Dobbies garden centres update as closure dates confirmed for 12 major outlets

Dobbies has confirmed the closure of 12 stores following the approval of its restructuring plan by the Court of Session in Scotland. The garden centre chain will exit leases on 10 loss-making sites, including a key store in Altringcham, while two additional locations in Morpeth and Stapleton will transition to other garden centre operators.

Dobbies also revealed that its flagship store in Antrim, previously marked for closure, will continue operations after reaching an agreement with the landlord, Retail Gazette reported today. In 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 to future investment and deliver a strong and well capitalised platform for the business going forwards". A spokesperson for Dobbies expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating: "We’re pleased to have worked constructively with landlords on the Restructuring Plan (RP).

"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 stores set to close are: