Consumer confidence rose by two points from January 2025, with all confidence measures improving. However, ongoing economic pressures, including inflation, rising utility bills, and the cost-of-living crisis, continue to impact consumer spending, leading many to prioritise saving over spending. Additionally, mixed weather in February, with average UK temperatures almost 2°C lower than in February 2024, delayed many consumers’ purchases of live plants, as they held off until warmer temperatures arrived.
According to the Horticultural Trades Association latest Market Update, the overall February garden centres sales were down 1% compared to February 2024 but up 3% from February 2023. Note that February 2024 included an extra trading day due to the leap year, which affects the comparison with February 2025.
February 2025 continued to display a stark performance divide between different areas of the garden centre. Gardening categories continued to underperform, with sales down 10% compared to February 2024, consistent with the slow start observed in January. In contrast, non-gardening categories generally performed better than in previous years, even without the influence of catering categories. Sales in non-gardening, excluding catering, were up 2% from February 2024 and 7% from February 2023.
Catering sales, while steady, are showing signs of slowed growth. Nonetheless, catering has become an essential revenue stream for many garden centres, surpassing live plants for the first time in the last 4 years in February 2025, following consistent growth over the past four years. The share of catering sales in February has increased every year since 2023, rising from a 15% share in February 2022. A new section in the Market Update introduces monthly turnover shares by different garden centre categories, offering context for changes and their significance.
Other categories mostly displayed stability year-on-year, except for outdoor living, which has seen a decline in its share during February in recent years.
In March 2025, live plants, bulbs, and seeds are expected to reclaim the largest monthly share. It will be interesting to see how catering performs compared to other gardening categories, such as garden care and garden containers and structures.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: “February’s performance highlights the difficulties posed by colder weather and cautious consumer spending. Gardening categories have struggled due to limited plant purchases, but non-gardening categories are showing positive growth. The diversification of garden centres, particularly with catering as a revenue driver, has helped sustain businesses through seasonal fluctuations.
“Though gardening sales have started the year slowly, we know that demand for gardening products remains strong, and there are encouraging signs as we approach spring. The end of February brought a boost, and warmer weather will be crucial in unlocking further demand as we move into March and beyond. For garden centres, the increase in consumer confidence and the continued growth in non-gardening sales will provide a solid foundation upon which to build. However, the critical period for gardening products lies ahead, and businesses hope for more settled weather to maximise that potential.
“The Chancellor’s Spring Forecast on 26 March will be an important moment for businesses across the UK, including garden centres. We are calling on the government for measures to ease economic pressures on our members. With the expected strong demand for gardening products, appropriate economic support could be vital as we enter the spring and summer months.
“The HTA remains committed to providing members with insights and resources to help them make informed decisions and adapt to ongoing economic challenges.”
HTA members have access to all the insights in the Market Update.