Dobbies’ flagship NI store ‘set to close’ just one year after opening

The huge 110,000 sq ft flagship store – one of the largest in the UK – first opened its doors in October last year, bringing a reported 120 new jobs.

But the store is one of 17 location earmarked by the chain for closure as part of its restructuring.

The store includes outdoor and indoor plant areas, outdoor furniture, pets, gifts and toys, as well as a food hall, a children’s soft play area and new restaurant and café.

Last year, the chain started filling many of the roles needed for the new Antrim store.

That included gardening experts, while a restaurant and coffee shop at the centre offered up various roles.

The 110,000 sq ft flagship store was Dobbies’ second venture in Northern Ireland.

Television broadcaster Pamela Ballantine officially opened the doors of the Antrim location in October, joined by Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Rosie Kinnear; Dobbies chief executive, David Robinson, Dobbies Antrim general manager Ken Ferguson, operations manager Jenny Campbell, and The Junction landlord, Lotus Property’s managing director Alastair Coulson.

News Catch Up – Tuesday 1st October