Garden centre chain Dobbies to shut 17 stores as part of restructuring plan

The closures by the end of the year include 11 unprofitable large garden centres and all six of its ‘little Dobbies’ high street sites. Photograph: Silent Corners/Alamy

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.