Lincraft to Close All Stores Across Australia and New Zealand After 80 Years

Lincraft is preparing to close its entire physical store network across Australia and New Zealand, bringing an end to more than 80 years of bricks-and-mortar retailing for one of the region’s most recognisable craft and fabric chains.

The retailer confirmed the decision in an email sent to Lincraft Club members, describing the announcement as “difficult and deeply emotional” for the business. More than 60 stores across Australia and New Zealand are expected to close progressively in the coming months, although the company says its online operations will continue.

The move represents a significant shift for a brand long associated with sewing, knitting, quilting, home décor projects and craft supplies. For many customers, Lincraft was more than a store. It was a place where creative ideas took shape, handmade gifts began and generations of families discovered hobbies together.

Lincraft Announces End of Its Physical Store Network

After serving customers for more than eight decades, Lincraft has decided to wind down its physical retail presence across Australia and New Zealand.

In its communication to customers, the company said it remains committed to supporting shoppers during the transition period and helping them continue the projects they love. While physical locations will close over time, customers will still be able to purchase products through the retailer’s website.

The closures are expected to occur on a store-by-store basis rather than through a single nationwide shutdown. This means some locations could continue trading longer than others as the transition unfolds.

The announcement affects one of the largest specialty craft retail networks in the region. Lincraft has operated more than 60 stores across Australia and New Zealand, making it a familiar name in shopping centres and retail precincts for decades.

Why Lincraft Is Closing Stores After More Than 80 Years

According to the company, the decision follows a prolonged period of difficult retail conditions. Lincraft cited changing consumer behaviour, increasing operating costs and growing competition from lower-cost overseas retailers.

Those challenges have become increasingly common across the retail sector. Rising wages, rent expenses, logistics costs and inflationary pressures have forced many retailers to review the viability of large physical store networks.

At the same time, online marketplaces have reshaped how consumers shop. Customers can compare prices instantly, access a wider range of products and often find lower-cost alternatives from international sellers.

For craft retailers, the challenge is particularly complex because many customers prefer to see fabrics, compare colours and examine textures before making a purchase. While online retail offers convenience, it cannot fully replicate the in-store experience that has traditionally been central to the craft industry.

Lincraft chairman John Maguire described the decision as extremely difficult, particularly because of its impact on employees who have spent years helping build the business.

The History Behind the Lincraft Brand

The company’s roots stretch back more than 80 years. Before becoming Lincraft, the business operated under the name Suzanne Silks and built a reputation among customers interested in sewing and fabric products.

The business later underwent significant restructuring after being acquired by John Maguire and Brian Swersky, leading to the establishment of Lincraft Australia in 2005.

Over the years, the retailer became deeply connected to Australia’s crafting community. Its stores supplied materials for school projects, handmade gifts, knitting groups, quilting clubs and countless home improvement projects.

In its statement, Lincraft acknowledged that the brand holds a special place in the hearts of many customers and recognised that the closure news would be disappointing for people who shared its passion for creativity and crafting.

What The Closures Mean for Customers

For existing customers, the immediate impact is likely to be uncertainty around local stores and product availability. While locations will remain open during the transition period, shoppers may notice changes in inventory levels as stores prepare to close.

Customers working on ongoing sewing, knitting or quilting projects may want to secure matching materials, fabrics or yarns while stock remains available. Certain specialty products could become more difficult to find once individual stores begin winding down operations.

The company has emphasised that online shopping will continue, providing customers with ongoing access to products even after physical locations close.

However, the shift to an online-only model removes one of the key advantages specialty craft retailers traditionally offered: the ability to browse products in person, compare colours and textures directly and receive face-to-face advice from experienced staff.

A Sign of Broader Changes Across Retail

Lincraft’s decision reflects broader pressures facing traditional retailers across Australia and New Zealand. Many businesses are reassessing their store footprints as consumer habits continue to evolve and operating expenses rise. Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics retail trade data show how closely retailers are watching shifts in household spending across different categories.

Recent retail restructuring efforts show that even long-established brands are not immune to these challenges. Similar pressure was evident when David Jones announced plans to close two major NSW stores, highlighting the difficult environment facing many physical retailers.

While Lincraft’s online business will continue, the closure of its store network marks the end of an era for a retailer that has served generations of Australian and New Zealand customers.

The coming months will determine whether the brand can successfully transition from a long-established store-based retailer into a business focused entirely on digital commerce. For employees, customers and local communities, the closures will mark the loss of a familiar retail presence built around creativity, craft and personal service.