Lincraft shutting physical stores as retailer moves fully online, 300 jobs affected

Cherie Howie

Reporter·NZ Herald·

16 Jun, 2026 09:41 PM2 mins to read

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Fabric and craft retailer Lincraft is closing its physical stores in New Zealand and Australia, with more than 300 staff affected – including 50 in New Zealand.

The 88-year-old company, which has stores in Dunedin, Upper Hutt, Thames, Taupō and the Christchurch suburbs of Riccarton and Linwood, will become an
online retailer only.

The closures will begin in the coming months, taking place progressively on a store-by-store basis depending on their lease arrangements.

“Lincraft has been part of Australian and New Zealand communities for generations. 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,” managing director John Maguire said.

“The decision follows a prolonged period of challenging retail conditions, changing consumer behaviour, increased operating costs and growing pressure from low-cost international online competitors.”