The Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures released by the Garden Centre Association (GCA) for February 2025 showed best sales performance amongst their members came from non-gardening categories. Compared with February 2024, the GCA data revealed that 5 of the 13 categories recorded performed well, with catering once again leading the way at +8.15%.
“February was a difficult month for our members, as cold, dull, damp weather kept people firmly inside and away from their gardens. However, the usual wet weather categories all performed very well, meaning the overall year-to-date variance was still positive at +1.53%. Fortunately, the rain wasn’t anywhere near as heavy as last February, so hopefully gardens are now nice and dry, and this will be encouraging people to get going now on some spring projects. Hardly anyone did any gardening at all across last year and the 2024 spring season was a complete wash out, so we’re anticipating a great deal of pent-up demand for our members to tap into in March onwards this year, especially as short-range weather forecasts currently look good,” explained Peter Burks, CEO of the GCA.
Compared to February 2024, February sales data indicated: gifts were up +7.34%; clothing +4.65%; food hall/farm shop +4.41%; houseplants came +2.21%; Pets & aquatics -1.63%; hard landscaping -3.57%; furniture & BBQs -5.53%; seeds and bulbs at -7.14%.
Outdoor plants were down by 14.05% and so were the related garden sundries showing a decline of 7.38%.
The GCA 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. The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
