Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Wyevale Garden Centres has announced that John Browns Garden Centre near Ringwood in Hampshire will be sold to Hillier Garden Centres. It will continue to be run as a garden centre and the sale is expected to complete by the end of September.
This is Wyevale’s second transaction with Hillier, following the sale of four centres (Cheddar, Dorking, Marlow and Lechlade) in April.
Anthony Jones, chief operating officer of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “I’m very pleased that John Browns will continue to be operated as a garden centre, – and by an operator that we now know well, thanks to having sold centres to Hillier over the last year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work and passion over the years, and wish them all the best for the future under new ownership.”
Chris Francis, retail and wholesale director of Hillier, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of John Browns Garden Centre, growing the Hillier family business to 17 garden centres serving customers across the south of England. The Hillier team look forward to working with our new colleagues and getting to know the local gardening community, inspiring them with our great quality products and wide range of home-grown plants, all backed by renowned Hillier expertise.”
Wyevale Garden Centres has also announced the closure of a leasehold centre: Thatcham Garden Centre in Berkshire. The freehold and leasehold interest have been acquired by the current landlord, who has asked for vacant possession. The centre will therefore close by the end of September.
Anthony said: “We strive for a positive outcome with all our centres, so I’m disappointed to announce that Thatcham Garden Centre will close by the end of September. We have informed our colleagues and would like to wish them all the very best for the future.”
