Closs and Hamblin Review: A Charming Family-Run Shop for Crafts, Gifts and Home Decor

Are you looking for a one-stop shop for all your haberdashery, craft, gift and home decorating needs? Look no further than Closs and Hamblin. This delightful family-owned British retailer has been supplying customers with an impressive array of products for nearly 90 years.

From fabrics and sewing notions to artisan jigsaw puzzles to bespoke curtains and blinds, Closs and Hamblin carries a little bit of everything. The company has thrived over 4 generations thanks to its commitment to providing unique, high-quality goods and top-notch customer service.

Whether you‘re a dedicated crafter, a homemaker looking to spruce up your decor, or simply seeking that perfect gift, you‘re bound to find something to love at Closs and Hamblin. Join me as I take a closer look at this cherished British brand and all it has to offer in my in-depth Closs and Hamblin review.

The Closs and Hamblin Story

The story of Closs and Hamblin begins way back in 1933, when Mr. Harold Closs and Mr. Cyril Hamblin first went into business together. At a time when home sewing and garment making were an integral part of life, the pair seized an opportunity to provide their community with premium fabrics, paper patterns and sewing supplies.

From those humble beginnings, Closs and Hamblin grew and evolved, always remaining under the watchful eye of the Hamblin family. Today, the company is stewarded by the fourth generation of Hamblins, who uphold the same values and commitment to quality that Harold and Cyril established all those years ago.

While Closs and Hamblin has expanded significantly since 1933, it still maintains that inviting, attentive atmosphere of a family-run business. With 9 stores across the UK as well as a comprehensive online shop, the company makes it easy and enjoyable for British customers to find the supplies and inspiration they need for their projects.

The brand has earned plenty of attention and accolades over the decades. Closs and Hamblin has been featured in publications like the Hampshire Chronicle and the Sussex Express, and has cultivated a loyal following of over 5,000 across its social media channels. But the true measure of the company‘s success is the glowing feedback from its many satisfied customers (more on that later!).

An Aladdin‘s Cave of Delights

One step into a Closs and Hamblin shop (or one click onto their website), and you‘ll soon see why the brand has earned a reputation as an "Aladdin‘s Cave" for craft and decor lovers. The sheer variety of products on offer is staggering, and browsing the colorful, well-curated displays is an absolute joy.

While the current selection may look quite different than it did back in 1933, textiles are still the heart of Closs and Hamblin‘s business. They carry an extensive array of fabrics by the metre in every material, pattern and color imaginable. Whether you‘re after calico for a craft project, plush velvet for upholstery or chic patterned cotton for dressmaking, you‘ll find no shortage of beautiful options.

Of course, Closs and Hamblin is also a go-to destination for sewing accessories and notions. Stock up on threads, zippers, buttons, ribbon, elastic and much more. You‘ll find trusted tools like pins, needles, scissors and measuring tapes. And if you‘re in need of some guidance, the shops carry a full library of sewing patterns and instructional books.

Venture beyond the haberdashery section and a whole world of delights await. Closs and Hamblin has developed quite an emporium of giftware, including quirky finds like the bestselling Cat Lover‘s Jigsaw Puzzle, fun craft kits, beautiful stationery, unique housewares and more. It‘s an ideal place to shop for presents, or simply to treat yourself to something special.

For home decor, Closs and Hamblin can‘t be beat. They‘ve got all the soft furnishings to make a house feel like a home, from readymade and made-to-measure curtains to cushions, bedding, throws and more. The company is also one of the UK‘s premier sources for wallpaper, with an astounding library of samples to choose from.

The made-to-measure service is where Closs and Hamblin really shines. They offer custom curtains, blinds, shutters and other window dressings, all handcrafted to your exact specifications. Simply book an in-home consultation or provide your measurements online, choose your ideal fabric and style, and their expert craftspeople will take care of the rest. The result is a bespoke creation that perfectly suits your space and taste.

Bestsellers and New Favorites

With such a wide and wonderful product range, it‘s tough to pinpoint standouts. But judging by sales and customer feedback, there are a few tried-and-true favorites that are definitely worth highlighting in any Closs and Hamblin review:

• Rit fabric dye: Available in a rainbow of vibrant colors, this easy-to-use dye is wildly popular for transforming and refreshing clothing and home textiles.
• Readymade curtains: For a quick and stylish window refresh, you can‘t go wrong with Closs and Hamblin‘s readymade curtain range, especially the breezy, botanical Seaspray design.
• Craft kits: Closs and Hamblin offers tons of fantastic all-in-one kits for various crafts, but their knitting, crochet and embroidery kits are consistent customer favorites.
• Jigsaw puzzles: Closs and Hamblin‘s puzzles, like the bestselling Cat Lover‘s design, are a hit with all ages. Beautifully made with unique, detailed imagery, they make great gifts.
• Made-to-measure shutters: For unparalleled light control and privacy, custom-crafted shutters are a popular pick. Closs and Hamblin‘s made-to-measure shutters come in a range of materials and styles for every window.

Beyond these hero products, some of the other most in-demand items at Closs and Hamblin include their vast selection of designer wallpaper, their irresistibly soft faux fur throws, their lovely hardback notebooks and journals, and their beginner-friendly origami kits. Honestly, with such a varied and well-curated selection, it‘s hard to go wrong!

Unboxing the Customer Experience

It‘s clear that Closs and Hamblin knows a thing or two about delighting customers with their products. But how does the overall shopping experience stack up? According to feedback from real customers, the company more than delivers when it comes to service.

On Trustpilot, Closs and Hamblin boasts an enviable rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 4,000 reviews. An incredible 84% of customers rate their experience as "Excellent," citing factors like prompt shipping, sturdy packaging, helpful customer support and high product quality. One thrilled customer raved about their wallpaper order arriving ahead of schedule in pristine condition.

The positive vibes continue over on the brand‘s Facebook page, where they have a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating from 10 reviewers. Shoppers praise the well-stocked stores, knowledgeable staff and extensive product range. "Found this wonderful shop during a short stay in Winchester," one visitor shared. "Haven‘t seen such a well-stocked craft shop like this for ages."

At the independent review site NiceLocal, Closs and Hamblin scores an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 130 customers. Many of the comments here celebrate the brand‘s commitment to going above and beyond for customers, whether that means tracking down an out-of-stock item or providing attentive service over the phone and online.

What‘s even more telling is how few and far between the negative reviews are. Of course, no company is immune to the occasional hiccup, but Closs and Hamblin seems to excel at resolving issues quickly. On Trustpilot, the small handful of 1- and 2-star reviews are spread out over the course of a year, suggesting that serious problems are few and far between.

Based on all of this glowing feedback, it‘s abundantly clear that Closs and Hamblin has mastered the art of quality service. From the moment you visit one of their bright, inspiring shops or their easy-to-navigate website to the time your order arrives at your door, you can expect a seamless and satisfying experience.

Promotions, Policies and Perks

As if the extensive product range and sterling service weren‘t reason enough to shop with Closs and Hamblin, the company also offers some enticing extras. Fans of a good deal will be happy to know that the brand regularly runs sales and promotions, including generous discounts on clearance items.

If you‘re a regular customer, it‘s well worth signing up for Closs and Hamblin‘s email newsletter. You‘ll be the first to know about new product launches and upcoming sales. Plus, you‘ll receive a 10% off voucher just for joining the mailing list!

Need your craft supplies or home decor in a hurry? Closs and Hamblin has you covered with their speedy shipping options. Most orders within the UK mainland arrive within 1-7 business days. Spend over £45 and your order ships for free! The company also offers international shipping to select countries, though delivery times vary.

If for some reason your order doesn‘t work out, rest assured that Closs and Hamblin offers a reasonable and convenient return policy. As long as items are unused and in their original packaging, you can send them back for a refund within 30 days. You can process your return online via email or pop into any store location for assistance.

The Verdict

Still weighing whether Closs and Hamblin is worth a browse? If you‘re passionate about crafting, gift-giving and home decorating, I can‘t recommend this beloved brand highly enough. With 9 inspiring stores across the UK as well as a phenomenal web shop, Closs and Hamblin makes it easier than ever to find premium supplies.

The sheer variety of products on offer is unmatched, and the unique made-to-measure services take things to the next level. Generations of expertise and genuine care are poured into every item. And with such glowing reviews from happy repeat customers, you can feel confident that you‘re in good hands.

But perhaps the best reason to support Closs and Hamblin is the heartening story and values behind the brand. In an era of faceless big-box retailers and cheap mass-produced goods, it‘s a joy to shop with a company that still operates like a cozy family-run business. When you buy from Closs and Hamblin, you‘re not only investing in top-notch products, but also in a rich legacy.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a little something special from Closs and Hamblin. Explore a new craft, refresh your home, or delight a friend with a thoughtful gift. With such a wonderland of high-quality delights to choose from, you really can‘t go wrong. Happy shopping!