A frozen food retailer is opening a new store at Strood Retail Park.

Iceland is set to launch its first Food Warehouse branch in Medway in the unit occupied by Hobbycraft, which closes permanently on Saturday, 14 February.

Planning applications have been submitted to Medway Council seeking permission for a replacement shopfront, new signage and alterations to the delivery yard.

Last week, signs were suddenly put up at the Hobbycraft unit stating it was shutting.

The arts and crafts retailer has since confirmed the news and is now running a closing-down sale, offering customers up to 20% off.

A spokesperson for the national chain said: “We are working hard to support everyone affected and are seeking to redeploy colleagues throughout the business.”

The nearest branch will be 11 miles away in Maidstone, the spokesperson added.

While the reason for the closure is unclear, Future Medway understands the landlord, Ropemaker Properties Ltd, has served notice on Hobbycraft.

Established in 2014, the Food Warehouse is Iceland’s larger-format supermarket, offering bulk buy products and a wider range of groceries, as well as homeware.

The nearest branch is currently located in Maidstone.

Iceland has been approached for comment.

NOTE: This article was updated on 29 January 2026 to clarify that Iceland will be opening a branch of its Food Warehouse supermarket at this location, instead of a traditional Iceland store.

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