Dobbies has today, Monday 30 September, announced plans to close 11 of its stores across the UK, including its Antrim store.
The move comes as the prominent name in the UK's horticultural retail sector, confirmed a significant restructuring plan aimed at steering the company back to sustainable profitability.
The overall plan is expected to impact around 465 enployees.
The closures are part of a broader strategy to tackle what Dobbies describes as "historically uneconomical rent costs." Additionally, the company will negotiate temporary rent reductions for nine other sites to further cut expenses. Despite these drastic measures, Dobbies has assured that suppliers will remain unaffected by the restructuring.
Dobbies, opened its Antrim store on 5 October 2023 at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in the town. It was heralded as its largest ever store at 110,000sq ft and was the company’s second venture in Northern Ireland.
The full list of centres slated for closure by year-end includes locations at Altrincham, Antrim, Gloucester, and several others across the UK, including several 'little dobbies' in urban locales like London's Chiswick and Richmond.
Dobbies has emphasised that while the restructuring plan (RP) has been initiated, it is not entering administration. However, the plan requires approval from landlords and must be ratified by a court before it can be fully implemented. During this period, all Dobbies outlets will continue operations as usual.
The company, which will retain 60 stores post-restructuring, expressed regret over the impact on its staff but highlighted the importance of these changes for the survival and health of the business moving forward. The affected employees, of which 82 are full-time, will be supported through this transition according to Dobbies' corporate policy.
This move by Dobbies reflects the challenges faced by traditional retail sectors in adapting to economic pressures and changing consumer behaviours. The garden centre chain hopes that these strategic initiatives will not only return it to profitability but also strengthen its market position in the long run.