Chronicle Live readers have been discussing the planned shutdown of the Gosforth branch of Dobbies after being deemed unprofitable. The company across the UK has announced intentions to shut 17 locations in a bid to 'address historically uneconomical rent costs', putting approximately 465 jobs at risk, with specific numbers for the Newcastle site yet to be clarified. Not listed for closure is the favoured Ponteland branch of Dobbies, which will leave the chain with a portfolio of 60 garden centres.
The Gosforth location, once known as Wyevale Garden Centres, was taken over by Dobbies in 2019 and subsequently rebranded. Dobbies' additional stores in North East, located in Morpeth, Ponteland, and Stockton, will not be affected. As the reorganisation proceeds, all branches will maintain normal operations.
The firm has also guaranteed that its suppliers will not suffer any consequences from the changes. This move comes on the heels of an announcement in August about a widespread company revamp, which management claimed would result in lowered rents and the cessation of certain stores. WarrenAcker voiced doubts on future developments, commenting, "Another unwanted concrete jungle housing estate coming no doubt.
Closing one end of the road was a huge mistake - It's achieved absolutely nothing apart from making it more difficult for people to enter / leave the garden centre." While Maznort says: " I'm a member of Dobbies but stopped buying plants there as I have visited several smal.
