Dobbies, the UK’s largest garden center chain, will close 17 of its 77 stores before the end of the year, the garden retailer has announced.
In a move that will affect 465 jobs, the closures come as Dobbies’ new owners try to return the brand to profitability. It has been announced that 11 garden centers will be closed as well as all six Little Dobbies centres, however, all sites will operate as normal until the Dobbie restructuring plan is implemented.
When looking for landscaping ideas, Dobbies has always been on our radar, but what does the future of the brand look like?
(Image credit: Dobies)
The announcement comes after a difficult year for garden centers across the country. In fact, just last week, Homebase announced the closure of 10 of its stores.
A cold and wet spring combined with inflation and the cost of living crisis had a major impact on the business last year, causing Dobbies to make losses of £130 million.
Dobbies have enjoyed a boom during the pandemic, as we all shopped for easy garden ideas and family garden ideas as having a fun garden space came to the forefront of our minds.
But after the pandemic, the company suffered a loss. It fell to a £105.2m loss before tax in the year to March 2023, after a £7m loss in the year before that.
The closures are part of a wider restructuring plan that hopes to bring Dobbies back into the green.
A Dobbies spokesperson said: “The restructuring plan and other strategic initiatives are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalization, rent reductions and other tangible cost savings, securing its long-term future and allowing access to future investment.”
“Thereafter, Dobbies will operate 60 stores and will continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and will have an active and committed role in the communities in which it is present.”
But which stores are closing?
(Image credit: Dobies)
What stores are closing?
Closing garden centers:
Altrincham Antrim Gloucester Gosforth Harleston Heath Huntingdon Inverness Kings Lynn Pennine Reading Stratford-upon-Avon
Closing “Little Dobies”:
Cheltenham, Chiswick, Clifton, Bristol, Richmond upon Thames, Stockbridge, Westbourne Grove, London
For gardening enthusiasts across the country, the news will likely come as a bit of a shock. But we hope to keep the remaining 60 stores open and ready to meet our gardening needs.
