Craft Central - Not a favourite!

[nicecupoftea]

Went to my local Craft Central at the weekend. I got excited when when I arrived as the windows proclaimed '50% off most items' and I'd come with hubby so he could buy me some things for Christmas. However, confusingly scrawled onto an A4 piece of paper was a notice saying, 'Spend £10 and get 20% off. Spend £20 and get 20% +20% off. Spend £100 and get 20%+20%+20% off.' Anyway once I got inside the only bits I could see that were 50% off was the tat they always have in their 'Clearance' section. The shop seemed really empty compared to usual and then I realised that most of the usual stock had gone. I then heard one of the assistants at the till saying that the Doll's House Emporium had suddenly stopped rented space off them (they must have only been there a month anyway), Marking World had pulled out too so no Sakura pens. I didn't see any the Create and Craft stuff they've been trying to sell. To cap it all they have also decided to cut their opening hours at a time when every other shop is extending theirs for Christmas. The latest they now open is 5pm. Methinks they won't be open at all for much longer...:(

[Pam]

I read on another forum that Craft Central have gone into administration, can't confirm it as I can't find anything else on the net. I do know from their own forum that several shops have been closed though.
I've never really been a fan of Craft Central but OK for a few bits and pieces.

Must add that I'm not very good at looking for this sort of information. lol

[nicecupoftea]

Just read on the Trim Craft forum that they went into administration/liquidation last night. It seems the staff have been left completely in the dark and some stores closed without warning. I have to admit even when it first opened last year my local one didn't have the greatest amount of stock. It's a bit like Hobbycraft - you go in thinking, 'Wow a great big craft shop' and then get disappointed as you realise the small independent shop has far better stock. It was just handy for me as it wasn't that far away, had free parking, opened seven days a week and did at one stage have a late night opening.

[Jeanette]

I only ever went to 1 craft central and felt so disappointed that I never went back again. It was an extremely cold shop and had very little stock. I struggled to spend some money

[Julie]

It is my nearest Craft Shop so was fine for grabbing tape runners etc when I ran out.

Noticed over the last couple of months they had stopped selling lots of ranges though and last time I was in, all craft classes had been curtailed as the staff were cut down to just four.

Can't say I am surprised tbh, everything in there was "top dollar" for very ordinary stuff.

[Rentochops]

I fear that although most of were not fans, this will be the first of many :mad:

[luvtocraft]

I was really sad last week as my local one was closed suddenly. i spoke to them Tues am and it was closed later that day! with no notice. I used to really like mine as it was always very well stocked bur since they stopped stocking do craft products it did seem rather empty. I dont think the create and craft stuff sold very well. There do seem to be fewer and fewer craft shops and probably less as the credit crunch hits.:(

[Rentochops]

I was really sad last week as my local one was closed suddenly. i spoke to them Tues am and it was closed later that day! with no notice. I used to really like mine as it was always very well stocked bur since they stopped stocking do craft products it did seem rather empty. I dont think the create and craft stuff sold very well. There do seem to be fewer and fewer craft shops and probably less as the credit crunch hits.:(


I know I have severely cut back in craft spending, it's very sad but I will try and support independent craft shops - all are having sales at the moment it seems. The Crafty Cow even sent me an e-mail promoting a cosmetics range!

[LorraineJ]

Sadly all too many businesses are going to the wall.

[Julie]

I know I have severely cut back in craft spending, it's very sad but I will try and support independent craft shops - all are having sales at the moment it seems. The Crafty Cow even sent me an e-mail promoting a cosmetics range!

Is that in Surrey ROC, if it is, it's a teeny tiny shop ?

[Rentochops]

Is that in Surrey ROC, if it is, it's a teeny tiny shop ?

No idea Julie, I've never ordered I jsut get their e-mails:D

[nicecupoftea]

Just heard that any remaining Craft Central's that are still open will close for good on Sunday at 4.30pm. I feel there could be a vulture visit coming on.:o

[craftytom]

Hi,

Actually there are still two (many be three) stores still operating for the companies administrators to try and sell off stock, these are Derby and Altrincham.

I am however unsure when these will finally close.

craftytom

[anna_fran]

I will be sad to see it go because it was quite useful for 'bog standard' stuff when I didn't have time to go elsewhere. My local one was always quite well stocked until the last 6 months or so and they started selling all that Create & Craft stock. Unfortunately with things the way they are I fear there will be more going te same way but I suppose when money is tight necessities must come first (of course there are differing definitions of necessities:D).

[kriskros]

[

nor craft related

but I suppose when money is tight necessities must come first (of course there are differing definitions of necessities:D).[/QUOTE]

for example the mother who didn't have much money for herself and children but bought lottery tickets.She may have won a £1000,000 but what were her priorities?