As The Works axes its ecommerce arm, how can physical stores compete with online in 2026?
Discount giant The Works recently shut down its ecommerce operations (20 March) to focus on its store-led growth.
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By Eloise HillShare
The Works
The Works offers affordable screen-free fun for the whole family, with a wide range of books, arts & crafts, toys, games, and stationery to inspire creativity and learning.
Office Supplies & Stationery
StudentNHSFree over £20
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Shop at The WorksAbout The Works
Established in 1981, The Works has grown from a single store into a beloved national retailer with over 500 locations across the UK and Ireland. Known for its commitment to providing affordable books, arts & crafts supplies, toys, games, and stationery, The Works has become a go-to destination for families seeking enriching, screen-free activities. The company's mission revolves around inspiring creativity, learning, and fun, ensuring that quality entertainment and educational resources are accessible to everyone.
Explore The Works Product Range
The Works boasts an incredibly diverse product offering, catering to a wide array of interests and age groups. Their extensive book shop UK features everything from bestselling fiction and non-fiction to a dedicated section for children's books, including popular World Book Day titles and BookTok recommendations. For creative minds, the craft supplies UK range includes colouring books, art kits, and materials for various hobbies. Shoppers can also find a fantastic selection of toys and games online, including sensory toys, family board games, jigsaws, and outdoor play equipment. The stationery shop offers school supplies, office essentials, and fun, quirky items for all your writing and organising needs.
Shopping Experience and Value at The Works
Shopping at The Works is designed to be convenient and value-driven. Customers can easily buy books online or browse the full range of products from the comfort of their home, with options for home delivery across the UK and Ireland. For added flexibility, the Click & Collect service allows online orders to be picked up at any of their numerous stores, often with free collection on qualifying spends. The Works is dedicated to customer satisfaction, reflected in their 'Excellent' Feefo rating. Furthermore, they support various communities by offering special discounts for students via Student Beans, NHS staff with a Blue Light Card, and military personnel, reinforcing their commitment to affordability and accessibility for all.
The Works was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Coleshill, Warwickshire, UK. It is part of TheWorks.co.uk PLC, with 500+ locations.
News & Updates
View allThe Works’ ecommerce exit: a long time coming? Industry insight suggests yes
The Works’ decision last week to shut down its transactional website was positioned as a decisive return to a store‑first strategy after years of underperforming online sales. The post The Works’ ecommerce exit: a long time coming? Industry insight suggests yes appeared first on InternetRetailing.
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By Amanda VlietstraShare
The Works to abandon ecommerce as it refocuses on store‑first growth
The Works has announced an immediate shutdown of its ecommerce operations as part of a wider shift toward a streamlined, store‑led operating model. The post The Works to abandon ecommerce as it refocuses on store‑first growth appeared first on InternetRetailing.
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By Amanda VlietstraShare
The Works exits ecommerce to focus on store-led growth as profits outlook improves
The Works has shut down its ecommerce operations with immediate effect as it looks to simplify its business model and double down on its store-led strategy. The value retailer said it will transition to a non-transactional website, with the online channel now acting as a brand and product showcase designed to drive footfall to its...
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By Kieran HowellsShare
The Works shuts down ecommerce website with immediate effect
The Works has announced that it has shut down its ecommerce site, moving instead to a non-transactional platform with “immediate effect”.
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Discounts & Loyalty
Student Discount
The Works offers a student discount of 10% off orders over £25 via Student Beans.
NHS Discount
The Works offers an NHS discount of 15% off on all orders by presenting a Blue Light Card. Some sources also mention a 10% or 20% discount for NHS staff.
Military / Blue Light Discount
The Works offers a 15% discount for military personnel with a respective ID.
Gift Cards Available
Loyalty Programme
The Works Rewards
Earn points on every purchase redeemable for money off future orders
Shipping & Returns
Free delivery over £20Click & CollectInternational Shipping
Free Click & Collect to store. Free home delivery on orders over £20. Standard delivery within 3-5 working days.
Returns Policy
Returns accepted within 28 days with proof of purchase
Company Information
Founded
1981
Headquarters
Coleshill, Warwickshire, UK
Number of Stores
500+
Parent Company
TheWorks.co.uk PLC
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a loyalty scheme?
Yes, The Works Rewards lets you earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts.
Can I Click & Collect?
Yes, free Click & Collect is available to all 500+ stores, usually ready within 2 hours during store opening times.
Do you sell school supplies?
Yes, The Works is a popular destination for back-to-school supplies including stationery, art materials, and educational books.
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Contact Information
Customer Service
+44 (0)121 313 6050Customer Service Email
enquiries@theworks.co.ukCustomer Service Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM; Bank Holidays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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