Dobbies Garden Centres have announced that 12 of their outlets will be closing before the year’s out after the company’s restructuring proposal was given the greenlight by a court.
In a statement which shocked shoppers back in September, Dobbies outlined their intentions to shut 16 of their sites across the UK with the aim of returning to ‘sustainable profitability.’
Now, after a successful hearing yesterday at the Court of Session in Scotland, the company have been given the greenlight to sever leases on ten of their stores, with a further two set to change hands.
One of Dobbies’ key stores, in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, will close on December 17 as part of the restructuring proposal.
Outlets in Gloucester, Gosforth, Inverness and King’s Lynn are also set to be cut in December.
While two of the company’s garden centres in Morpeth and Stapleton will be taken over by new operators.
In better news, the company’s flagship store in Antrim, which was earmarked for closure in previous plans, has survived the cut and will remain open.
Dobbies hope that their restructuring plans will enable them ‘to return to sustainable profitability, unlock access to future investment and deliver a strong and well capitalised platform for the business going forwards.’
A company spokesperson added: ‘We’re pleased to have worked constructively with landlords on the Restructuring Plan.
‘The approval of the RP means we can now be focused on the future, building a strong platform for a return to sustainable profitability in our stores across the UK.
‘Thank you to all our colleagues, customers and suppliers who supported us during this process.’
The closures of the 12 stores will see the number of Dobbies remaining in Britain cut to 65.
Dobbies outlets set to shut before the end of the year
- Altrincham -December 17
- Gloucester – December 15
- Gosforth – December 19
- Harlestone Heath – December 17
- Huntingdon – TBC
- Inverness – December 23
- King’s Lynn – December 15
- Pennine – December 15
- Reading – December 23
- Stratford-upon-Avon – December 23
The company will offer customers large clearance sales in the weeks before the 12 stores shut for good.
Dobbies woes aren’t exclusive to them, however. British Garden Centres development and project manager Amy Stubbs told Retail Gazette the entire gardening sector has taken a hit.
She told the trading publication that the flip-flopping weather has especially caused havoc.
‘It almost feels like any time it’s had a chance to start, the weather has then ruined it and it’s gone backwards again. It’s just been very stop-start,’ she said.
The news of closures at Dobbies comes just a matter of days after another major retailer announced closures as the struggles of the British High Street continue.
In 2024 alone, WHSmith have closed eight outlets.
This article was first published on October 1, 2024
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