Dobbies garden centre announces second wave of store closures in a blow to customers - full list

Well known UK retailer Dobbies is set to close eight more of its garden centres. It follows a series of 16 closures last year. The first branch in the second wave closed its doors yesterday (Friday).

It is part of the company's ongoing restructuring efforts. The latest round of closures affects locations in Aylesbury, Havant, and Northampton, among others.

Five stores have already closed their doors in January, with two of these - Morpeth and Stapleton - having been previously earmarked for closure and shutting down for good in mid-January. At least three more sites are slated for closure in the comimg months, Lancs Live reports.

The Rothley, Leicester branch closed yesterday after hosting a massive up to 70 percent off closing down sale. A message on the retailer's website expressed gratitude to customers "for your support".

The firm's Altrincham centre was one of 10 to go last year, closing its doors on December 17. Dobbies is thought to have faced another difficult year after racking up losses of £130m last year driven by high inflation and unseasonable weather dampening sales.

The popular chain is carrying out a restructuring plan that will see it close 17 stores – including all six of its Little Dobbies urban format – taking its store count down to 60 shops in a bid to "address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability".

Last September, the retailer announced plans to close 17 unprofitable stores, including 11 mainline sites and six Little Dobbies outlets before year-end, affecting 465 of its 3,600 employees.

The company stated that the restructuring plan, along with other strategic initiatives, would "enable Dobbies to return to sustainable profitability, unlock access