Dobbies Garden Centre: gardening giant unveils new-look Yorkshire food hall as 47 UK sites set for upgrade
From deli treats to giftable goodies, the new in-store concept aims to keep shoppers browsing for longer 🛒
- Dobbies has launched a revamped ‘cottage kitchen’ food hall at its York store
- The new concept features 1,500+ products, from deli items to premium treats
- A nationwide rollout is planned, with 47 more UK stores set to follow
- The update comes after Dobbies split from Waitrose
- The move is part of efforts to boost sales after recent financial losses
A popular garden centre chain has revamped one of its most-loved features at its York store, and shoppers could soon see the changes roll out nationwide.
Dobbies has unveiled a newly transformed “cottage kitchen” food hall, marking the first step in a wider overhaul that is set to reach 47 locations across the UK in the coming weeks.
The move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the retailer’s offer after parting ways with former grocery partner Waitrose.
The redesigned food hall leans into a more homely, farm shop-inspired feel, combining everyday essentials with indulgent treats and seasonal picks.
More than 1,500 products are now on offer, spanning deli items, snacks, premium frozen foods and an expanded range of giftable goods.
There’s also a stronger focus on entertaining and treats, with shelves stocked with items such as biscuits, chocolates and speciality foods, alongside a growing selection of alcohol and premium soft drinks.
To mark the launch, shoppers have been enticed with introductory discounts, including money off popular sweet treats.
Dobbies says the update has been shaped by customer feedback, with the York site chosen as the first location to reflect changing shopper expectations.
The food hall has long been a key draw for visitors, sitting alongside plants and gardening supplies as part of the wider in-store experience.
Darren Dixon, general manager of the York store, said the new concept was designed to bring together “essentials, treats and seasonal variety” in a setting inspired by a cottage kitchen garden.
The rollout comes at a challenging time for the business. Recent financial results showed declining sales and rising losses over the past two years, as the company underwent restructuring.
Annual revenues fell from £270 million to £257 million, while underlying losses widened. Against that backdrop, the food hall transformation signals a push to reinvigorate stores and encourage customers to spend more time, and money, in-store.
With dozens more locations set to follow York’s lead, shoppers across the UK may soon find their local garden centre offering more than just plants.