Following its removal from Sky at the beginning of the week, Create & Craft finally confirms its closure, with angry customers still demanding refunds.
- Loop of pre-recorded programmes has now been pulled on all remaining TV platforms.
- Website closed last weekend.
- Message to viewers neglects to address customers who have outstanding orders.
The UK’s first TV channel dedicated to arts and crafts has closed. The confirmation comes weeks after it suddenly stopped accepting orders.
The channel confirmed it had closed in a post on social media, noting that “with heavy hearts, we share the news that today marks the closure of Create and Craft. This is not a moment we ever thought we’d face, and everyone here has been taking the time to reflect on the countless memories we’ve created together over the years.”
Create & Craft was launched as a spin-off from Ideal World in 2003, before recently being sold to Hochanda Global. Suppliers began to publicly confirm they were withdrawing from the channel last month after failing to receive payments.
After launching a cut-price promotion on many of its goods, Create & Craft suddenly stopped accepting new orders at the beginning of the month. This left many of its customers who had though they’d snapped up a bargain without either money or the goods. The channel replaced live programmes with recordings. These have now been replaced by a static slate.
Social media users voiced their annoyance at Create & Craft’s failure in its closure statement to address customers who have been left out of pocket.
▶ What can affected Create & Craft customers do?
Depending on how you paid, you may be able to raise a dispute with your bank, building society or card issuer. The Citizens Advice website contains basic advice on your rights.
Should Hochanda Global, the company in charge of Create & Craft confirm details of an Administrator, you will be able to register as a Creditor. However, it’s unlikely you’ll receive money back. That’s because larger creditors such as the banks, HMRC and suppliers will be first in the queue. Once they’ve taken their share, there’s normally nothing left for regular customers.
On Monday, Create & Craft was suspended and delisted from Sky. The Create & Craft website went offline last weekend. The channel was putting out recordings of its presentations on other platforms until Friday morning. These have now been replaced by a static slate.
It’s the second shopping channel to close abruptly this year. Seen On TV closed in the summer after just a few weeks on air.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Screengrab – static slate showing on Create & Craft on Friday 25th October.