Traditionally the busiest month for garden centre sales, in May overall sales -including catering – were up +4% by value compared to May 2024, and up by +2% against May 2023, a month boosted by an extra Bank Holiday for the King’s Coronation.
The steady growth culminates in an exceptionally successful Spring, with year-to-date sales for garden centres up +12% compared to both 2024 and 2023. This positive trend reflects the significant impact of the UK experiencing its warmest Spring since records began.
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “Spring 2025 has delivered one of the best trading periods in recent memory for garden centres. While May’s percentage increases may appear more modest than those in previous months, its significance cannot be overstated, as May is typically the largest trading month in the garden retail calendar; therefore, even small percentage increases have a significant impact. However, while this is great news, we are also mindful that these strong results are absolutely vital in helping businesses manage the increasing cost of doing business, from employment to operational expenses, which have also risen significantly this Spring.
“In terms of the numbers, gardening categories saw a more moderate performance in May than March and April, up +5% on May 2024 but down -3% on May 2023. This would suggest consumer demand for early-season categories, such as seeds and bulbs, had already been met earlier in the prolonged good weather. Nonetheless, year-to-date gardening sales remain significantly ahead of previous years.
“Meanwhile, non-gardening categories continued to do well, with sales rising +5% compared to May 2024 and an impressive +15% versus May 2023. Catering remains strong, with sales by value up 8% in May 2024 and 21% in May 2023.
“However, the market remains volatile. Consumer confidence, while recovering slightly by +3 points, remains historically cautious. The price of shipping containers rose by an alarming +70% in the past month, adding significant strain to supply chains. Additionally, while UK pay growth stands at 5.0%, exceeding the inflation rate of 4.1% (CPIH), this gap is narrowing, which could affect future consumer spending power. As we move into the summer months, we hope people will continue to use, enjoy and invest in their gardens. The HTA, committed to providing our members with the insights, advocacy, and resources they need, will continue to support the industry in navigating both opportunities and challenges in the months ahead.”
On the high street
Outside of the horticulture industry, the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures indicated that whilst garden centres showed good performance figures, consumers held back on other spending in May. Sales down -0.1% by value, and down -1.3% by volume (YoY).
Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “May sales saw the weakest growth in 2025 as many consumers hold back on spending on retail, and opt to use their spare cash on experiences and summer holidays. Some non-food categories such as fashion and footwear had a particularly poor month, and beauty sales also continued to come down after a consistently strong period of growth last year. Meanwhile, some electricals sold well, particularly gaming which was largely due to the very strong pre-sales of the new Nintendo. This weak consumer demand comes at a particularly bad time as retailers are having to grapple with billions of pounds of extra costs this year following the Chancellor’s Budget last October. The future of business rates reforms is still unclear, but It is vital that it does not result in any shop paying more. Otherwise many retailers could be forced to shut down stores, which will impact jobs and local communities, and ultimately the UK’s economic growth.”
