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Insider UK
Insider UK
Business
Peter A Walker

Dobbies Garden Centres' pre-Covid accounts show sales doubling

Dobbies Garden Centres Group saw sales increase by 51% to £252m during the year to 1 March 2020.

The annual report - which covered the year ending before the first Covid-19 lockdown - also showed like-for-like sales up 6% and underlying earnings before tax increasing 39% to £25m.

During the period, 31 new stores were acquired, more than doubling the group's national footprint, with 69 centres nationwide.

Chairman Andrew Bracey said: “We have a clear strategy for growth at Dobbies and we are encouraged by the progress made during FY19/20 - the business has continued to demonstrate its resilience as we navigate the challenges of Covid-19.”

Garden centres were deemed non-essential by both the Scottish and UK Governments and have been closed as part of the latest lockdown announced on Boxing Day.

Chief executive Graeme Jenkins added that the group delivered "a robust performance" through a period of significant change.

"In line with our strategy, we are continuing to grow and invest in Dobbies - this includes in our garden centre network, our customer offer and our team.”

The Lasswade-based company was started in 1865 by James Dobbie, who created a business selling seeds named Dobbie & Co.

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