Garden centre operator Dobbies has unveiled a restructuring plan that will see 17 sites shut and 465 jobs hit.
Unprofitable sites, including 11 of its larger garden centres and six Little Dobbies stores, will be closed by the end of the year, according to the company.
This will form efforts to “address historically uneconomical rent costs,” Dobbies added, “and ensure a return to sustainable profitability”.
Dobbies will be left operating 60 garden centres after the closures, which are yet to be approved by creditors, with the plan also set to see the company ask for reduced rent at a further nine sites.
Such closures will affect 465 of its 3,600 employees, including 82 on full-time contracts.
“The restructuring plan, and other strategic initiatives, are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability,” Dobbies said.
This includes “through site rationalisations, rent reductions and other tangible cost savings,” which Dobbies said would secure its long-term future and allow further investment.
“Thereafter, Dobbies will operate 60 stores and continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and having an active and committed role in the communities in which it’s based.”