The award-winning discount chain is shuttering two of its Scottish stores, sparking dismay among shoppers
It is unknown how many jobs will be lost as a result of the closures(Image: tbradford / Getty)
A leading homeware chain has dealt a fresh blow to the UK high street by announcing the closure of stores in Scotland. Homestore + More is set to close its outlets in East Kilbride and Edinburgh.
The number of job losses are uncertain. The brand, which had been awarded Scotland’s Best Choice accolade, broke the news to customers via social media and kicked off a closing-down sale.
Shoppers can find huge discounts at the East Kilbride Retail Park branch, with prices reduced across the board. A company representative posted on Facebook: “Home Store + More – Closing Down Sale AT LEAST 70% OFF EVERYTHING! If you have a valid Home Store + More Gift Card, make sure to redeem them as soon as possible!
“As we prepare to close our doors, we want to sincerely thank you for your support over the years. It’s been a pleasure to be part of your home, and we’re grateful to have shared this journey with you!
“Our UK website is now offline, visit our two locations to shop our deals and reductions.”
Home Store + More at East Kilbride Retail Park is one of three Scottish branches closing down(Image: Google Maps)
The Record reported last year that stores will remain open until the end of May.
The revelation has dismayed loyal patrons, with some taking to the internet to share their woes, reports the Express.
One commenter wrote: “Gutted. Love the East Kilbride store and the staff are all amazing in there.”
Another shopper echoed the sentiment, remarking, “Such lovely staff and a great store – just left with a few bags of stuff.”
A third voiced their concern: “So sad for the staff who work in ek Home Store + More UK. Was there today and it was packed – customers all shocked at this news.”
The specific reasons behind the retailer’s decision to shutter its Scottish operations have not been disclosed, though the company continues to maintain several stores across Ireland.
The firm has reportedly taken the decision to solely trade from Ireland where it’s head office is based.
The news comes as Hobbycraft is set to shutter no fewer than nine stores across the UK, putting as many as 126 jobs in jeopardy due to a significant restructuring process.
The arts and crafts retailer, which came under the wing of private equity firm Modella Capital last August, has now embarked on an expansive transformation.
With recent reports of Modella’s restructuring crusade at The Original Factory Shop – itself the prospective new owner of WH Smith’s high street arm – Hobbycraft is tightening its operational belt.
Hobbycraft has three stores in Scotland – Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Paisley. None of these branches are being affected by the closures.
However, further assessments are underway for “a number of other stores” still under consideration.
The company broke the news on Tuesday that it plans to have completed the closure of nine stores by mid-July, potentially affecting between 72 and 126 staff.
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