Dobbies headlines GIMA Buyer Connect event
The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) has confirmed that Dobbies Garden Centres will headline its next Buyer Connect event in April 2026.
The event will take place on Thursday 23 April at Dobbies Garden Centre in Milton Keynes, bringing selected suppliers face-to-face with the retailer’s buying team through structured one-to-one meetings.
Designed to identify innovation and explore future ranging opportunities, Buyer Connect aims to strengthen commercial relationships between suppliers and major retailers.
The announcement follows a busy 2025 programme, which saw GIMA members meet with retailers including Blue Diamond, Hilliers, Wickes, Walmart, B&Q and Robert Dyas.
Founded in 1865, Dobbies is one of the UK’s most recognisable garden centre brands and has recently invested in store refurbishments and refreshed category development to support future growth.
The retailer is now seeking innovation for 2027, with a focus on garden décor, landscaping, garden storage and sheds, outdoor lighting and dropship product ranges.
The buying team is particularly interested in new-to-market products, genuine innovation, new technology and opportunities for hot spots and promotional activity across stocked and dropship ranges.
How to be involved
Participation is open to both GIMA members and non-members, with successful applicants receiving a dedicated 25-minute meeting with the Dobbies buying team. Suppliers operating across multiple categories may be offered additional sessions, while attendance is limited to two representatives per company.
The event is free of charge for members, while non-members will be charged £180 + VAT, with applications required by Friday 13th March 2026. Interested companies should submit their application forms to info@gima.org.uk. All meetings are subject to buyer approval, with confirmed appointment times shared closer to the event.
Find out more
For further information and to register your interest, please visit https://gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events/ or email the GIMA team directly via info@gima.org.uk