, we conclude that the proposals are compliant in this regard.” 

Hobbycraft (Image: Daily Echo)

The retailer said it assessed a number of alternative locations to open its new shop, including Alder Road, Ashley Road and Bournemouth Road, but the empty unit in Poole Retail Park is the "preferable site to accommodate the proposed development”. 

A spokeswoman for Hobbycraft said: "We’re always looking for new sites, including areas on the south coast.

"At this moment in time, we’re unable to confirm further details but will be sure to update local media when we’re in the position to do so."

Last year, Hobbycraft was voted as the fifth best big company to work for by Best Companies, along with Rick Stein and Julia’s House.

Read more: Poole Retail Park sold to real estate firms for £58million

Last summer, the retailer announced it would open new stores and create new jobs after posting a lift in profits of around £1.2 million year-on-year.

Total revenue also rose 14.8 per cent from £176.9 million in 2021 to £203.1 million in 2022. 

Although no mention of Poole, Hobbycraft said in July it would open three new shops in Merseyside, Bedfordshire and Essex; creating 40 new retail jobs. 

A decision on the application is yet to be made.