Dobbies has announced the opening date of its newly-built flagship store in Tewkesbury – one of its biggest to date and the largest in Southwest England.  

The 70,000 sq. ft centre based just off Junction 9 of the M5 at Ashchurch will open on November 3 at 10am and underlines Dobbies’ ongoing investment across the UK.  

Expected to welcome more than 750,000 customers each year, the opening will include the launch of Dobbies’ full Christmas range along with its festive events programme and seasonal menu. As part of the company’s new foodhall partnership with Waitrose, customers will also be able to sample products from Waitrose’s well-loved food ranges as well as sweet treats from Hotel Chocolat. 

Around 100 new jobs for local and neighbouring communities have been created at the Tewkesbury store which spans Dobbies’ range of plants, houseplants, gardening products, seasonal items, pet range, cookshop, home décor, gifts and toys.  

The store also boasts a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 

Graeme Jenkins, Chief Executive, Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Our Tewkesbury store marks another major milestone for Dobbies and our growth strategy, and I am extremely proud of all the hard work that has gone into creating our flagship centre. I’d like to thank all the Dobbies’ team members and everyone else who has helped to achieve this.  

“The Tewkesbury store promises an exceptional shopper experience for all the family, with customers able to enjoy a leisurely day of shopping, dining and fun for the children. We can’t wait to open our doors in November and hear what people think.” 

The new Dobbies store is the first phase of a major development, brought together by Robert Hitchins Ltd, which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and 1,310 homes being built to the south. The whole development is sited in a prime location at J9 of the M5 and close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.  

Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: "We are delighted to be working with Dobbies and investing with them into the future in what forms part of a large and exciting mixed use development, including the Cotswolds Designer Outlet."

Dobbies Tewkesbury store will open its doors to the public at 10am on Thursday, November 3.