Repossession on Cornmarket Street raises concerns for local makers
The Crafters Emporium has had its remaining Oxford shop on Cornmarket Street repossessed by The Enforcement Agency following unpaid rent, and the business is expected to file for insolvency. The move comes just days after the company announced the closure of another Oxfordshire outlet and follows the recent shutdown of its Faringdon store.
Artists and crafters who supplied goods to the Cornmarket shop say they have been left waiting for months for payments from sales, with some claiming they are out of pocket by thousands of pounds. Several sellers have removed their stock from the Oxford store after discovering items remained on display despite outstanding sums owed to them.
Traders report unpaid monies and mounting frustration
The experience described by former seller Miss Peachy, who joined the shop in May, illustrates the problems faced by contributors: she says she had not been paid for any sales since joining and had to collect her items on 3 July. The situation is echoed by other makers, including Magdalena Bialas, who supplied goods to both the Oxford and Bicester shops.
"Since at least August, I’ve had to chase my payments every single month. I still haven’t received my December payment. It’s definitely not cheap to be there — they take a really high commission on sales, and the rent for the space isn’t small either,"
Those affected describe a pattern of missed payments and high costs for trading space that they say left the company in a cycle it could not escape.
Closures across Oxfordshire and uncertain future for other branches
The Crafters Emporium confirmed the closure of its Faringdon store on 30 June after six years in the town. The Bicester Sheep Street branch is due to shut in October. A Didcot shop opened in October 2019 remains operating for now, with no announcement yet regarding its future.
The business, founded by Natasha Martell, has specialised in selling handmade crafts from more than 50 crafters around the UK, with artists selected by the shop directors through a selection process.
Financial picture
Company accounts cited in reporting show changes in reported capital and reserves in recent years. The figures published were:
| Year | Capital and reserves |
|---|---|
| 2023 | £319,818 |
| 2025 | £489,550 |
Despite those reported totals, frustration among makers centres on delayed or missing payments for goods already sold by the shops.
- Oxford's Cornmarket Street shop was repossessed by The Enforcement Agency for unpaid rent.
- Traders report not receiving payments dating back months, with some still owed for December.
- Faringdon store closed on 30 June; Bicester branch closing in October; Didcot remains open for now.
The situation leaves many local makers uncertain about recovering money owed and highlights the vulnerability of independent artisans who rely on concession-style retail arrangements. Oxford traders and customers will be watching for any formal insolvency process and how it may affect claims from creditors, including supplying artists.
