Dobbies Garden Centres is set to commence the closure of 12 stores across the UK after its restructuring plan was approved by the Court of Session in Scotland. The garden centre chain confirmed it will exit the leases of 10 loss-making sites while two additional locations: Morpeth and Stapleton, will transition to other garden centre operators.
In a positive turn, Dobbies’ flagship store in Antrim, previously earmarked for closure, will remain open following successful negotiations with its landlord.
The closures are part of a wider effort to address unprofitable operations. In September, Dobbies announced plans to shutter 17 underperforming sites, including 11 mainline stores and six Little Dobbies outlets, by the end of the year. While the latest update reduces the number of closures, the move will still affect 465 of the company’s 3,600 employees.
The restructuring plan aims to help Dobbies return to sustainable profitability, secure future investments, and strengthen its financial position.
A Dobbies spokesperson commented:
“We’re pleased to have worked constructively with landlords on the Restructuring Plan. The approval of the RP means we can now focus on building a strong platform for a return to sustainable profitability across our UK stores. Thank you to our colleagues, customers, and suppliers who have supported us during this process.”
The closures are about to begin, with the following stores confirmed for closure on these dates:
- Altrincham: 17 December
- Gloucester: 15 December
- Gosforth: 19 December
- Harlestone Heath: 17 December
- Huntingdon: TBC
- Inverness: 23 December
- King’s Lynn: 15 December
- Pennine: 15 December
- Reading: 23 December
- Stratford-upon-Avon: 23 December
The closures mark a significant step in Dobbies’ efforts to streamline its operations and focus on its more profitable outlets.