Dobbies weathering the wet summer blues

By GARETH MACKIE
Published on 23/08/2012 03:34

Dobbies Garden Centres saw its sales jump 22 per cent last year, boosted by store openings, and said its ambitious expansion plans remained on track despite tough trading conditions.

Chief executive James Barnes said customers have been spending less time in their gardens because of the recent poor weather but a growing range of budget products had proved popular at the Tesco-owned firm.

He added: “We’re currently gearing up for a strong Christmas – one of our key shopping seasons – where customers traditionally enjoy spending time in our centres.”

The Lasswade-based company booked sales of £136.4 million in the year to 29 February, up from £112m a year earlier. That helped push pre-tax profits up 6 per cent to £10.5m.

Six outlets, including one in Livingston, were opened last year, taking the total to 32. The expansion saw staff numbers grow by around 600 to more than 3,000.

New sites in the pipeline include East Kilbride and York, and the firm is drawing up plans to create a joint store with Tesco in King’s Lynn in Norfolk.