Major retailer shuts another store after closing 12 locations last year

Dobbies is closing another store this month - after axing 16 branches last year. The gardening chain will shut its Hare Hatch store in Berkshire on January 31, with the shop currently holding a closing down sale with 50 per cent off products.

The shop has already scrapped 12 stores in 2024 alone and fans have said the decision is "so disappointing." Dobbies Garden Centre at Hare Hatch, Berkshire, announced it will be shutting up shop on January 31.

The popular outdoor and DIY store offers plants, garden furniture and pet supplies, and has been a family favourite across the UK. A spokesperson from the garden centre said: "Dobbie's Garden Centres confirms that its Hare Hatch store is transferring to new ownership during January and is pleased to confirm that the in-store team will also transfer to the new operators.

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"This follows approval of Dobbies’ restructuring plan in December 2024, which allows the business to focus on returning to sustainable profitability, unlock access to future investment and deliver a strong and well-capitalised platform for the business going forward."

One shopper wrote on Facebook: "So disappointing watching so many garden centres and DIY shops close down. Following on the footsteps of Homebase is another, Dobbies at Hare Hatch." It comes after Dobbies shut 16 sites in 2024 as well as six smaller Little Dobbies - after a huge drop in sales.

In a statement that was published in October, after announcing its intention to close stores, a spokesperson from Dobbies said: “Dobbies will operate 60 stores and continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and having an active and committed role in the communities in which it’s based.”

Full list of Dobbies store closures in 2024

• Gloucester

• King’s Lynn

• Pennine

• Altrincham

• Harlestone Heath

• Gosforth

• Inverness

• Reading

• Stratford-upon-Avon on

• Huntingdon

• Bristol (Little Dobbies)

• Richmond (Little Dobbies)

• Cheltenham (Little Dobbies)

• Edinburgh Stockbridge (Little Dobbies)

• Chiswick (Little Dobbies)

• Westbourne Grove (Little Dobbies)