Consultancy firm brought in amid Dobbies Garden Centres restructuring plans
Dobbies Garden Centres face potential shop closures and job losses amid plans to financially overhaul the business.
It is understood that advisors, FTI Consulting have been brought in to establish a restructuring plan, according to Sky News reports.
Owned by US investor, Ares Management, Dobbies have 77 stores across the UK, including two in Northern Ireland, though it remains unknown which stores will be affected or how many of its 3700 colleagues’ jobs will be cut.
The move comes after the home and gardening chain widened its losses to £130 million in its latest annual results, a significant drop from its £21.3m loss the year before, with the retailer stating unseasonable weather and high inflation as the causes.
Dobbies Garden Centres opened their first Northern Ireland store in Lisburn almost 14 years ago and in late 2023 opened its flagship centre at The Junction, Antrim. This 110,000 sq ft site is the largest in its UK portfolio, with a rejuvenated store concept with outdoor and indoor plant areas; areas for gardening products, outdoor furniture, pets, gifting and toys, as well as cookshop and home décor, a foodhall, children’s soft play area and new restaurant and café.
