Dobbies strikes new delivery deal amid boom in online sales

Logistics giant Wincanton will deliver goods to and from Dobbies stores after signing a three-year deal with the Scottish garden centre operator.

Dobbies, which is headquartered in Lasswade on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has a network of about 70 garden centres across the UK. Picture by Stewart Attwood

Wincanton said the contract would see it provide e-fulfilment, store replenishment and “final mile” home delivery services for Dobbies, which is headquartered in Lasswade on the outskirts of Edinburgh and has a network of nearly 70 garden centres across the UK.

The haulage firm said it would create a new platform for Dobbies at its shared fulfilment centre in Wigan that will “optimise in-store availability, reduce costs and improve sustainability”.

James Wroath, chief executive of Wincanton, said: “This new partnership demonstrates that we are delivering on our stated growth strategy, particularly in the area of digital and e-fulfilment. Taking advantage of the shift in consumer purchasing habits to online, this new contract with Dobbies showcases the resilience, breadth and agility of Wincanton’s capabilities.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive for Dobbies Garden Centres, added: “At Dobbies, we are focused on delivering the best possible customer experience, both in-store and online. Wincanton has a proven track record and we look forward to working in partnership with them.”

Financial details surrounding the contract, which is for an initial three-year period, were not disclosed.

Dobbies recently unveiled a new small-format store concept named “Little Dobbies” – with the first branch opening in Edinburgh.

Little Dobbies’ offering will be “horticulturally focused” with what the firm describes as convenience gardening products.

This will be complemented by house plants and pots, gifts, and seasonal ranges. There will also be a coffee shop, including takeaway food.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription: www.scotsman.com/subscriptions