Dobbies has signed a deal with Ocado to upgrade its online offer and launch a delivery service around the UK.
The new five-year tie-up will see the garden centre retailer launch a new online store and online delivery early next year.
This means online orders for the retailer will be fulfilled from Ocado subsidiary Speciality Store‘s general merchandise warehouse.
Dobbies chief executive Nicholas Marshall said the deal with the online grocer was a “brilliant opportunity”, highlighting the gap in the market for garden centres when it comes to online retail.
“The garden centre industry is at least 10 years behind the rest of the retail world,” he said.
READ MORE: M&S and Ocado partnership on the horizon
“The gardening market in the UK is worth £4 billion. The potential is therefore enormous.
“For us to partner with Ocado, the best online retailer in the UK, is a brilliant opportunity for Dobbies, and its customers.”
Ocado‘s general merchandise managing director James Matthews also confirmed the deal.
“We are pleased to announce this agreement, which will enable Dobbies to launch a new online service for their customers, powered by our technological and logistical know-how,” he said.
Dobbie‘s chairman Andrew Bracey was chief financial officer at Ocado until 2012.
The news comes as reports emerge Marks & Spencer could begin talks with Ocado to help it branch out to online delivery.
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8 Comments. Leave new
Are you delivering now and will you deliver compost and bark
When can I order bedding plants for delivery in May. Can I use my £50 voucher l had for xmas. I do have a dobies card.
Asking about bedding plants order to reach me mid May; when do I have to place an order?
Do you deliver seed potatoes and compost
Do you deliver to SN16
Hi. I placed order for begonias in March to be delivered in May. Heard nothing since. You have taken money from my bank a/c. My order number is #3431477651. Can you let me know what is happening please
Do you have gro bags and can you deliver within 3 mile radius?
Do you have gro bags and can you deliver within 3 mile radius?