Sales dropped 8% from £303.6m to £278.7m, which the operator has said are due to the impact of adverse weather in Spring 2022, macroeconomic conditions resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Reports indicate that trading in the second-half of the year was impacted by the delayed refinancing of its debt facilities through short-term cash preservation such as discounting of stock and lower stock intake affecting product availability.
Dobbies operates 77 stores across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, that provide merchandise for all types of gardening, including plants tools, garden furniture and grills, outdoor clothing and home wares.
In February this year, Dobbies was acquired by long-term investor Ares Management which committed to financially support the business. In July 2023, the operator appointed David Robinson, the former Pets at Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s CEO.