Hobbycraft has hailed a successful increase in Christmas sales.

The arts and craft retailer, owned by Bridgepoint, reported a like-for-like store sales increase of 7.1 per cent over the six weeks leading to December 24, while online revenue climbed 28 per cent.

Hobbycraft attributed the increase to a series of workshops across its near 100 outlets, which saw 21,000 shoppers attend.

Figures also showed a 119 per cent increase in sales of “Christmas Eve Boxes” during the week they were exhibited in stores.

“Social media channels and influencers are helping to drive this trend and our results this Christmas show that crafting a thoughtful gift or decoration is a more enriching experience in these challenging times,” Hobbycraft customer director Katherine Paterson said.

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