Lincraft Closes All 30 Stores After 88 Years in Australian Retail, June 17

Lincraft, the iconic Australian craft retailer founded in 1938, announced on June 16 that it will close all 30 remaining physical stores across Australia and New Zealand over the coming months. The company will continue operating online. About 300 staff will be affected, with the company guaranteeing all entitlements will be paid. Changing consumer behaviour, rising operating costs, and pressure from low-cost overseas competitors drove the decision.

From Market Stall to Online Retailer

Lincraft began as a market stall in Melbourne in 1938 under founder Leo Ross. The business remained with the Ross family for three generations before falling into receivership in 2005. Current owners John Maguire and Brian Swersky took over and restructured the company as Lincraft Australia in March 2005. The retailer had expanded to 30 stores mostly across Australia’s eastern states and territories by June 2026.

Why Physical Stores Could Not Survive

The company cited three main factors for closure: changing consumer behaviour, increased operating costs, and growing pressure from low-cost overseas competitors. Lincraft said it faced a prolonged period of challenging retail conditions. The retailer confirmed stores will close progressively over the coming months, with plans to close the majority within six months. The online store will remain operational throughout the transition.

Part of a Wider Retail Shift

Lincraft is not alone in abandoning physical retail. Barbeques Galore announced last week it would close 62 stores, affecting 500 staff. Mosaic Brands Group closed 763 stores across brands including Millers, Noni B, and Katies, affecting 3,000 employees. These closures reflect how Australian retailers struggle to compete with online shopping and international e-commerce platforms.

What Happens Next for Staff and Customers

Managing director John Maguire described the decision as extremely difficult, particularly due to its impact on long-serving employees. The company committed to supporting staff through the transition and paying all entitlements. Customers will continue to access Lincraft’s full product range through the online platform during and after the store closures. The company thanked customers for 88 years of loyalty and support.

Final Thoughts

Lincraft’s closure marks the end of an era for Australian craft retail. The shift to online-only operations reflects a sector-wide challenge: physical stores cannot compete with lower costs and convenience of e-commerce.

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