Dobbies to close 17 UK stores in blow to shoppers - see the full list of locations

Dobbies shutting 17 UK stores with full list of locations confirmed
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Dobbies is preparing to shut down 17 UK stores, dealing a significant blow to shoppers. The company has revealed plans to close these "unprofitable stores" as part of a restructuring strategy aimed at "addressing historically high rent costs and ensuring a return to sustainable profitability".

The proposed closures include 11 mainline sites and six "little Dobbies" stores, pending approval of the restructuring plan. In its statement, Dobbies said: "The restructuring programme and other strategic initiatives, are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalisations, rent reductions and other tangible cost savings securing its long-term future and allowing access to future investment."

"Last July, the retailer appointed former Pets at Home boss David Robinson as the new chief executive. He took over from previous boss Graeme Jenkins who departed after seven years to "pursue other opportunities". Stores earmarked for closure include those in Altrincham, Antrim, Gloucester and Gosforth."

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Additional branches facing closure are located in Harlestone Heath, Huntingdon, Inverness and King's Lynn. Pennine, Reading and Stratford-upon-Avon round off the list.

As for Little Dobbies, the locations set for closure include Cheltenham, Chiswick and Clifton, reports Birmingham Live.

Richmond, Stockbridge and Westbourne Grove are also due to close, the chain confirmed on Tuesday, October 1. While the process is underway, all shops will continue to operate as usual.

The company also assured that there would be no impact on suppliers.

The gardening expert anticipates that the 17 locations will stop trading by year's end, provided the restructuring plan gets the green light. The company plans to shut down 11 mainline sites and six Little Dobbies stores, all of which are not making a profit, affecting 465 out of its 3,600 staff members.

This will leave the firm with 60 garden centres remaining.

Additionally, the retailer will liaise with landlords to negotiate temporary rent reductions at an additional nine UK locations.