‘They will take the business to the next level’ – family-run Boston garden centre taken on by chain

Johnsons Garden Centre, in Wainfleet Road, has been taken on by Dobbies, it has been announced.

It takes the total number of Dobbies stores to 71.

David Isaac, managing director of Johnsons Garden Centre, said: “I am delighted that Dobbies Garden Centres will be taking over Johnsons, bringing with them a wealth of experience in garden centre retailing.

“They will undoubtedly take the business to the next level. I wish everyone prosperity and happiness as the new owners make their mark and continue to nurture garden centre retailing in the area.”

Dobbies was established in 1865. A turning point in the business came in 2019 with the acquisition of 37 stores, more than doubling the company’s footprint.

It operates 69 mainline garden centres and two small format, Little Dobbies, stores.

Andrew Bracey, chairman of Dobbies, said: “We are very pleased to acquire Johnsons, it reflects our continuing ambition to grow Dobbies having more than doubled the business since we acquired it in 2016.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive of Dobbies, said: “We are delighted to welcome the team at Boston to Dobbies and over the coming weeks we will be investing in the store to bring it in line with our format. This acquisition comes shortly after the opening of our second Little Dobbies store in Bristol and we look forward to announcing more new stores in the near future.”

Johnsons Garden Centre will close to the public from Monday, April 19, and will re-open on Friday, April 30.