Are Dobbies in financial trouble?

Dobbies, a household name and one of Britain's biggest specialist garden centre retailers, has been forced to close many of its outlets over the past year as part of a court-approved restructuring plan after years of financial difficulty.

Has Dobbies gone into administration?

No one has taken over Dobbies Garden Centre – well, not recently, anyway. The chain was acquired by investor Ares Management in in February 2023. The restructuring plan has been put together by Ares Management, Dobbies and FTI Consulting.

Why are Dobbies closing down?

Dobbies is planning to shut 17 of its 77 stores, affecting 465 jobs, as its new owners try to return the garden centre group to profitability. The company, which employs 3,600 workers, said it was seeking the approval of creditors for a restructuring plan that would reduce its rent bill.

Are Dobbies in financial difficulty?

Dobbies Garden Centres Limited (the “company”) was applying to the court for sanction of a Restructuring Plan (the plan) to alleviate its financial difficulties. The well-known business operates a chain of garden centres across the UK but has suffered significant financial pressures.

How much debt are Dobbies in?

Dobbies was acquired and successfully refinanced by funds managed by Ares Management, its largest shareholder, in February 2023, eliminating debt and interest whilst providing a new working capital facility. The group moved to a net assets position of £53.8m (27 February 2022: net liabilities of £84.1m).

We visit Dobbies Garden Centre close to Ayr & Alloway

Is Dobbies still owned by Tesco?

On 17 June 2016, Tesco sold the company on to a group of investors led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital for £217m.

What is the largest garden centre chain in the UK?

Dobbies are the UK's largest chain with almost 80 sites, followed by British Garden Centres with over 60.

Are Dobbies stores closing in 2025?

A MAP has revealed the locations where Dobbies garden centres are shutting in 2025. Eight branches are closing this year, including in Rugby, Stapleton and Leicester, as well as Morpeth, Havant and Aylesbury.

How much do Dobbies pay an hour?

Dobbies pay FAQs

Dobbies salaries can vary greatly by role, ranging from £14,585 per year (or £7 per hour) for Retail Sales Assistant to £499,113 per year (or £240 per hour) for Chairman. This is based on 260 salaries submitted on Glassdoor by Dobbies employees as of August 2025.

Do Dobbies offer over 60?

Dobbies – From Monday to Friday (12-3pm), over-60s can get a main meal and a cake for just £11.95. Asda – For the past few years, between November and February over-60s have been able to enjoy soup with a roll and unlimited tea or coffee for just £1. Patisserie Valerie – Over-60s can get 10% off their order.

Are Garden Centres in decline?

There has been some recent media speculation that garden centres are increasingly under threat of closure. This is just not true.

What stores are closing in the UK in 2025?

Full List of UK High Street Closures Confirmed For 2025: Poundland, WH Smith, New Look, Santander, Morrisons and More.

What is happening at Dobbies?

Dobbies Garden Centres is undertaking a financial overhaul of the business, which the management team expects to lead to rent cuts and closures. The company is owned by investment firm Ares Management, and is reported to have engaged advisors at FTI Consulting in order to work on a restructuring plan.

Why are Dobbies closing so many stores?

Dobbies Garden Centres is closing many of its stores as part of company-wide cutbacks. People taking pride in their homes and gardens, spending money on them, thing of the past. Can't get on the ladder, can't get secure, permanent council/social housing.

Which new look stores are closing down in 2025?

Is Dobbies part of John Lewis?

Dobbies is the latest retailer to join the existing network of over 350 John Lewis and Waitrose Click & Collect points, along with over 800 Co-op, Shell and Booths locations.

Is Dobbies a good company to work for?

Ratings distribution

The Dobbies employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Retail and wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

What do M&S pay per hour?

Average Marks & Spencer hourly pay ranges from approximately £12.97 per hour for Sales Associate to £13.57 per hour for Support Manager. Salary estimated from 1,388 past and present job postings on Indeed. Please note that all salary figures are approximations based upon third party submissions to Indeed.

How much do Tesco shelf stackers earn?

The estimated total pay range for a Shelf Stacker at Tesco is £17K–£23K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Shelf Stacker base salary at Tesco is £21K per year.

What went wrong at Dobbies?

Dobbies, a household name and one of Britain's biggest specialist garden centre retailers, has been forced to close many of its outlets over the past year as part of a court-approved restructuring plan after years of financial difficulty.

Why is Poundland closing down?

Poundland is to push ahead with more store closures after receiving court approval for a major restructuring plan. In June, the discount retail chain said it planned to permanently shut 68 shops after being sold by Pepco Group to Peach Bidco, a subsidiary of private equity firm Gordon Brothers, for £1.

Is Dobbies owned by Tesco?

Tesco bought Dobbies Garden Centres for £155.6million in 2007, then sold the business on to a group of investors led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hartington Capital for £217m using funds managed by Ares – which describes itself as a “leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary ...

What do Americans call a garden centre?

A garden centre (American English spelling; U.S. nursery or garden center) is a retail business that primarily sells plants and related products for domestic gardening.

What is the number one garden centre in the UK?

Can dogs go in Dobbies?

Dogs are welcomed at all Dobbies stores

Dogs are not permitted in the Foodhall or children's play areas. Recognised Assistance Dogs are permitted to accompany their owners in all areas. Dogs are not allowed in any trolley and must be kept on a lead at all times.