Major UK Retailer to Shut 16 Stores Before the Holidays – Full List of Affected Sites

Dobbies, a well-known garden centre retailer in the UK, has revealed plans to close 16 of its stores by the end of this year. The closures, which affect several locations across the UK, subject to court approval, are part of a wider restructuring strategy to address rising rental costs and ongoing financial difficulties.

Financial Strain Leads to Store Closures

Dobbies, which currently operates 77 locations across the UK, announced the closures in October as part of a financial overhaul. The company has been grappling with what it describes as “historically uneconomical rent costs” and has sought rent reductions from landlords for another nine sites. This restructuring plan is part of an effort to stabilise the business amid rising operational costs and declining foot traffic to physical stores.

The restructuring process, which is still subject to legal approval, is expected to result in the permanent closure of 16 stores, impacting approximately 465 employees. For now, all affected sites will continue operating as usual until the plan is confirmed. The chain has stated that it will focus on operating 60 stores after the closures are complete.

List of Affected Stores

The first set of closures involves several Little Dobbies locations, which have already ceased operations:

• Bristol
• Richmond
• Cheltenham

Other stores will close by the end of the year, including:

• Little Dobbies – Edinburgh, Stockbridge (Nov 24)
• Little Dobbies – Chiswick (Nov 24)
• Little Dobbies – Westbourne Grove (Nov 24)

Additional closures, scheduled for December, are as follows:

• Dobbies – Pennine (Dec 15)
• Dobbies – Kings Lynn (Dec 15)
• Dobbies – Gloucester (Dec 15)
• Dobbies – Harlestone Heath (Dec 17)
• Dobbies – Altrincham (Dec 17)
• Dobbies – Gosforth (Dec 19/20)

Several other locations, such as Huntingdon, Inverness, and Reading, are holding closing-down sales, though specific closure dates have not yet been confirmed.

Broader Retail Landscape

Dobbies are not alone in facing financial difficulties within the UK retail sector. Many retailers are experiencing similar challenges, especially as inflation continues to impact consumer spending. The rise of online shopping has made it harder for physical stores, particularly garden centres and home improvement businesses, to maintain profitability. As a result, many businesses are opting to reduce their physical footprints or close entirely.

Retail parks, which offer more convenient parking and lower operational costs, are increasingly becoming the preferred location for many retailers. This shift from high street locations to retail parks is a trend seen across many sectors, including fashion and home improvement.

Impact on the Workforce

The closures are expected to affect around 465 employees. While this number represents only a small fraction of Dobbies' overall workforce of approximately 3,600, it highlights the broader issue of job losses within the retail industry. As businesses restructure and adjust to new economic realities, employees in affected stores face uncertainty.