Dobbies Garden Centres Group Limited has filed (3 December) the Annual Report and Financial Statements for Dobbies and its subsidiaries. These accounts are for the 52 weeks ending 28 February 2021.
Full accounts for the Group can be seen at: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10231465/filing-history
The accounts show an operating profit of £12.9m on reduced turnover of £224m, however after finance costs the group reported a loss of £31m.
Here is their announcement issued to the press on Saturday:
Dobbies demonstrated particular resilience and progress, despite the significant challenges caused by the Covid pandemic.
- Dobbies’ EBITDA was £37m, an increase of 60%
- We had strong trading at garden centres acquired in 2019, partially offset by Covid-19 closed periods
- Several garden centres and restaurants were refurbished - Gloucester, Huntingdon and Woodcote Green garden centres
- A wholesale food partnership with Sainsbury’s was launched - now operating in 52 Dobbies’ garden centres
- little dobbies was opened - a new small store format, opening up gardening to urban audiences
- Continued supply chain transformation - including the appointment of a new partner to provide consolidated warehousing, distribution, and home delivery services
- Acquisition strategy continued with the purchase of Johnsons of Boston garden centre in April 2021
Chairman, Andrew Bracey, said: “Dobbies demonstrated substantial resilience while navigating the challenges of Covid-19. As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering our growth strategy.
“Dobbies is the UK’s leading garden centre operator, with a broad range authority and a best-in-class restaurant experience. We have built a robust and efficient platform to support Dobbies’ future growth.”
Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Despite a challenging year there were many positive developments including investment in new locations, refurbishment of existing stores and the launch of little dobbies in urban locations, targeting new customer segments.
“Sustainability remains core to our business delivery. We are also establishing Dobbies as a digitally led garden centre retailer to drive our customer-first approach. I would like to thank all team members for their support and commitment over the last year.”
