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Hobbycraft Launches Kids’ Parties
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, September 30, 2011
Europe's largest craft retail chain Hobbycraft is adding kids' birthday parties to its repertoire in October, as part of its plans to engage more with local communities.
Trials of the scheme will begin at the Orpington outlet, which was the first store to feature the chain's new-look branding, colour scheme and layout.
Chief executive Catriona Marshall told Craft Business earlier in the year that Hobbycraft would be targeting local community groups such as Brownies in the future, and a long-term plan is to engage with schools.
The company has its local budget now firmly focused on local rather than national advertising, which it favoured in the past, and is reducing its stock-keeping units to 40,000 from 56,000 in an effort to streamline the supply chain and let go of old, slow-moving lines.
Hobbycraft has been targeting the mother and child market since Catriona took over as chief executive in January; she believes parents are increasingly turning to crafting as a wholesome activity for their children in a backlash against computer game culture.
The retailer reported an 18% increase in earnings before tax and interest deduction in the 52 weeks to the 20th of February. A revamped website from the company will be launching next year.
Chief executive Catriona Marshall told Craft Business earlier in the year that Hobbycraft would be targeting local community groups such as Brownies in the future, and a long-term plan is to engage with schools.
The company has its local budget now firmly focused on local rather than national advertising, which it favoured in the past, and is reducing its stock-keeping units to 40,000 from 56,000 in an effort to streamline the supply chain and let go of old, slow-moving lines.
Hobbycraft has been targeting the mother and child market since Catriona took over as chief executive in January; she believes parents are increasingly turning to crafting as a wholesome activity for their children in a backlash against computer game culture.
The retailer reported an 18% increase in earnings before tax and interest deduction in the 52 weeks to the 20th of February. A revamped website from the company will be launching next year.
