Dobbies to Close 17 Stores: What It Means for Gardening Enthusiasts

By Garden-Review Newsdesk

The UK’s beloved garden centre giant faces a significant reshuffle.

Dobbies, the nation’s largest chain of garden centres, has announced the closure of 17 of its 77 locations by the end of the year. This decision is part of a restructuring plan aimed at restoring the brand to profitability after facing substantial financial challenges.

The move will affect 465 jobs, as 11 garden centres and all six “Little Dobbies” stores are set to close. Despite this, all locations will continue operating as usual until the restructuring plan is fully implemented.

A Challenging Year for the Gardening Sector

For many, Dobbies has been a trusted destination for garden landscaping ideas and seasonal planting inspiration. However, the brand has struggled to recover from post-pandemic market conditions.

The pandemic initially brought a surge in gardening interest, with millions transforming outdoor spaces into havens for relaxation and family time. Yet, this boom was short-lived. Dobbies reported a £105.2 million pre-tax loss for the financial year ending March 2023, a sharp decline from its £7 million loss the previous year.

Economic pressures such as inflation, a wet spring, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis further compounded challenges for the business, which accrued £130 million in losses last year alone.

A Path Back to Profitability

The closures are part of a larger restructuring initiative aimed at making Dobbies financially sustainable. A spokesperson for the company shared their optimism for the future:

“The restructuring plan and other strategic initiatives are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalisations, rent reductions, and other tangible cost savings, securing its long-term future and allowing access to future investment.”

Post-restructuring, Dobbies will operate 60 stores, aiming to remain a key player in the gardening sector and maintain its commitment to local communities.

Which Dobbies stores are closing?

Garden centres set to close:

Altrincham
Antrim
Gloucester
Gosforth
Harlestone Heath
Huntingdon
Inverness
King’s Lynn
Pennine
Reading
Stratford-upon-Avon

‘Little Dobbies’ stores closing:

Cheltenham
Chiswick
Clifton (Bristol)
Richmond upon Thames
Stockbridge
Westbourne Grove (London)

What’s Next for Garden Enthusiasts?

While the news is disheartening, Dobbies’ remaining 60 stores will continue to serve the gardening community. The company’s focus on re-establishing its position in the market promises ongoing support for those seeking inspiration for their outdoor spaces.

For regular updates on Dobbies’ restructuring progress and tips to keep your garden thriving, subscribe to Garden-Review’s newsletter. Together, let’s keep cultivating the joy of gardening.

Stay tuned as we explore how the evolving retail landscape will shape the future of gardening in the UK.