New Oxford craft store opens as crafters lose thousands from another

The Crafty Cave has opened in Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley, Oxford.

The announcement comes after longtime business The Crafters Emporium was revealed to not have paid crafters for their work, or paid rent for its stores.

The business which previously boasted stores in Oxford, Didcot and Faringdon, previously announced that its remaining shop on Sheep Street, Bicester will close in October.

But now it has been revealed that the landlord of the store, Makespace Oxfordshire, has given the business a notice of forfeiture.

The business, which is run by former Crafters Emporium manager Lindsay Kin, was also forcibly removed from its store on Cornmarket Street, Oxford, after failing to pay rent.

READ MORE: Historic British shoe chain closes one of its Oxfordshire stores

Crafters collecting their unsold stock from the Crafters Emporium Oxford store (Image: Contributed)

But crafters don’t have to look far as the recently opened The Crafty Cave is home to more than 30 independent small businesses.

 With over 90% of items handmade, the store offers customers the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind purchases while supporting talented artisans and small businesses.

The store also boasts an inclusive calm zone for families where children can relax, inspired by the owners’ experiences as parents to two autistic boys.

Many crafters that previously sold their items at The Crafters Emporium stores have turned to The Crafty Cave as another source of income as they wait to be paid their income for the last few months.