Dobbies to close Inverness branch as part of plans to axe 17 stores in restructuring

Garden centre group Dobbies is to close its Inverness branch as part of plans to axe 17 stores, putting 465 jobs at risk.

The proposed closures are part of a restructuring plan to help return the business to profit and reduce its rent bill.

The plan, which will need creditors’ approval, will see the firm shut down 11 larger Dobbies sites and six Little Dobbies by the end of the year.

Inverness is understood to be the only Scottish store facing closure at this stage.

Sites will continue to operate as normal until the restructuring process is given the green light.

The group said the closure would affect 465 workers, including 82 full-time roles, of the company’s roughly 3,600-strong workforce.

Dobbies will also work with landlords in order to secure temporary rent reductions at nine further stores.

The move will leave it with 60 garden centres.

The garden centre chain, which was bought by investment firm Ares Management last year, fell to a £105.2m pre-tax loss in the year to March 2023, against a £7m loss a year earlier, according to its most-recently filed company accounts.

The company 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.

“Thereafter, 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.”