Deduced from the figures submitted by the members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), the Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures reveal that 12 of the 13 categories recorded were up, compared to August 2023. The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
GCA CEO, Peter Burks explains: “Our members were very pleased to have had a really strong August; with gardening, especially the sales of late summer colour, particularly buoyant. It was also good to see a significant increase in sales in the furniture and BBQ departments for the first time this year. Once again, we saw excellent increases in members’ food offering and clothing also carried on with its good progress. We now look forward to a strong start to the Christmas season, which began in earnest for many members in September.”
The best recorded category for August 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was clothing at +24.2%, with garden sundries next at +22.5% and furniture & BBQ sales in third place at +21.2%. Catering came in next at +16.66%, then food hall/farm shop +15.81%, outdoor plants at +14.57%, seeds & bulbs at +12.47% and the miscellaneous category was +3.67%. The final two categories were pets & aquatics, which recorded +1.5%, and houseplants down at -3.79%.
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.