Specialty craft retailer set to close after more than 80 years

Popular craft retailer Lincraft is set to close all of its physical stores after more than 80 years in business.

The brand has more than 60 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

The company said the decision was due to a prolonged period of challenging retail conditions, changing consumer behaviour, increased operating costs and growing pressure from low-cost international online competitors.

The company said stores would not close immediately but rather be managed “progressively on a store-by-store basis”.

Lincraft will continue to operate through an online platform.

The news was confirmed in an email to Lincraft Club members this morning.

“Today, we are sharing news that is both difficult and deeply emotional for everyone at Lincraft,” the company said.

“After more than 80 years of serving creative communities across Australia and New Zealand, we have made the decision to progressively close our physical store network over the coming months.

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“We remain committed to serving our customers throughout this period and helping you continue the projects and passions you love.

“Importantly, Lincraft will continue to operate online, allowing customers to shop with us as the transition unfolds.”

The business thanked customers for its support.

“For generations, Lincraft has been more than just a store,” the company said.

“It has been a place where ideas came to life, where families learned to sew and knit together, where projects were started, gifts were lovingly handmade, and lifelong creative passions were nurtured.

“We understand that Lincraft holds a special place in the hearts of many customers, and we know this news will be disappointing for those who have shared our love of creativity, crafting, sewing, knitting, and home projects.”

Lincraft managing director John Maguire said the brand had been a part of Australian and New Zealand communities for generations.

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“This has been an extremely difficult decision, particularly because of the impact on our team members, many of whom have given years of loyal service to the business,” Maguire said.

“Our priority is to support our team members through this transition and to communicate with them as clearly and respectfully as possible.”

Lincraft will provide further updates as store-specific closure arrangements are confirmed.

String of high-profile retail closures

Lincraft is the latest in a string of retailers to close physical stores in Australia in recent years.

An attempt to sell the troubled Barbeques Galore franchise recently failed after the retailer collapsed into voluntary administration.

It was confirmed last week more than 60 stores are expected to close and hundreds of jobs are expected to be lost.

Retail giant Mosaic Brands closed popular brands Millers, Rivers, Crossroads, Katies, Noni B and Autograph after the company collapsed into voluntary administration in 2024.

The closures resulted in hundreds of job losses in the retail sector.

Meanwhile, Australian-owned retailer Fletcher Jones announced the decision to close all of its remaining physical stores earlier this year.

The business was once a shining star of Victoria’s clothing industry.

During the same week, cult Australian designer clothing brand Sass & Bide announced the business would shut down all its physical and online stores.