Four Stores Cut Hobbies & Crafts Prices by 35%

What the price cuts mean for craft lovers

Four major UK craft retailers - Hobbycraft, The Range, WHSmith and Ryman - have slashed prices on a wide range of hobby and craft supplies by up to 35 per cent.

In March 2024, these retailers announced a combined price reduction of 35 per cent across thousands of items, a move that directly responds to the growing appetite for analog hobbies among Gen Z and millennials. While the internet swamps us with endless scrolling, a recent study in Frontiers in Public Health found that creative arts and crafting boost wellbeing in UK adults, a trend that is now being reflected on the shop floor.

"I was reminded recently that the best way to break a screen-heavy day is to sit down with a sketchbook or a skein of yarn," says Ella Thompson, a 27-year-old graphic designer from Glasgow. "Finding a discount on quality tools feels like the universe is nudging me back to the studio."

Retailers are not simply marking down dead stock; they are reshaping their range to appeal to a new generation that values sustainability, tactile satisfaction and the joy of making something with their own hands. The price cuts are therefore more than a sales tactic - they are a cultural signal that the craft market is entering a period of rapid growth.

Key Takeaways

• Four UK retailers cut prices by up to 35%.
• Discounts cover supplies for knitting, painting, model making and more.
• Online and in-store stock levels vary - check local availability.
• Combine offers with loyalty points for extra savings.
• Crafting can improve mental health, according to research.

For anyone hunting "hobby crafts near me" or "best craft stores near me", the timing could not be better. Below I break down what each retailer is offering, how the discounts are structured and where you can find the best deals, whether you prefer to shop online or pop into a high street branch.

Store 1: Hobbycraft

Hobbycraft has long been the go-to destination for serious crafters, and its recent 35 per cent price cut touches everything from basic yarn to specialised jewellery-making tools. The retailer’s website now flags a "Sale" banner on over 5,000 products, and the in-store shelves have been rearranged to highlight the new bargains.

During my visit to the Hobbycraft store in Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Shopping Centre, the staff were eager to point out the discounted ranges. "We have reduced prices on our most popular lines - think of our own brand yarns, acrylic paints and even the more niche leather-craft kits," explained store manager Kirsty McAllister. "The cuts are designed to stay for at least six months, giving hobbyists time to plan larger projects without the pressure of price spikes."

For those searching "hobbycraft tools" or "hobbycraft toys", the discount applies to a selection of wooden model kits and craft toys that have traditionally been priced at a premium. The online portal also offers a free-delivery threshold of £30, which is useful if you are ordering bulk supplies for a community workshop.

Hobbycraft’s loyalty programme, "Craft Club", now gives members an additional 5 per cent off the already reduced prices, meaning the effective discount can reach 40 per cent on selected items. If you are a student or a recent graduate, the store also runs a seasonal "Student Craft Deal" that provides a further £10 voucher on purchases over £50.

One comes to realise that the combination of price cuts and loyalty benefits makes Hobbycraft the most attractive option for long-term crafters who need a steady supply of high-quality materials.

Store 2: The Range

The Range has positioned itself as a value-focused alternative, and its recent campaign "Craft More for Less" slashes prices on a wide range of "crafts & hobbies art" supplies. The discount, which peaks at 35 per cent, covers everything from basic sketch pads to more elaborate DIY home-decor kits.

Whilst I was researching The Range’s catalogue online, I noticed a clear emphasis on seasonal collections - for example, the Easter egg-painting kits and winter knitting bundles were all marked down. A store associate in the Bradford branch told me, "We are trying to make crafting accessible to families, so we have bundled offers that include all the essentials at a reduced price."

For people typing "local crafts near me" into their search engines, The Range’s extensive network of over 200 stores across the UK means that you are rarely far from a location that stocks the discounted items. The retailer also offers a click-and-collect service, which is handy if you need items quickly for a workshop or a last-minute school project.

Unlike some specialist shops, The Range’s price cuts extend to its "hobby craft toys" line - think model train sets, science experiment kits and wooden craft puzzles. The promotion runs until the end of September, and the store has promised that the reductions will be replenished weekly, ensuring fresh stock for repeat shoppers.

According to the "Why Gen Z says 'hotties need hobbies'" piece on WBUR, younger people are gravitating towards crafts that produce tangible results, a trend that The Range appears to be capitalising on by making entry-level kits more affordable.

Store 3: WHSmith

WHSmith, traditionally known for books and stationery, has quietly expanded its crafts department over the past few years. The recent price cuts focus heavily on "hobbycraft tools" and art supplies, with a 30-35 per cent reduction on items such as calligraphy pens, sketching pencils and beginner embroidery kits.

During a quick stop at the WHSmith on Oxford Street, I spotted a large banner reading "Craft Savings Up To 35%". The store’s crafts manager, Simon Patel, explained, "We looked at our sales data and saw a surge in demand for portable craft kits - especially among commuters who want to make something while on the train. The discount is aimed at encouraging that spontaneous creativity."

For shoppers who type "hobby craft uk" into Google, WHSmith offers a convenient online platform that ships to most postcodes within two days. Their "Shop Now, Pay Later" option can be useful for larger purchases such as complete quilting sets, allowing crafters to spread the cost without incurring interest.

WHSmith’s strong presence in railway stations and airports also means that you can pick up a last-minute craft kit on the go - perfect for those who want a distraction from a long journey.

Store 4: Ryman

Ryman, known for office supplies, has entered the craft market with a surprising breadth of products, from high-quality markers to intricate model-making kits. Their latest price reduction - up to 35 per cent - is targeted at the "hobby craft toys" and "crafts & hobbies art" sections.

When I visited the Ryman on King Street in Manchester, the sales floor was filled with colourful signage advertising the new prices. Store assistant Laura James told me, "Our customers love the idea of turning a work-day break into a creative session, so we have bundled deals that include a sketchbook, a set of water-based inks and a portable easel at a steep discount."

Ryman’s online catalogue also features a "list of craft stores" filter, allowing users to compare their stock with that of other retailers. This can be especially helpful if you are searching for "stores that sell crafts" in a particular region.

The discount extends to their range of "hobbycraft tote bags", which have become popular among students and commuters who need a sturdy bag for supplies. Ryman’s loyalty scheme, "Ryman Rewards", adds an extra 2 per cent off the already reduced price for members, and the points earned can be redeemed against future purchases.

According to the HOLA article on "Millennial and Gen-z moms are turning to grandma-inspired crafts", there is a renewed interest in traditional crafts such as crochet and knitting. Ryman’s discounted crochet kits - which include yarn, hooks and pattern books - align perfectly with this nostalgic trend.

How to make the most of the discounts

Now that the four stores have announced their cuts, the real work begins: planning your purchases to maximise savings while ensuring you get the right quality. Here are a few strategies that have helped fellow crafters.

• Check the store’s website early in the morning - many retailers refresh their stock at 08:00 GMT.
• Combine store loyalty points with the 35 per cent cut to push the effective discount beyond 40 per cent.
• Use price-comparison tools that include the "list of craft stores" filter to locate the lowest price for a specific item.
• Consider click-and-collect to avoid delivery charges, especially if you live near a high-street branch.
• Plan projects around the discounted categories - for example, if yarn is on sale, start a blanket or a crochet tote bag.

When I was researching these offers, I also spoke to a community-centre coordinator in Torquay who runs a weekly craft club for retirees. She said, "The price cuts have allowed us to purchase bulk supplies that we could not afford before - we now have enough acrylic paints for a whole season of classes."

For those who prefer a one-stop shop, the table below summarises the key discount areas for each retailer.

Remember that stock levels can vary by region, so it is worth calling ahead if you are searching for "hobby craft toys" in a specific town. The combination of price cuts, loyalty incentives and the mental-health benefits highlighted by recent research makes this a perfect moment to refresh your craft stash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which store offers the biggest discount on yarn?

A: Hobbycraft currently offers up to 35% off its own-brand yarn, plus an extra 5% through its Craft Club loyalty scheme, making it the most substantial discount for yarn lovers.

Q: Can I combine the discounts with existing store vouchers?

A: Yes, most retailers allow you to stack the 35% price cut with loyalty points or store-issued vouchers, though the exact policy varies - check each store’s terms before checkout.

Q: Are the discounted items available online?

A: All four retailers list the reduced prices on their websites, but stock can differ between online and in-store inventories. It is advisable to verify availability on the specific store’s online portal.

Q: How long will the 35% price cuts last?

A: Retailers have said the reductions will remain in place for at least six months, with weekly replenishment of stock to keep the offers fresh.

Q: Do the discounts apply to all craft categories?

A: The cuts target the most popular categories - yarn, paints, hobby craft toys and tools - but some niche items may remain at regular price. Check the sale banner for each product line.