Member Article

Crafter’s Companion reveals £500k retail concept plans for Durham

Popular papercraft supplier Crafter’s Companion has revealed plans to invest £500k in a new retail outlet in County Durham, which will initially create 12 new jobs when it opens in 8 weeks time.

Set to be the first of its kind in the UK, the 7,000 sq ft site will include shopping sections covering papercraft, arts, sewing, home décor and haberdashery.

Located next to the company’s new corporate headquarters at Aycliffe Industrial Park, the flagship store will give craft enthusiasts the chance to learn about craft, experience the brand and socialise with a like-minded community.

Focused on ‘education, inspiration and enjoyment’, it will also house a coffee shop, two dedicated demonstration areas and a central hub for workshops and group sessions.

To help with a recruitment drive to staff the store with craft enthusiasts, the company will be holding a job open day on March 7 that will give the region’s crafting public a chance to apply and show off their skills.

The site will also house a ‘Retail Centre for Excellence’ intended to support retailers from across the UK with training and consumer insight.

Sara Davies, founder and sales director at Crafter’s Companion, said: “We are delighted to be opening our flagship store in the North-East and are inviting anyone interested in working for us or with us to book a slot at the job open day.

“The new centre is intended to be a destination outlet, where people can come and enjoy a day out, take a class, learn something about craft, visit the café and get involved with the demos.

“The idea behind the concept is to give Crafter’s Companion a physical presence and give our customers the chance to interact with our brand, staff and products and experience what we’re all about.

“Along with engaging with avid crafters and craft groups from across the UK, we’re also hoping that it will attract people outside the crafting community to get involved in craft.”