A proposed restructuring plan by Dobbies could lead to the closure of several Waitrose concessions.
- Dobbies plans to shut down 17 unprofitable stores, affecting seven Waitrose concessions.
- The closures come despite Waitrose’s 2022 partnership with Dobbies to supply numerous items.
- Impacted locations include Gloucester, Gosforth, and Reading among others.
- Waitrose assures continued supply to all Dobbies food halls.
In a strategic move to restructure its operations, Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the potential closure of 17 stores deemed financially unprofitable. Among these are seven locations that currently host Waitrose concessions. This decision is part of a broader effort by Dobbies to streamline its business and focus on more profitable ventures.
Waitrose, a notable upscale supermarket chain that began its partnership with Dobbies in 2022, currently supplies over 2,000 food items across 47 Dobbies locations. Despite the impending closures, Waitrose has committed to maintaining its supply chain to all remaining Dobbies food halls, ensuring that customers can continue to enjoy their products.
The specific stores potentially impacted by these closures include Gloucester, Gosforth, Harlestone Heath, Huntingdon, Reading, and Stratford Upon Avon. These sites have been identified as part of the 17 ‘unprofitable’ stores that Dobbies is considering closing. This move highlights the challenges faced by retailers in maintaining profitability amidst changing market conditions.
The partnership between Dobbies and Waitrose, established to enhance the offerings at Dobbies’ food halls, replaced an earlier arrangement with Sainsbury’s. Despite the disruption posed by the closures, Waitrose’s ongoing collaboration with Dobbies underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the retail sector.
A spokesperson from Waitrose has stated, “We will continue to provide a full range of products to all Dobbies food halls,” highlighting the company’s commitment to their existing customer base, even as the retail landscape evolves.
The potential store closures reflect the dynamic nature of retail, necessitating strategic adjustments to align with market demands.
