National garden centre, Dobbies, is set to close 17 of its sites and stores across the UK by the end of 2024 — including two in Gloucestershire.
Forced to put a restructuring plan into place due to financial struggles, the gardening retail business is aiming to 'address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability.'
Cheltenham's little dobbies — which opened on the Promenade back in April 2023 — is closing on Sunday 3 November 2024, with the Gloucester store's closing date still to be revealed. Tewkesbury's flagship shop will stay open and continue trading as usual.
Up to 465 of its 3,600 employees will be affected, with the plan leaving 60 garden centres from its portfolio remaining across the country — but the business did note that there will be 'no impact' to suppliers.
In a statement, Dobbies said: 'The restructuring plan, 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.'
The organisation hopes to negotiate with landlords, seeking temporary rent reductions for a further nine of its sites.
