Figures recorded by GCA member garden centres in January indicated a good start to the new year with just three of the logged categories down on 2023. According to GCA CEO, Peter Burks the January BoT showed an encouraging result for the first month of the year, with sales overall up by 3.19%.
“Clearly garden centre customers were out in their gardens doing projects, as our hard landscaping category posted the largest increase on last year and hardy plants, seeds and bulbs, and garden sundries also recorded good positive increases. From my regular chats with members and my visits to garden centres, I hear that, despite the ongoing wet weather, these positive sales have continued into February too”, said GCA CEO, Peter Burks.
Compared to January 2023:
- Hard landscaping +29.07%
- Catering + 12.55%
- Outdoor plants in at +11.26%.
- Seeds and bulbs +9.54%
- Food hall/farm shop +6.13%
- Garden sundries +7.3%.
- Clothing +5.14%.
- Pets and aquatics +4.29%
- Gifts at +0.07%
- Miscellaneous +19.18%
Furniture and BBQs continue to struggle, recording a -10.5% figure, similarly houseplants were down by -9.56%.
The Garden Centre Association BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.