Crafty Stitches in Northwich announces heartbreaking closure

Crafty Stitches, located on Witton Street has announced it is closing due to the financial strain created by the pandemic and the ever-increasing cost of living crisis.

The family run business has been part of town’s high street for the last 24 years, but its history as a wool shop goes back to 1946, when it started out as West Wools after the Second World War.

Sharing the devastating news on Facebook, manager Louise Hough and her mum Joan Hubbard said they were truly heartbroken and saddened to have to make the decisions.

Owner Louise Hough in happier times at the much-loved business

“As you know, the last two and a half years have been extremely tough for us all and especially so as a small business,” they said. 

“We managed to scrape through the pandemic with a lot of support from customers both old and new. 

“Sadly, we have since struggled to recover post pandemic and along with many other small businesses, we've had to make some tough decisions to stay afloat.

“We've tried really hard to keep going, but we cannot continue with such a huge loss of custom which is due to a whole range of reasons.

“To be totally honest with you all, due to Covid, the rise in the cost of living which we are all facing, plus the ever-increasing prices from our suppliers and the cutbacks which everyone is making, it means that small businesses like ourselves who sell non-essential/luxury items are suffering.

“Unfortunately, this means that we have very few options left to explore, and we have had to make the extremely heart-breaking decision to close the shop.”

Crafty Stitches has been an ever-present on the high street for decades

Joan has worked in the shop for nearly 39 years and along with daughter with Louise have been mainstays in the local business community ever since.

“Mum and I are truly heartbroken; we have a beautiful shop, and our previously thriving business is now no longer viable, and we are very saddened that we have to make this decision.

“We will be losing two amazing staff members and we cannot thank them enough for being with us for many years.

“We'd also like to thank you all, our lovely customers, who are our friends and part of our crafting family, for all the support that you have given to us too. 

“Without being part of this business, we wouldn't have met you and you've made working here less of a job and more about being part of a fun community.”

The shop will close its doors for the final time on July 31.