Full list of Dobbies garden centres shutting as part of 'streamlining exercise'

Dobbies has confirmed that 465 of its 3,600 employees will be impacted by the closures - with 17 unprofitable stores in total set to be axed in the 'streamlining' move

Dobbies, the garden centre chain, has announced plans to close 17 stores in a bid to cut costs. The company revealed that the targeted outlets are 'unprofitable' and the move is aimed at 'addressing historically uneconomical rent costs'.

Dobbies confirmed that the restructuring plan will result in the closure of 11 main garden centres and six Little Dobbies stores, impacting 465 of its 3,600 employees. This will leave the retailer with 60 garden centres remaining.

Dobbies also stated it will negotiate with landlords for temporary rent reductions at an additional nine sites. While the restructuring process is underway, all stores will continue to operate as usual and there will be no impact on suppliers.

The gardening specialist anticipates that the 17 affected sites will cease trading by year's end, subject to successful approval of the restructuring plan. This decision follows Dobbies' financial overhaul planning initiated in August, which warned of potential rent cuts and store closures.

The stores set to close include Altrincham, Antrim, Gloucester, Gosforth, Harlestone Heath, Huntingdon, Inverness, King's Lynn, Pennine, Reading, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Little Dobbies stores in Cheltenham, Chiswick, Clifton, Richmond, Stockbridge, and Westbourne Grove, reports the Express.