Dobbies Inverness open for business

National garden centre chain Dobbies officially opened its new store in Inverness today (11th October).

Celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw, accompanied local pupil Demi Johnston (9) from Hilton Primary School, cut the floral ribbon and open the centre next to Tesco at the Inshes Retail Park.

Demi won a competition to design an eco-garden – which will be created at her school with help from Dobbies plant experts.

Andrew Barton, general manager at Dobbies, Inverness, said: "We are delighted to announce that our new garden centre in Inverness is now officially open.

"Our new store brings a new-generation garden centre to the area which will not only offer quality, range and value to customers who love their home and garden; but also a unique day-out destination for all the family to enjoy.

"We look forward to welcoming new customers through our doors and are confident they will enjoy the Dobbies experience."

Chris Beardshaw answered gardeners questions and explained the value of the leading garden centre retailer’s Here We Grow programme – a national initiative which encourages local communities to develop green space in their area.

He said: "It has been a great pleasure to help Demi cut the floral ribbon and officially open the new Dobbies Garden World. I have been hugely impressed with Demi’s eco-garden design – it has been refreshing to see the enthusiasm from all competition entries.

"Community projects such as the ‘Here We Grow’ programme are vital to bringing opportunities and support to our schools, community groups, and charities, and I am really pleased to see businesses such as Dobbies investing in our gardening future."

The development of the former Focus unit at Inshes has led the way for a new Dobbies garden centre where, for the first time, Dobbies and Tesco will trade from the same building.

The new Dobbies store offers more than 10,000 plants, shrubs and trees and includes extensive outdoor areas within an attractive landscaped environment. The centre also has a food market offering freshly baked goods, speciality beers and wines, and locally-sourced produce, as well as a top-quality restaurant, with freshly-prepared meals and home baking.

Dobbies in Inverness has also appointed a community champion, Fiona MacBeath, who will be responsible for building links with local communities through the Dobbies ‘Here We Grow’ programme. Fiona will also manage the Dobbies Little Seedlings Club which encourages children to take an interest in gardening.

The centre's opening weekend customers to enjoy an array of events – from expert gardening talks, to face painting, balloon modeling, food tasting, silk flower arranging and cupcake decorating demonstrations and musical entertainment.

Source : Jenna Conti - Highland News
www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Dobbies-Garden-Centre-opens-it-doors-in-Inverness-11102013.htm