Dobbies, the UK’s largest garden centre chain, has recently made headlines with its announcement to close 17 of its locations across the country. This decision comes amid a broader restructuring strategy aimed at returning the company to profitability after reporting significant financial losses.
The Reasons Behind the Closures
The closures reflect Dobbies’ efforts to streamline its operations and reduce costs. The chain reported a pre-tax loss of £105.2 million for the year ending March 2023, a sharp decline from a £7 million loss the previous year. This financial downturn prompted Dobbies to assess its performance and determine which stores were not generating enough profit to justify their continued operation. The planned shutdowns will affect approximately 465 employees from Dobbies’ total workforce of about 3,600.
List of Affected Stores
Dobbies has identified 11 larger garden centres and 6 smaller “Little Dobbies” locations for closure. The full list includes:
Larger Dobbies Stores:
- Altrincham, Greater Manchester
- Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Gloucester, Gloucestershire
- Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Harlestone Heath, Northamptonshire
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
- Inverness, Scotland
- King’s Lynn, Norfolk
- Pennine, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
- Reading, Berkshire
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Little Dobbies:
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Chiswick, Greater London
- Clifton, Bristol
- Richmond, Greater London
- Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westbourne Grove, Greater London.
Broader Trends in the Retail Garden Sector
Dobbies’ decision to close stores is part of a larger trend affecting the garden retail industry in the UK. Many garden centres face mounting challenges, including rising operational costs, competition from online retailers, and shifts in consumer preferences. The increasing trend towards e-commerce has changed how customers shop for gardening supplies. More consumers now prefer the convenience of online shopping, which has pressured traditional brick-and-mortar stores to adapt quickly
The Path Forward for Dobbies
While the closures mark a challenging period for Dobbies, the company has not entered administration and remains committed to implementing its restructuring plan. This strategy will need approval from landlords and the court to move forward. Dobbies aims to use this opportunity to stabilize its financial position, reduce overhead costs, and eventually enhance its profitability.
Community Impact and Reactions
The closure of these stores will undoubtedly impact local communities that rely on Dobbies for gardening supplies and services. Many customers express concern over losing their local garden centre, which often serves as a community hub for gardening enthusiasts. Employees affected by the closures face uncertainty as they navigate potential job losses in an already challenging job market.
