In This Issue
Inspiration and trends at spoga+gafa 2018
Santa's Secret Elf is back for Autumn 2018
Back to school breaks August Blues
Block Blitz to launch new larger pack at Glee 2018
Crossley to target more garden centres after £375,000 in new funding
Seasonal Offer up to 20% OFF* Trade Prices
Heatwave sees furniture and barbecue sales sizzle – but plant sales wilt
Autumn colour dominates GTN Bestsellers plant chart
Sipcam UK and Assured Products to launch RHS partnership range at Glee
Hilliers appoint two more family members to board
Wyevale Nurseries to ditch black pots in war on plastic
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Squires Christmas starts in October
Lighting brightens up garden product sales volumes
Herbs star for Veg-2-Go sales
Top soil and bulb planting compost hit the high spots
The best of last week's
Wyevale Garden Centres agrees sale of four more garden centres
Over 95% of Homebase creditors vote in favour of CVA
Great expectations for Glee 2018
AMES UK on the road to further expansion
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Brand new products, trends and innovations at lunch! 2018
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Inspiration and trends at spoga+gafa 2018

Spoga+gafa 18 020918_GTN029.jpg

There were pots of ideas, inspirations and hints of new trends for those who ventured to spoga+gafa last week in advance of Glee...


Spoga+gafa 18 030918_GTN335.jpg

There were pots of ideas, inspirations and hints of new trends for those who ventured to spoga+gafa last week in advance of Glee.

 

Hundreds of new pots, including pots with watering aids and vertical hanging systems, modular garden furniture (not a bit of weave in sight), hanging pods, huge ranges of outdoor kitchens, plenty of "green gardening" products and tech related garden products.

 

See our gallery of pictures from the show that spreads across 9 halls, some of them multi-floored, and watch out for more coverage in GTN's October issue and further issues of GTN Xtra.

Santa's Secret Elf is back for Autumn 2018
GTN Xtra Promotion

Santa’s Secret Elf, in the top 5 of GTN Bestsellers Christmas products on the run up to last Christmas, is back for Autumn 2018...


Santa’s Secret Elf, in the top 5 of GTN Bestsellers Christmas products on the run up to last Christmas, is back for Autumn 2018.

 

Santa's Secret Elf is an unforgettable Christmas adventure that gives the child an up close and personal look at the magic behind Christmas Eve.

 

Read this story together and share in the excitement of getting Santa out of a tricky situation. Personalised with the child's name in the text and colourful illustrations, this Christmas storybook also has space to draw themselves as Santa’s Secret Elf.

 

When the little ones are snuggled in bed they hear strange noises coming from downstairs. Santa is stuck in the chimney! The holly, jolly mix-up that follows puts your child in Santa's sleigh as he delivers presents to all the good little boys and girls.

 

Personalised products are outstanding performers and these wonderful books cover boys and girls names from Alfie to Sophia. Sales are focused on the 33 most popular names for each of boys and girls plus a generic book for each makes a total of 68 titles. Initial stock fill comes with a sturdy, proven, space efficient spinner which delivers excellent sales per foot.

 

These great little personalised hardback story books retail at only £3.99 so are great for stocking fillers. They are available to order from Baker and Taylor and can be replenished weekly by B&T.

 

Contact B&T by Web at baker-taylor.co.uk by email customer.service@btol-uk.com or by phone on 01869 363500.

 

B&T UK is the Uk’s leading supplier of Books and Gift Stationery.

 

Back to school breaks August Blues

 

August 2018 was on a par with August 2014 and 6% lower in total volume sales than 2017.  We have to go back to 2011 and 2012 to see August sales levels that we were significantly lower than this year...


 

August 2018 was on a par with August 2014 and 6% lower in total volume sales than 2017.  We have to go back to 2011 and 2012 to see August sales levels that we were significantly lower than this year.

 

And that fits with the reports of low footfall during the hot weeks when people weren’t shopping anywhere, let alone garden centres.

 

The good thing is that as the weather has cooled and children have gone back to school, garden centre sales volumes have started to move up.  Hopefully an Indian Summer during September will see plenty of activity and increased sales.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 35

  • Garden Products Top 50 – down 40%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 7%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 36%
  • Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – up 3%
  • All Plants index – up 9%
  • All Items index – down 3%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Block Blitz to launch new larger pack at Glee 2018
GTN Xtra Promotion

Yorkshire-based start up company, Block Blitz, will be launching new large-size packs of its expanding product range of hassle-free paving treatments at this year’s GLEE show on stand number 20U70...


Yorkshire-based start up company, Block Blitz, will be launching new large-size packs of its expanding product range of hassle-free paving treatments at this year’s GLEE show on stand number 20U70.

 

Originally launched at GLEE in 2016, the original Block Blitz block paving treatment is specifically designed to clean and protect paving with no need for scrubbing, jet washing or sealant. Using SOFT WASH TECHNOLOGY ™ to lift dirt and grime, Block Blitz can be simply mixed with water, applied and left to wash away naturally. Benefitting from a mineral and plant-based formula, Block Blitz is the only paving treatment on the market to offer a unique non-toxic solution to cleaning paving. Incorporating a bespoke barrier detergent, Block Blitz goes on to repel dirt following initial application – as well as deterring algae, moss and weed growth – and offers UV protection for year-round usage.

 

Block Blitz will be launching new large packs for its original Block Blitz paving treatment, giving the consumer up to 30 car parking spaces of coverage. The company will be also be launching a number of new products in the new larger size, including  Block Blitz Multi Pave, Block Blitz for Artificial Grass and Block Blitz Gravel Treatment.

 

As with the original Block Blitz products, these new treatments use the same powder-based cleaner which is made from a powerful mineral and plant-based formula and is non-abrasive, contains no bleach, acids or biocides and is biodegradable.

 

Block Blitz founder, Dave Moore explains, “This will be our third attendance at GLEE and our stand will be our biggest to date. We’ve had a great response to Block Blitz and with our new product launches and larger pack sizes offering coverage of up to 30 car parking spaces, we’re hoping to come away from GLEE with even more interested stockists.”

 

Block Blitz Multi-pave

Block Blitz Multi-pave can be used on paving slabs, tarmac drives and decking and is easily applied by using a watering can to deter algae moss and weeds and protect from the sun whilst cleaning the area.

 

Block Blitz for Artificial Grass

Block Blitz for artificial grass self-cleans and sanitises the area keeping it clean and germ-free. The treatment is not harmful to pets or people and is applied by dissolving the product in water and spreading over the area.

 

Block Blitz Gravel Treatment

Benefitting from a similarly powerful formula as the original block paving treatment, Block Blitz Gravel Treatment offers an effortless solution to cleaning both gravel drives and decorative aggregates, protecting the surface from future weed and moss growth with its easy to use, two-in-one formula.

 

For further information, visit www.blockblitz.co.uk . Retailers interested in working with Block Blitz, can contact the company on 01302 246 451 or by emailing enquiries@blockblitz.co.uk

Crossley to target more garden centres after £375,000 in new funding

Crossley Garden Buildings, the Stafford-based family-owned manufacturer of garden buildings, plans to extend its reach into new garden centres across the North West and Midlands after receiving £375,000 in new funding...

 


Crossley Garden Buildings, the Stafford-based family-owned manufacturer of garden buildings, plans to extend its reach into new garden centres across the North West and Midlands after receiving £375,000 in new funding from Santander Business Banking.

 

Established in 1981 by David Crossley Senior, the business originally made garden sheds before diversifying into summerhouses, playhouses, stores and dog runs. In 2004, the firm introduced tanalisation to extend the life of its timber, with resultant sales and distribution growth. David Crossley, the current owner, joined the business straight from school and took over from his father in 2016.

 

The funding from Santander will help ease the seasonality of the business, allowing Crossley to manufacture more during the quieter months and hold the stock for the summer months when they are at full capacity.

 

David Crossley said the funding would enable the business to fulfil more orders and help to manage seasonal demand. “We have seen increased demand for our garden buildings in recent years and are excited to be targeting new markets around the UK,” he added.

 

Nathan Moult, business relationship director at Santander, said: “We are delighted to support Crossley Garden Buildings, a local family business, as it targets expansion in the UK. We are confident that the business will be successful and we will support the business as it continues to grow.”

Seasonal Offer up to 20% OFF* Trade Prices
GTN Xtra Promotion

M&M Timber are manufacturer and supply a comprehensive range of timber retail merchandising units. These are the ideal solution for fresh plants, trees, shrubs and other seasonal products. The display tables and structures are designed for both internal and external use, manufactured from sustainable timber and pressure treated with wood preservative to enhance durability.

 

Seasonal Offer up to 20% OFF* Trade Prices Call the M&M Timber team on 0333 003 5133


M&M Timber are manufacturer and supply a comprehensive range of timber retail merchandising units. These are the ideal solution for fresh plants, trees, shrubs and other seasonal products.

 

The display tables and structures are designed for both internal and external use, manufactured from sustainable timber and pressure treated with wood preservative to enhance durability.

 

Seasonal Offer up to 20% OFF* Trade Prices

Call the M&M Timber team on 0333 003 5133

The range available for garden centres, DIY businesses, nurseries, department stores and other retail businesses is as follows:

 

Tiered Displays

The wooden tiered displays are the perfect solution for showcasing product displays without using up floor space, creating height and merchandising a wider product range. Available as 3 tier up to height of 1400mm or as 4 tier display stands up to height of 1670mm.

Table Displays

The table displays can be interconnected to create feature displays whilst also utilising ground level for associated products. The range of accessories can be added to enhance displays creating height and segmentation of products. Tables are available as compact short and tall, classic or half octagonal.

 

Square & Hexagonal Displays

The square and hexagonal display units offer flexibility to created tiered displays of interlocked equal heights or with the different display units create a combination of varying heights, ideal where space is at a premium.

 

Accessories

A range of accessories are available to complement display units that enable product ranges to be enhanced, provide additional height or showcase special offers. The range includes pot holders, trellis and feature boxes.

 

The M&M Timber retail plant staging can be delivered flat packed or assembled.  Tailored sizes are also available for volume enquiries manufactured at our Worcestershire sawmill.

 

Call the M&M Timber team on 0800 333 5133 or click here to contact us.

 

*Terms: up to 20% off for orders placed before 31 Dec 2018. Minimum order value £250 ex VAT, delivery charges may apply. Offer and prices are correct at the time of print. All products are subject to availability. M&M Timber reserves the right to change prices. E&OE.

Heatwave sees furniture and barbecue sales sizzle – but plant sales wilt

 

 

Furniture and barbecue sales at GCA garden centres soared in the July heatwave, according to the association’s latest Barometer of Trade figures – but at the expense of sales of plants and sundries...


Furniture and barbecue sales at GCA garden centres soared in the July heatwave, according to the association’s latest Barometer of Trade figures – but at the expense of sales of plants and sundries.

 

Compared to l2017, sales across both categories were 22.21% up, while outdoor plant sales fell by 10.33% and seeds and bulbs by 18.83%.

 

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said that after a cold start to the season and slowly improving sales through April and May, the picture had begun to look better in June before the heatwave arrived.

 

“It looks like garden centre customers embraced the hot weather by spending time in their gardens and cooking up food on the barbecue. Hh

owever it was much too hot for any gardening to be done, which meant sales in outdoor plants and seeds and bulbs went down.

 

"Houseplant sales picked up slightly at 7.22% and garden sundries sales were up 2.33%."

 

Sales in pets and aquatics departments were also down -9.17% and hard landscaping was down -9.38%. Food hall and farm shop sales were down -0.73%, clothing was up 0.88% and catering was down -2.89%.

 

Overall sales for the month were down -1.07% with a year to date change of 0.85%.

 

 

Sharon McNair, commercial director at Tong Garden Centre, said: "Leisure sales in July saw a 31% increase on July 2017 and barbeques were 68% ahead of like-for- like sales last year. The prolonged good weather and a positive vibe created by England doing so well in the World Cup has really helped sales.

 

"With such a great long-term forecast, customers were confident that the summer would be good and were keen to enjoy being outdoors, making the most of their outside space - especially after such a long winter and poor summer last year!"

 

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement.

 

Chris Leslie, MD at Busy Bee Garden Centre, which recently joined the GCA, said: "The sunshine certainly stimulated our July sales, which exceeded the previous month and were 25% up on July last year (2017)."

Autumn colour dominates GTN Bestsellers plant chart

Plant sales saw an uplift at the end of August to be up on the same week last year by 9%.  Archetypal autumn plants; Cyclamen, Pansies, Violas and Heathers dominated sales accounting for 27% of all plants sold during the week...


Plant sales saw an uplift at the end of August to be up on the same week last year by 9%.  Archetypal autumn plants; Cyclamen, Pansies, Violas and Heathers dominated sales accounting for 27% of all plants sold during the week.

  • Cyclamen sales grew by 50% to remain at No 1.
  • Dryopteris was a new entry to the GTN Top 50, in at No. 25.
  • Primula, another plant for autumn and winter colour were the highest chart climber moving up 29 places to No 19.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Sipcam UK and Assured Products to launch RHS partnership range at Glee

Sipcam UK, working in partnership with Assured Products, are to launch a range of core garden care products licenced under the RHS brand at Glee on Monday...

 

 


Sipcam UK, working in partnership with Assured Products, are to launch a range of core garden care products licenced under the RHS brand at Glee on Monday (stand 8D81)

 

The range will include Weedkiller; Moss Killer; Path, Patio & Decking Cleaner; Bug & Mildew Control and Slug Killer.

 

 

The new RHS Weedkiller and Moss Killer uses acetic acid, a component of vinegar, as a natural and effective ingredient that quickly kills weeds and moss.  Acetic acid is a good alternative for retailers concerned about the negative press surrounding glyphosate. RHS Path & Patio Cleaner is also from the acetic acid range – the organic compound cleans and restores the natural colour of a surface and can be used all year round. The new RHS Bug and Mildew Control controls pests, deters powdery mildew, nourishes and feeds the plant when it’s needed most, whilst the RHS Slug Killer pellets is approved by organic growers and employs a ferric phosphate formula.

The range, which will have newly-designed packaging featuring the prestigious RHS logo, is available exclusively to garden centres through Sipcam UK.

 

Matt Jones of Sipcam UK said: “We are delighted to partner with Assured Products on this RHS range and believe it gives garden retail a strong and trusted branded offer under the Natural Solutions umbrella. Sipcam will be supplying the garden centre market with this range, alongside our ecofective Child & Pet Safe offer. We have an R&D pipeline that will continue to feed both brands with innovative product solutions into the future”.

 

Peter Graham of Assured Products said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the team at Sipcam for the sales and distribution of our new RHS licenced range into the UK garden centre channel.  There is a strong synergy between the ecofective technologies and RHS brands that will enable us to meet the increasing consumer demand for effective garden care solutions.”

 

Made in Britain for the ethically conscious gardener, the ecofective range uses natural ingredients with favourable eco-toxicological credentials. Children, pets and wildlife do not need to be kept away from treated areas.

Hilliers appoint two more family members to board

Two members of the Hillier family were appointed to the Hillier Nurseries board of directors last week...

 

 

Joining the board: George Hillier (left) and Martin Hillier


Two members of the Hillier family were appointed to the Hillier Nurseries board of directors last week.

 

George Hillier and Martin Hillier joined the board on Thursday, with ith George continuing to manage the property portfolio as director of property and Martin taking on a non-executive role.

 

Hilliers chairman Robert Hillier said: “We are extremely proud to be a family business that looks to the future, so it is wonderful to have the fifth generation of the Hillier family involved at board level to continue to build on the fantastic achievements of the last 154 years, and to drive this forward in the coming years.”

 

George has worked in the company for 17 years, initially as a garden centre assistant, then manager of the group’s Chichester Centre before progressing to area manager for three years. In his current role he manages property acquisitions and developments.

 

George said he was thrilled to be joining the Hillier board. “These are very exciting times for our business. We have such a strong and experienced team, and are in a great position to make the most of our existing business. This is of course whilst pursuing future opportunities and focusing on what we do best - trees, plants and great customer experiences.”

 

George’s cousin Martin, who joined Hillier in 1992 as a supervisor at the company’s Brentry Container Unit, moved to Andlers Ash tree production nursery where he created the craftsman training programme, and in 1998 took on his current role of senior manager at Broadmead Trees, where he runs the production and despatch of Hillier containerised trees.

 

“I feel very honoured to be joining the board as the family representative,” he said. “ I see it as a custodial role continuing the stewardship of the four previous generations but especially that of my father John Hillier, whilst carrying on my senior management role at the nursery. The Hillier business is continually evolving and adapting to changes in market forces and environmental pressures and I’m excited to be even more of a part of that.”

 

The full board, including George and Martin Hillier (left).

Wyevale Nurseries to ditch black pots in war on plastic

Wyevale Nurseries is introducing kerbisde recyclable plant pots for all its retail plants next year...

 

 

Tale of two pots: Wyevale Nurseries production director Steve Reed with a taupe pot (left).


Wyevale Nurseries is introducing recyclable plant pots for all its retail plants so that they can be recycled kerbside by consumers.

 

The nursery will replace its black plastic pots for taupe coloured pots supplied by Aeroplas in the West Midlands next year, as a contribution to the war on plastic.

 

 

Steve Reed, production director of the container division at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, said more than 700,000 of the new pots would be used in 2019.

 

“There will be a big overlap for customers as everything we have potted this year is in black pots but by autumn 2019 most of our stock will be supplied in taupe pots to retailers.

 

“The general public can then recycle the taupe pots kerbside with other household waste, which has not been possible before. The black pots would previously end up in landfill because they contain carbon black pigment. The new taupe pots are carbon black pigment-free polypropylene, which can be identified by near infrared (NIR) analysis and therefore can be recycled through kerbside collections.

 

“The recyclable taupe pot is an industry initiative being led by representatives from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and UK growers. It’s great to see many growers’ backing the taupe pot and we’re very keen to look at the other ways we use plastic within the company to furthermore improve our environmental credentials.”

 

The nursery is also investigating potential alternatives to its A3 Correx boards supplied for retail promotions.

 

Steve added: “We want to hear from our customers about the Correx boards and if they feel they really help generate more sales or if a small bed card would have the same effect. Our plan is to find a better substitute for the boards, which means there is then less waste. We welcome any feedback.”

 

Wyevale Nurseries uses plant labels from Floramedia, all recyclable via the kerbside collection.

 

 
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Squires Christmas starts in October

Squire’s centres are to hold their “Prepare For Christmas” late night shopping evening in early October...


Squire’s centres are to hold their “Prepare For Christmas” late night shopping evening in early October. Customers will be greeted with a complimentary glass of Prosecco before heading to the Christmas shop for exclusive money saving discounts, live music from local artists. They will also be invited to enjoy a curry buffet for £9.95.

Lighting brightens up garden product sales volumes

Lighting lines helped to brighten up garden product sales this week...


Lighting lines helped to brighten up garden product sales this week.


Highlights were:

  • Smart Solar Eureka! Lightbulb Lantern was the highest re-entry at No 4.
  • Gardman Black Nickel Solar Spotlight was the highest new entry at No 22.
  • Westland Lawn & Turf Dressing (25 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 33 places to No 9.
  • Apta Pot Toppers moved three places to top spot in the chart.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Herbs star for Veg-2-Go sales

Pepperpot Herbs (1 litre) has returned to the Veg-2-Go chart, jumping straight back into the Top 50 at No 3.


Pepperpot Herbs (1 litre) has returned to the Veg-2-Go chart, jumping straight back into the Top 50 at No 3.

 

Other highlights were:

  • Quantil Lettuce Baby Leaf Mixwas the highest new entry at No 31.
  • Another newcomer was Quantil Lettuce Cos.
  • Thompson & Morgan Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia was the highest climber, jumping 23 places to No 26.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Top soil and bulb planting compost hit the high spots

Growing Media sales jumped back up last week by 46% on the previous week...


Growing Media sales jumped back up last week by 46% on the previous week.


Top soil, farmyard manure and bulb planting compost were the main volume beneficiaries.


Highlights were:

  • Evergreen Levington Organic Choice Top Soil (25 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 14.
  • Westland Bulb Planting Compost (20 litres) was another product returning to the Top 50.
  • The highest climber was Westland Multipurpose + John Innes 20L + 5L Extra, jumping 25 places to No 6.
  • Bloomin Amazing Soil Enricher (70 litres) returned to the charts at No 35.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Wyevale Garden Centres agrees sale of four more garden centres

Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of four garden centres to individual buyers. The centres are: World of Pets and Leisure; Codicote; Sudbury and Oxford.  Sudbury and Oxford have been sold to operators who are expected to continue to run them as garden centres... 


 

Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of four garden centres to individual buyers. The centres are: World of Pets and Leisure; Codicote; Sudbury and Oxford.  Sudbury (pictured above) and Oxford have been sold to operators who are expected to continue to run them as garden centres.  

 

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of four of our garden centres. In the case of those centres which have been sold for alternative use, we are very pleased to honour our commitments to our colleagues and partners and will seek to redeploy our excellent colleagues in our other garden centres wherever possible in coming months. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years.”  

 

WOPAL and Codicote been sold in separate transactions to purchasers who are expected to develop the sites for alternative use. These centres were previously identified for potential redevelopment as part of the company’s active portfolio management strategy. WOPAL centre has already been closed and Codicote is expected to continue to operate as a garden centre until early 2019 after completion of the sale.

 

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “The centres sold to date had been highlighted as ‘non core’ as part of our ongoing portfolio review, which predated the sale process. The sale of these centres reflects our continued pursuit of positive outcomes for our colleagues, concession partners, suppliers and customers. We are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of the teams at these centres, and we’ll continue to support them through the transition.”

 

WGC has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs. 

 

Sudbury has been sold to Perrywood Garden Centre and Nurseries Ltd and Oxford has been sold to AWBS Ltd, which is an existing concession holder on site. WOPAL has been bought by Harlex Property, while Codicote has been sold to Taylor Wimpey Plc.

 

Simon Bourne, of Perrywood, said: "We look forward to bringing the team at Sudbury into the Perrywood family, and can't wait to get to know them and the site better. More details to follow after completion!"

 
Over 95% of Homebase creditors vote in favour of CVA

Homebase's creditors voted in favour of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), with 95.92% of creditors backing the plan...


Homebase's creditors voted in favour of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), with 95.92% of creditors backing the plan.

 

Homebase will now close 42 of its 241 stores during late 2018 and early 2019, leaving 1,500 people at risk of losing their jobs.

 

The stores to close are:

  • Aberdeen Bridge of Don
    Aberdeen Portlethen
    Aylesbury
    Bedford St Johns
    Bradford
    Brentford
    Bristol
    Canterbury
    Cardiff Newport Road
    Croydon Purley Way
    Droitwich
    Dublin Fonthill
    Dublin Naas Road
    Dundee
    East Kilbride
    Exeter
    Gateshead
    Grantham
    Greenock
    Hawick
    Inverness
    Ipswich
    Limerick
    London Merton
    London New Southgate
    London Wimbledon
    Macclesfield
    Oxford Botley Road
    Peterborough
    Pollokshaws
    Poole Tower Park
    Robroyston
    Salisbury
    Seven Kings
    Solihull
    Southampton Hedge End
    Southend
    Stirling
    Swindon Drakes Way
    Swindon Orbital
    Warrington
    Whitby

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, said:  “We are pleased that an overwhelming majority of our creditors, including such a proportion of landlords, have supported the plans laid out in the CVA. We now have the platform to turn the business around and return to profitability. This has been a difficult time for many of our team members and I am very grateful for their continued support and hard work.

 

“We can look to the future with great confidence, and we will be working closely with our suppliers to capitalise on the opportunities we see in the home improvement market in the UK and Ireland.”

 

Source: InsightDIY

 
Great expectations for Glee 2018

GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer asked garden centre retailers and exhibitors about their hopes for Glee 2018...


 

The expectations of visitors and retailers are already running high for Glee 2018. 

 

The first preview issue of Glee Daily News has been opened 78% more frequently than last year – and by 42% more readers.

 

Similarly, entries for the Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, are currently 40% higher as we near the end of August. 

 

With a new layout across Halls 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20, the refreshed event has the potential to re-energise the industry as this year of extremes continues.


GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer asked garden centre retailers and exhibitors about their hopes for Glee 2018. Here are two of the responses he received.

 

Justin Williams, Fron Goch Garden Centre: “We will be desperately looking for innovation.  Our customers have a thirst for the new and a thirst for problem-solving, and we have a thirst for environmental features that are relevant to the way people live today, being time-poor and much more thoughtful about their environment.”

 

Keith Nicholson, Westland: “Gardening is exciting, attractive, a great and rewarding pastime. At Glee, our products really underpin this. We will be revealing new products, new packaging and new media campaigns to build on that excitement. Lawns will be strong for 2019 and we have a totally revamped offer. Indoor gardening is not stopping and it’s one of the trends in 2019. You’ll see the results of our ‘green’ developments including the revolutionary peat replacement technology called BIO3, which will feature in an exciting New Horizon range… it really is a window into the future of growing media. Plant foods and grass seeds will be stronger than ever.”

 

The full report can be found in the September issue of Garden Trade News, which can be read on-line here

 

Read Issue 2 of this years Glee Daily News here

 
AMES UK on the road to further expansion

The AMES UK group of companies, which includes La Hacienda, Kelkay and Anchorfast, will be exhibiting as a group for the first time at next month’s Glee exhibition at the NEC. It’s been a very busy year for AMES UK Managing Director, Antony Harker, who has coordinated the acquisition and integration of their latest project to bring Anchorfast into the group.


The AMES UK group of companies, which includes La Hacienda, Kelkay and Anchorfast, will be exhibiting as a group for the first time at next month’s Glee exhibition at the NEC.

 

It’s been a very busy year for AMES UK Managing Director, Antony Harker, who has coordinated the acquisition and integration of their latest project to bring Anchorfast into the group.

 

He is expecting that the pace of change is likely to continue well into the future, with the group actively seeking further similar opportunities.

 

He has made no secret of the fact that AMES’ parent company, Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), a US public company with approximately USD$2billion in annual revenue, remains very much on the acquisition trail. Griffon and their subsidiary AMES have identified the UK garden sector as a key strategic development opportunity.

 

Antony said “AMES and Griffon have been hugely supportive and I’m delighted that I will be welcoming the President of Griffon Corporation and the CEO for The AMES Companies, as visitors to GLEE this year. I think it demonstrates the opportunities they see in the UK market and just how serious they are about the group’s growth and expansion plans.”

 

It’s understood that the senior team from AMES will be meeting a number of businesses over the three days of the show to explore potential opportunities.

 

For more information on The AMES Companies go to http://global.ames.com

To find out more about Kelkay  go to www.kelkay.com or e-mail the general enquiries office on salesenquiries@kelkay.co.uk or call to speak to us on 01405 869333

Kelkay The Old Airfield, Heck & Pollington Lane, Pollington, East Yorkshire, DN14 0BA

To find out more about La Hacienda go to www.lahacienda.co.uk or call to speak to us on 01285 762060

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...


Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2016 as well as 2017 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg 2 Gro chart for this week are here

 

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

Brand new products, trends and innovations at lunch! 2018

lunch!, the UK’s favourite food-to-go trade show, opens in less than two weeks’ time, on 20-21 September...


lunch!, the UK’s favourite food-to-go trade show, opens in less than two weeks’ time, on 20-21 September.

 

Returning to ExCeL London, this year’s show will see more than 370 exhibitors come together under one roof; 140 of them are brand new to the show, so you will discover the latest and most innovative products to enhance your catering offer.

 

 

The abundance of food, drink, packaging and equipment products available to food-to-go buyers is constantly expanding, so how can you be sure that your business is on top of all the latest trends and hottest products that are guaranteed to attract and excite customers?

 

Innovation is at the heart of lunch! and this year’s show is no exception. With a record-breaking number of entries in the Innovation Challenge and more new products being debuted than ever before, your visit will allow you to taste or try these products, meet the faces behind them – and discover the best before your competitors do.

 

Add to this the show’s biggest ever Start-Up Zone, featuring 28 new companies with new innovations that your customers won’t have seen before and this is one lunch! not to miss.

 

      

 Read the Exhibitor Show Highlights  for a taste of what new products are on offer at this year’s show.

 

      

 

Simply register online before 20 September to save the £20 door fee and you can enjoy over 370 exhibitors, a record number of new product launches and the full Keynote line-up – all for FREE.

 

For more information visit the show website and to book your free ticket click here.