Dobbies is reportedly shutting its Antrim store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park at the end of October.
The closure comes after Dobbies was given notice by Frasers Group, as the scheme “moves forward with plans to develop the retail and leisure offering at the site”.
It comes after The Junction Retail and Leisure Park was acquired by Frasers Group in June from Lotus Property.
The closure has led to over 40 jobs being hit at what was described as the garden centre’s largest UK shop when it launched in October 2023.
Lotus Property managing director Alastair Coulson said: “Over the past three years, Dobbies has been a hugely valued presence at The Junction, and we are grateful for everything they have brought to the scheme and to the Antrim community.
“This decision reflects the exciting next phase for The Junction, as new plans are developed to enhance the scheme for the benefit of shoppers, businesses and the wider community. We look forward to sharing more on this in due course and seeing The Junction continue to thrive as a retail and leisure destination.”
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A Dobbies spokesperson added: “Dobbies will close its Antrim garden centre at the end of October following the decision by its new Landlord, Frasers Group, to redevelop the site for new retail and leisure uses.
“Since opening in 2023, Dobbies has worked closely with The Junction to establish a garden centre in a unique destination better known for outlet retail.
“The store has built a loyal customer base, and we are proud of what has been achieved.”
They continued: “We are grateful for the support of The Junction, Lotus Property and Frasers Group throughout our time at the outlet and wish them every success with the redevelopment.
“We would also like to thank our customers and the local community for their support over the past three years.
“We recognise this will be difficult news for our Antrim colleagues. Our immediate priority is supporting everyone affected by this change, and we will explore redeployment opportunities and individual support options for colleagues.”
The spokesperson highlighted that the decision related “specifically to the Antrim site” and did not “reflect Dobbies’ wider business performance”.
“Over the past year, we have invested around £6 million across our store estate, and we continue to invest in our centres as part of our growth strategy, which is delivering positive results,” they said.
“Northern Ireland remains important to Dobbies, and we are committed to serving customers in the region.
“We will be investing significantly in our Lisburn garden centre over the coming months, with improvements planned for the restaurant, store facilities, product range and overall customer experience.”
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