Garden centre chain Dobbies has confirmed its new superstore at The Junction in Antrim is set to close, just one year after it opened.
The 110,000 sq ft garden centre was launched at the Co Antrim shopping complex last October as the retailer’s largest ever premises. It’s understood around 120 people were hired to work at the retail site.
But the business has launched a major financial restructuring of its operation, with 17 unprofitable stores set to close.
Dobbies, which is controlled by the US investor Ares Management, said the move will seek to “address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability”.
It said 465 jobs are at risk across the 17 sites.
Dobbies said subject to its restructuring plan being approved, it expects the sites, including Antrim, to close by the end of the year.
“While the process is ongoing, all sites will continue to operate as normal,” it said.
Dobbies is also seeking to cut the rent it pays at a further nine UK sites.
The major garden centre in Antrim was originally announced The Junction’s owner Lotus in 2021.
The Co Down property group also owns The Boulevard shopping outlet in Banbridge.
Presented as a £10m project, with the potential to create 150 jobs, planning permission was granted in March 2022.
Dobbies’ largest ever superstore officially opened in Antrim on October 5 2023.
The site includes a large indoor and outdoor retail area, alongside a foodhall, restaurant and children’s soft play area.
Sky News first reported in August that Ares Management had drafted in FTI Consulting to work on a restructuring plan to cut costs within the business.
Dobbies currently employ 3,700 people across 77 sites.
The closure plan will involve 11 larger sites being shut, along with six ‘Little Dobbies’ stores.
Dobbies’ garden centre in Lisburn is not impacted by the restructuring plan.
Lotus Property was contacted for comment.
