In This Issue
February sales - 37% above average - Gardening is Essential!
The GIMA Awards are back!
Going from strength to strength
Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales
Why choose Meadow View Stone?
Half term sales set course for a record February
Plants pour out of planterias
Book Your Place for the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz Today!
Welsh petition to re-open garden centres closes on 11,198 signatures
Hillier Nurseries bidding farewell to 2021 Chelsea Flower Show
Hayes Garden World launches online Grow Your Own range
What Lies Ahead for 2021? - GTN's February Issue On-Line Now
Empowering change for a brighter future
Poundbury Gardens to mark 15th birthday with 15 planting projects
Bents introduces new virtual shopping service
Tong creates new role ahead of new Food Hall launch
Perrywood Tiptree helps communities to get growing
Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards
Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Huge year for Grow Your Own
New appointments to AMES UK Senior Leadership Team
Mad March sales levels in February
GCA virtual area meetings hailed a success
Growing media sales up 175%
Gardenex organises webinar on ‘Exporting to the EU since the trade deal’
Best week since 2017 for Wild Bird Care
David Austin reopens its UK wholesale trade with the announcement of its partnership programme
The best of last week's
Sue Allen and Tammy Woodhouse to Brave the Shave on Garden Re-Leaf Day
Garden centre seeks planning permission for holiday lodges
Last chance to view Woodlodge’s new Snowlodge Christmas Décor range
James Parr joins Smart Board
Gardening comes to the Sun on Sunday
Henry Bell secures exclusive contract with Blue Diamond
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
PetQuip Awards set to reward outstanding achievements during pandemic
Doggy day care facility opens at Dobbies
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February sales - 37% above average - Gardening is Essential!

If we ever needed a indicator to prove how essential gardening is to the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation then last weeks sales through garden centres are the glowing green light. After two weeks of better weather and continued stay at home restrictions sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data were at levels normally seen at the end of March, not the end of February...


If we ever needed a indicator to prove how essential gardening is to the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation then last weeks sales through garden centres are the glowing green light. After two weeks of better weather and continued stay at home restrictions sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data were at levels normally seen at the end of March, not the end of February. 

 

Last week saw sales jump by 61% week on week and were up 138% on the same week last year.

 

That meant even after a slow start of the month, due to snow, that total garden centre sales for February finished 37% up on last year and 37% above the average for the previous ten years.

 

Subscribers to the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter will get to see the breakdown of those sales later this week and they will also know which products in particular benefited from this early burst of gardening sales via the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales charts.  Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers, it costs just £145 per year, here.

The GIMA Awards are back!
Make a note of November 11th in your diaries now!

Following an imposed year off in 2020, the leading trade association, GIMA, is pleased to confirm that its annual awards evening will be making its highly-anticipated return on November 11th, 2021...


 

Following an imposed year off in 2020, the leading trade association, GIMA, is pleased to confirm that its annual awards evening will be making its highly-anticipated return on November 11th, 2021.

 

Taking place at the ever-popular Celtic Manor Resort, this year’s event will be a night to remember, celebrating not just a return to normality but also the best that the garden retail sector has to offer.

 

Whilst the Covid pandemic resulted in the event being cancelled for the first time in its 40-year history in 2020, the industry has not stopped. Suppliers have stayed busy creating exciting new product, marketing and merchandising innovations throughout the 2020 and 2021 season. These launches and initiatives are what will be celebrated in a special glittering night of awards and merriment, with all of the usual categories – including the GCA Supplier of the Year (GCA), Gardenex Export Achievement and the Sword of Excellence (last won by Primeur in 2019) - set to make a return. A new Sustainability award will also be joining the line up to recognise a product, business initiative, or wider business ethos that demonstrates how suppliers are successfully driving the sustainability agenda.

 

Commenting on the welcome return of the GIMA Awards, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We could not be happier to confirm that the annual awards ceremony will be back later this year. I know how missed the event has been, so being able to confirm its return is a very special moment for us. 

 

“This year’s awards may be a little later in the year than we are used to but that won’t stop us celebrating in style! We are very much looking forward to throwing open the doors to Celtic Manor once again and being able to celebrate the incredible hard work that our suppliers have achieved in the face of adversity over the past two years.”

 

To mark the ruby anniversary of the event, GIMA is asking attendees to add a splash of red to their glad rags to help mark the celebrations even further. 

 

This year, the GIMA Awards will be sponsored by a wealth of fantastic industry brands, including Glee which returns, once again, as headline sponsor, as well as the HTA, GCA, Gardenex, Garden Trade News, Gardenforum, Garden Radio, Garden Centre Retail, Garden Centre Update, DIY Week, CM Ventures and Hornby Whitefoot PR.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available - please contact GIMA to find out more. 

 

Entry is now open!

Entry to the 2021 GIMA awards is now open. This year, the entry criteria has been extended to cover both the 2020 and 2021 season, giving suppliers the chance to showcase efforts that may have been missed during the pandemic. The closing date for entries will be 28th May, with the judging process taking place at the end of June at Warwick Racecourse. This year’s judges will include representatives from Bents Garden & Home, British Garden Centres, The Gardens Group, Altons Garden Centre, Dobbies and Wickes.

 

To find out more about how to enter the 2021 GIMA Awards or to book your place at what is set to be a night to remember please visit www.gima.org.uk

Going from strength to strength
GTN Xtra Promotion

A lot has changed since we set up Ginique in April 2019. We have and still are battling through a pandemic, Brexit was concluded and more and more people have found solace and calm in their outside spaces...


A lot has changed since we set up Ginique in April 2019. We have and still are battling through a pandemic, Brexit was concluded and more and more people have found solace and calm in their outside spaces. 

 

 

Outdoor spaces have been a lifeline, whether that’s a large garden, a small terrace, a balcony or even window box. The ability to pop your head outside and breath in fresh air and connect with nature has been crucial to everyone’s well-being. 

 

Our ethos is all about balance,  not staring at computer screens and phones but taking the time to light a fire, and no matter where this takes place – outdoors in nature, at home in the garden, in the living room or at the kitchen table with a fire everything becomes more beautiful and cosy.

 

We are proud to be working with Höfats, their products combine unique design with exciting functionality. Founded in 2015 they have achieved 54 prestigious international design awards for their unique product range.

 

NEW STOCK 

New Hofats stock is on its way and will be arriving in February, HOORAH!  It has not been easy negotiating the hoops that we now have to jump through to get products from A to B but we are nearly there and we are thinking that once we have the first delivery under our belts the rest will be easy…famous last words right there! 

 

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

We work with some great stockists already, they can be found on our website, but we are always looking for more so if you would like to start your Fire Story with us then we have put together some ways of connecting, albeit virtually. 

 

3D SHOWROOM 

As a new business we don’t have large enough premises as yet to house a showroom so we improvised, and borrowed a friends barn to set up our virtual showroom, we used Matterport, an immersive 3D experience that allows you to visit the barn in the beautiful  Shropshire countryside and wander around as if you were really there. It gives a snapshot of our products and what they look like close-up. We hope you like it! 

 

If you would like to chat with us via Zoom about our product ranges then please contact us hello@ginique.co.uk and we can set one up. 

Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales

Dobbies Garden Centres has reported an increase in total sales of 51% to £252m, with like-for-like sales rising by 6%...


 

Dobbies Garden Centres has reported an increase in total sales of 51% to £252m, with like-for-like sales rising by 6%.

 

The group this week filed its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 53 weeks to 1 March 2020.

 

The key points were:

•         Total sales increased 51% to £252m

•         Like-for-like sales increased 6%

•         Underlying EBITDA increased 39% to £25m

•         31 new stores were acquired

 

Chairman, Andrew Bracey, said: “We have a clear strategy for growth at Dobbies and we are encouraged by the progress made during FY19/20. The business has continued to demonstrate its resilience as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”

 

Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Jenkins, said: “During FY19/20 Dobbies delivered a robust performance through a period of significant change. I would like to thank all of our team members for their support and commitment. In line with our strategy, we are continuing to grow and invest in Dobbies. This includes in our garden centre network, our customer offer and our team.”

Why choose Meadow View Stone?
GTN Xtra Promotion

Following a very successful year that saw the company double its turnover, we asked the team at Meadow View Stone, along with some of their customers, what was fuelling this growth...


 

Following a very successful year that saw the company double its turnover, we asked the team at Meadow View Stone, along with some of their customers, what was fuelling this growth.

 

Sarah Hill, MD of Meadow View Stone, puts it down to the following factors:

 

1. Growth within existing accounts 

We have very strong relations with our existing customers, many of which have been stockists of our products for decades, so its vitally important for us to continue to grow their sales annually.

 

By continually tweaking our products to offer more on trend options, gives the ability to continually refresh the range and merchandising of our customer, this helps our accounts achieve continual growth.  With many accounts enjoying increases of between 20-150% in our category this year, it gives us a great sense of achievement that we are able to continue to develop and grow sales within our established customer base.   

 

“We are delighted to have partnered with Meadowview Stone for the last 30 years. We get professional and personal service every year but Meadowview excelled during 2020. We suffered very little out of stocks and as a result our Stone and slabs department increased turnover by 60%." Gerald Ingram - Planters at Tamworth

 

2. New account acquisition

2020 saw a peak in demand for hard landscaping products and due to our vast stock holding, across three production sites and four dockside storage facilitates, this gave us the ability to step in and help customers that were struggling to get stock from their usual suppliers.   

 

The opportunity to trial some of our exclusive products at these accounts has proved invaluable, with many committing to a secondary supplier status for Meadow View during 2021, or completely switching supply. Our account acquisition more than tripled in 2020, and a promising start to 2021 gives us every confidence that this will continue.  

 

“Meadow View were able to support us by filling some stock gaps we encountered last year and we also used this as an opportunity to trial some of their exclusive products, which I am pleased to report sold well.” Mark O’Nions - Frosts Garden Centre


3. Unique and Exclusive Products 

25% of our product range is unique and exclusive to Meadow View which means we have a complete standalone range that can be promoted as a none conflicting, upsell, product collection. This fresh new range has appealed to customers, who have seen little advancement in product development in our sector, just a mass of variations of similar products, all competing for the same sale, with little, or very minor, points of difference.  

 

Our exclusive products contribute a staggering 26% of the total volume sold and account for a third of our total turnover, so it’s easy to understand why they have been a key factor in our continual growth.   

 

“Since switching to Meadow View in February we have seen an increase in our sales by over 50%, and taking account that we were closed for 6 weeks in prime season, this is incredible.  The exclusive, on-trend products have transformed our range and accounted for 37% of our turnover, so this has more than convinced us all at Poplars, that we made the correct decision to switch."  Matthew Cowan - Poplars Nurseries

 

 

Washed (above left) and unwashed (above right).


4. Quality of Products 

As our premium collection is supplied washed, this further emphasises the quality and appeal of the products. As these products are promoted at higher RRP’s its imperative they appear worthy of their price tag.  

 

Being the only supplier with this facility ensures the products are supplied cleaner and more accurately sized than all other competitors in our sector. The vast improvement in the appearance of these more premium products has seen a big take up in sales, with three of these products now within our top ten best sellers, despite their higher RRP of £7.99.

 

5 .POS and Merchandising

We have received great feedback on the success of our POS and merchandising displays, not only in the way it transforms the visual appearance of the centres but also how it aids sales.  Simple set designs of each product are featured with contrasting products, to help customers locate complementing products and promote cross sales, whilst end of aisle hotspots are used to define each product category and to provide ideas and inspiration for customers in how to use our products.  

 


6. Stock Is King

With over £6million stock holding, our Group operations have the ability to facilitate in excess of 50 bulk shipments annually from our overseas partners. This, together with 4 dockside storage facilities and three production sites provides full flexibility to pull stock from multiple locations, whilst being fully in control of our entire supply chain.   

 

7. Experts in our field

Totting up over 150 years in the decorative aggregate sector and having a combined 118 years’ experience within our internal and external sales teams, we have the knowledge and understanding of the performance of our products, the best ways to merchandise them to considerably grow sales and a thorough understanding of the industry as a whole.  As runners up in the GIMA supplier of the year awards 2019 we also offer superb customer service and have gone above and beyond to keep these high standards of communication, even in the most difficult of times.  

 

“The service we received from Meadowview during the last 12 months was absolutely outstanding which resulted in a sales increase of 59% at Bretby.  The communication with the Meadowview team during the last unprecedented year was second to none and I cannot speak highly enough of the team, they were always available on the phone, email and even communicated at times with their own personal phones when the phones lines were constantly busy." Mark Shaw - Planters at Bretby.

 

8. Results

The majority of accounts that have switched to Meadow View have seen sales increases of a minimum of 30%, mainly due to the exclusive products and their ability to sell in volume at a high RRP.  Some have seen three-digit increases, of over 129%, whilst some of the destination centres have created a separate listing for our products to sit alongside their existing supplier – yet still have seen increases of between 30-40% in sales.  

 

Sarah Hill states: "We have the exclusive products that sell in volume, supported by industry leading POS.  We have the stock volumes to support our growth and the expertise to make it work.  Our very committed team of staff and sales agents are passionate to see the continued success of Meadow View,  and this, along with all the above factors, sees us perfectly placed to continue our mission in transforming the face of the UK’s Garden Centres..... both physically and financially."

Half term sales set course for a record February
GTN Bestsellers analysis

Garden centre volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS data soared by almost double week on week during half term to set the highest ever recorded sales level for Week 7 and set the course for a record breaking February...


 

Garden centre volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS data soared by almost double week on week during half term to set the highest ever recorded sales level for Week 7 and set the course for a record breaking February.

 

Cumulative sales for the first three weeks of the month are 5% up on last year and with another week of great gardening weather this week we should be able to report on a new record being set in next week’s GTN Bestsellers.

 

And just look at all of the GTN Bestsellers sales indeces for last week, massively up year on year:

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 7.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 80%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 175%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 105%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – up 80%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 7.

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 115%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 56%

The GTN Bestsellers team have been delving back into the data for the past two years to shed some more light on changes that occurred as a result of the pandemic. In this issue we highlight where and when the biggest changes were and over the next few weeks we’ll bring you detailed charts of the post Lockdown #1 Bestsellers.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Plants pour out of planterias

Was it the change in the weather or half term that sent plant sales soaring? Whatever the reason plants poured out of garden centre planterias last week, almost trebling in sales from the previous week and halving the year to date deficit in one fell swoop...


 

Was it the change in the weather or half term that sent plant sales soaring? Whatever the reason plants poured out of garden centre planterias last week, almost trebling in sales from the previous week and halving the year to date deficit in one fell swoop.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Primula sales almost quadrupled week on week to remain the No 1 spring bestseller.
  • Bellis daisies made the highest re-entry to the chart at No 8.
  • Iris were the highest mover up the GTN Chart, climbing 27 places to No 21.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Book Your Place for the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz Today!

Greenfingers Charity invites you to join them for a virtual quiz, hosted by charity Patron and Garden Designer Ann-Marie Powell, on Friday 19th March 2021...


Sponsored by Evergreen Garden Care, Greenfingers Charity invites you to join them for a virtual quiz, hosted by charity Patron and Garden Designer Ann-Marie Powell, on Friday 19th March 2021.

 

This fabulous fun quiz promises to be great fun and at the same time will help to make a difference to the work of the charity.

 

To reserve your ticket, contact Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

 

With less than three weeks to go until Garden Re-Leaf Day, if you are planning an event but haven’t yet registered, please get in touch with Linda – she would love to hear from you!

Welsh petition to re-open garden centres closes on 11,198 signatures

 

Garden Centres in Scotland and Wales, where garden centres are currently not allowed to open, have been seeking support via petitions to their devolved administrations to allow them to re-open as soon as possible.  The Welsh petition has gone over the 10,000 required for it to be considered for a debate in the Welsh Parliament, while the Scottish petition which started a few weeks after the welsh petition has almost reached 6,000 and is still open for support...


 

Garden Centres in Scotland and Wales, where garden centres are currently not allowed to open, have been seeking support via petitions to their devolved administrations to allow them to re-open as soon as possible.  The Welsh petition has gone over the 10,000 required for it to be considered for a debate in the Welsh Parliament, while the Scottish petition which started a few weeks after the welsh petition has almost reached 6,000 and is still open for support.

 

Spearheaded by HTA Council Representatives Nicola Pugh of Pugh’s Garden Centres in South Wales and Helen MacDonald from Merryhatton Garden Centre in Scotland they are calling for garden centres to be reopened for trading, as is the case in England. 

 

Ornamental horticulture businesses in Wales have been unable to trade since lockdown restrictions on non-essential retail were put in place on 20th December and now, with the key Spring season and key trading dates of St David’s Day and Mother’s Day just weeks away, concern is beginning to turn to desperation as growers still have no idea what crops will be able to make it to the sales area. 

 

Nicola Pugh, HTA Council representative for Wales, and owner of Pugh’s Garden Centre, said: “We fully understand the need to protect public health and support the government in its determination to fight the spread of Covid, but horticultural businesses are being pushed to the brink at what should be our busiest time of year.  

 

“Plants and gardening offer incredible health and wellbeing benefits and if we are to meet the demand when reopening is possible, we need a timeline to help us manage the supply chain of perishable and seasonal crops and minimise the impact of continued uncertainty.”   

 

Commenting on the situation in Scotland Helen MacDonald from Merryhatton Garden Centre comments, “The First Minister didn't mention gardeners in her review on 16 February and as Spring is rapidly approaching, it is increasingly urgent that Scottish Government allow Scottish Garden Centres and nurseries to open. We can open safely and the benefits for health and well-being will be enormous. Please keep sharing this with friends, family, colleagues - indeed anyone you can think of!

 

To sign the petition to the Scottish Parliament follow this link:  https://www.change.org/ReopenScottishGardenCentres 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hillier Nurseries bidding farewell to 2021 Chelsea Flower Show

After nearly 100 years as an exhibitor with 74 consecutive gold medals, Hillier Nurseries is bidding a fond farewell to the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show...


 

After nearly 100 years as an exhibitor with 74 consecutive gold medals, Hillier Nurseries is bidding a fond farewell to the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

 

Hillier was due to exhibit in 2020, celebrating the company’s 155-year history and hoping for a 75th gold with its exhibit in the Grand Pavilion.

 

With the show unfortunately and understandably postponed until September 2021 as a consequence of COVID-19, Hillier has taken the difficult decision not to exhibit. 

 

“Chelsea has always been a significant event on the Hillier calendar, held at the perfect time for the business to show off all of the great plants grown on our nursery through the spring.  The unprecedented events of 2020 have been followed by the later timing of the show in 2021, which leaves too small a plant range available on our nurseries to achieve the high standard of exhibit Hillier has become known for. With this in mind, it was the right time for the business to concentrate on other exciting ventures for spring 2021,” explains Chris Francis, Wholesale and Retail Director.

 

Following the surge in demand for plants and garden items online, Hillier will launch a transformed Online Shop in March this year, taking quality Hillier plants safely to the doors of customers all over the UK.

 

In April, Hillier will also open the doors of its 18th Garden Centre as the transformation of Syon Park, in West London is completed. Before establishing Hillier Nurseries, company founder Edwin Hillier spent time working on the Syon Park estate, honing his passion for plants. This combination of company heritage, along with creating a top-quality destination experience, makes the addition of Syon Park to the Hillier family particularly exciting.

 

Hillier Nurseries has a remarkable history with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show stretching back almost to the origins of the show itself. Starting in 1939 and ending in 2019, Hillier has achieved 74 consecutive gold medals at the show, making the company the current record holder.

 

“RHS Chelsea Flower Show will always be incredibly special for us,” comments Chris Francis. “We wish everyone working hard to put together this year’s show the very best and look forward to being inspired by the exhibits later this year.”      

Hayes Garden World launches online Grow Your Own range

After witnessing a huge increase in people wanting to grow their own vegetables at home, Hayes Garden World is now selling seeds, bulbs and plants online, making it easier for anyone to get green fingers.

 


 

Over the past few years, Hayes Garden World has seen a huge increase in people wanting to grow their own vegetables at home. Unsurprisingly, it’s a trend that has skyrocketed over lockdown.

 

Since the pandemic began and we’ve been locked away with little to do, Brits have been finding ways to make the most of their outdoor space and embrace being self-sufficient and sustainable.

 

After the closure of their flagship store in Ambleside, Hayes realised that their customers were unable to get their usual 'Grow Your Own' essentials. So for the first time ever they are now selling seeds, bulbs and plants online, making it easier for anyone to get green fingers.


Traditionally Hayes Garden World have only sold garden and home furniture online. Yet with gardening becoming more ‘on-trend,’ they’re expanding their range to encourage all budding gardeners to have a go at growing-their-own. Seasoned experts and landscaping newcomers can now get everything they need, from planters to seeds and starter kits. 

 

The leading retailer is a huge advocate for home-grown veg and will testify to it being much more flavoursome than supermarket fare. Most people don’t know that being able to pick and cook your own produce right then and there, means you don’t lose nutrients and minerals that are typically lost when it’s transported. 

 

So far, the online range includes onions, potatoes and other vegetables, making it easy to tick off that five-a-day. Hayes prides itself on including solutions for every keen gardener; such as tiered planters for those with smaller spaces or raised planters for anyone with back/mobility problems.

Gardening expert, Angela Slater, champions the belief that the benefits of growing your own produce are invaluable for your physical and mental health.

 

Commenting on the trend, Angela said: "Recent years have seen a huge increase in 'grow your own' fruit and vegetables as customers are seeing the damage that is being done to the planet by flying in vegetables from half-way around the world. As a result, they are trying to grow their own veggies and realising that it is not difficult, and the taste is far superior to the produce you buy in the supermarket."

What Lies Ahead for 2021? - GTN's February Issue On-Line Now

In this issue:

 

Patio Black Spot – the Winning Formula

Weathering the Perfect Storm – Brexit and all that

New line up for LOFA Council    

Contemporary style from Firmans

Primeur – the one to watch for 2021

Get Set for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

Why Meadow View are Re-fuelling sales  

Cultivation Street’s 9th year

How will the Lockdown Gap be filled? – GTN Bestsellers Analysis

GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Garden Products of 2020           

Last chance to see the Woodlodge Snowlodge 

HTA Column – Perfect Opportunity for Plant Sales

 

 


In this issue:

 

Patio Black Spot – the Winning Formula

Weathering the Perfect Storm – Brexit and all that

New line up for LOFA Council    

Contemporary style from Firmans

Primeur – the one to watch for 2021

Get Set for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

Why Meadow View are Re-fuelling sales  

Cultivation Street’s 9th year

How will the Lockdown Gap be filled? – GTN Bestsellers Analysis

GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Garden Products of 2020           

Last chance to see the Woodlodge Snowlodge 

HTA Column – Perfect Opportunity for Plant Sales

 

or use this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_february_2021?fr=sOTBkNDMxMzEzMjA

 

Empowering change for a brighter future

LOFA have teamed up with Planet Mark, a company that care about the planet and want to help businesses action and power change.  Their certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and helps build an empowered community of like-minded individuals to make a whole world of difference...


 

2020 to 2030 will be the most important 10 years for our planet. What we do in this time will determine the course of humanity. If every person, association, organisation and Government take decisive action now, we can all contribute to a flourishing society, a healthy environment and a prosperous economy. 

 

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a business imperative and a critical global issue. Everyone wants to see action and people are becoming more engaged than ever in the process. It is our children and future generations that are going to suffer if we don’t all step up to the mark and start addressing these social and environmental concerns today. 

 

Looking after the planet can realise many business benefits like better brand positioning, attracting great talent, cost savings, customer loyalty and gaining a competitive advantage.  Future proofing our businesses in particular, is something that should be at the top of every to do list, which can only have a positive impact in the world. 

 

LOFA have teamed up with Planet Mark, a company that care about the planet and want to help businesses action and power change.  Their certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and helps build an empowered community of like-minded individuals to make a whole world of difference. 

 

LOFA first became aware of Planet Mark in 2020 at the GCA conference, where Sir Tim Smit KBE the founder of the Eden Project, gave a fantastic presentation on sustainability and what businesses could do to reduce their carbon footprints. 

 

Some of our members have already started down this road (Alexander Rose, Lifestyle Garden @Scancom, Leisuregrow, Zest4leisure, Que Fresco, Kadai and Ginique to name but a few) and are well on their way to reducing the effect their businesses are having on the planet.  

 

Planet Mark supports the Eden Project and also Cool Earth, a non-profit organisation that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation by putting local people back in control of their forests.  Every business that joins Planet Mark protects an acre of rainforest for every year of membership, so far Planet Mark have protected hundreds of acres of rainforest in Peru and LOFA’s involvement will protect hundreds more. 

 

By measuring and reducing our carbon footprint with Planet Mark we can directly and measurable contribute to up to 9 Sustainable Development Goals and address 25 SDG targets

Poundbury Gardens to mark 15th birthday with 15 planting projects

Poundbury Gardens will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Monday (March 1) with founders Mike and Louise Burks announcing plans to undertake 15 community planting projects to mark the occasion. Set to benefit charities, schools and essential service providers within Dorchester and the surrounding area, these projects will take place throughout 2021...


 

Poundbury Gardens will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Monday (March 1) with founders Mike and Louise Burks announcing plans to undertake 15 community planting projects to mark the occasion. Set to benefit charities, schools and essential service providers within Dorchester and the surrounding area, these projects will take place throughout 2021. 

 

The first project to be announced is the creation of ‘The Garden of Hope’ at Damers First School in Poundbury, an outdoor space designed by the school to symbolise how the community has come together throughout the COVID-19 crisis, while also incorporating a memory garden. Ideas from pupils will guide the project and Poundbury Gardens will be providing plants, equipment and practical support to help bring it to life. 

 

Having spent a decade and a half serving the local community from the edge of Queen Mother Square, Poundbury Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, has decided to channel all of its celebratory funds into these local initiatives, using the anniversary as an opportunity to provide a much-needed boost to some of those most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  

 

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group and chairman of the Garden Centre Association, commented: “We’ve always taken our role in the local community very seriously, but following the events of the past 12 months, we wanted to use our 15th anniversary to make a difference to those around us. Individuals, families and groups across the community have gone above and beyond for their neighbours, while enduring unforeseen challenges and having to put their lives on hold, so this seems like a fitting moment to look ahead to the future with these planting projects, symbolising renewed optimism and brighter days ahead. ‘The Garden of Hope’ at Damers First School is the perfect embodiment of this sentiment, so we’re delighted to be collaborating with the children and their teachers on this wonderful new outdoor space. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our year of planting projects and look forward to sharing details of the remaining 14 over the weeks and months to come.” 

Bents introduces new virtual shopping service

Bents Garden & Home has launched a new virtual service to help make shopping for garden furniture a little easier during these changing times. The virtual personal shopping appointments have been created for those customers who are looking for a new piece of garden furniture but, due to current circumstances, would rather shop from the comfort of their own homes...


 

Bents Garden & Home has launched a new virtual service to help make shopping for garden furniture a little easier during these changing times. The virtual personal shopping appointments have been created for those customers who are looking for a new piece of garden furniture but, due to current circumstances, would rather shop from the comfort of their own homes. 

 

The appointments are made with one of Bents’ outdoor living experts, who can talk customers through this year’s outdoor living collection, including all furniture suites and individual items as well as Bents’ extensive range of BBQs.  They can help customers choose the perfect look to bring style and comfort to the outside areas of the home.

 

As well as suggesting the best products to suit style, space and household requirements Bents will ensure all measurements are taken and checked to ensure products will suit needs and available space.  All arrangements for delivery will be made during the appointment, or the option of Click and  Collect is also available. 

 

Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at the family owned and run Centre: “It definitely seems as though the country is starting to take small steps back to a bit of normality, but there’s still a long way to go and for many online shopping continues to be a huge help.  When it comes to those larger items it’s really important to get it right, which is why we’ve introduced this new service.  It allows our customers to not only see our full range of products but ask as many questions as they need to make sure whatever they choose is perfect for their space.”

 

Appointments can be booked by calling the store on 01942 266300 extension 461 or 462, to speak with one of Bents’ outdoor living colleagues and book a time which is convenient to meet virtually.

Appointments are currently available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Time slots available: 9-10am, 10-11am, 11-12pm, 4-5pm.

Tong creates new role ahead of new Food Hall launch

Tong Garden Centre has appointed a new Food Hall Manager as it prepares to launch an extended offering with a new look and new artisan producers...


 

Tong Garden Centre has appointed a new Food Hall Manager as it prepares to launch an extended offering with a new look and new artisan producers.

 

Leeds born Mark Jocelyn has been recruited to manage the new Hearty's food hall at Tong Garden Centre following a six month refurbishment programme that has seen the former food hall almost double in size.

 

Mr Jocelyn joins the Tong Lane garden centre with over 20 years' catering experience and has most recently managed The Deli at The Piece Hall in Halifax: "It's a very exciting time to be joining Tong, as we establish the blueprint for the food hall offering, both here at Tong and at future sites.

 

"I'm already enjoying working with the butchers, bakers and buyers as Hearty's prepares to launch to the public and am looking forward to leading the operations for both the ambient food and gift ranges as well as the expanding fresh produce areas.

 

"I will also be working closely with the commercial team to introduce new producers and artisans as well as launching products under the Hearty's ‘Lovingly Made' banner."

 

The development of Hearty's has been led by former Nestlé Senior Commercial Manager, Sarah Dwyer: "Having worked with the team at Tong to develop an amazing food hall experience over the last six months, I'm delighted to welcome Mark and I'm looking forward to seeing him and his team deliver our exciting vision."

 

When he's not working, Mr Jocelyn enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sport and cooking using locally sourced artisan food and drink.

 

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

Perrywood Tiptree helps communities to get growing

Perrywood aims to get more people growing in 2021. They will be supporting two charities and a community interest company who use gardening to help vulnerable groups, including refugees, the unemployed, adults with mental health issues and children...


 

Perrywood aims to get more people growing in 2021. They will be supporting two charities and a community interest company who use gardening to help vulnerable groups, including refugees, the unemployed, adults with mental health issues and children.

 

This year, Perrywood Tiptree will be supporting:

 

Together We Grow – located at the Big Garden in High Woods Country Park, Colchester. This community interest company improves communities and individuals’ lives by encouraging engagement with nature and food growing. Perrywood will support the ‘Together we grow at home’ project for Refugee Action Colchester and raise funds for a much-needed mini-bus, allowing more people to access projects at the garden. 

 

Abberton Rural Training – with training locations including Abberton, Halstead and Wormingford, this charity provides practical and skills training alongside therapeutic support to individuals in Essex and surrounding areas. Courses focus on rural skills, environment and horticulture. Perrywood will be raising funds for laptops and tools as well as supporting their well being planting scheme at all their training locations.

 

These organisations are very closely linked to the Perrywood vision to inspire people of all ages to get more plants in their lives and enjoy gardens and gardening. Gardening and connecting with nature have been proven to positively affect people’s mental health. It can help them relax and de-stress, especially now, when the NHS is overstretched. More and more people suffer from mental health problems. 

 

Jacqui Stone, CEO, Abberton Rural Training, says: “We are thrilled to be chosen by Perrywood, and we look forward to a blossoming relationship with the staff and customers over the coming months. This support will make such a huge difference to individuals and families, many of whom are isolated and disadvantaged.”

 

Wayne Setford, Founder, Together We Grow CIC, says: “We are delighted to have gained the support of Perrywood across a range of projects this year. This will enable us to help enrich the lives of school children, their families, our diverse local communities, and to support the mental and physical health of those most in need. Together we build community, together we enrich lives, together we grow.”

 

Perrywood Tiptree will also be supporting the Greenfingers Charity, a national charity that builds inspiring gardens for children’s hospices. The charity needs help to create a new garden at Haven House in Woodford, Essex.

 

Hannah Powell, HR & Communications Director, Perrywood, comments: “We are potty about plants and know how powerful they can be. Gardening can help people through difficult times and give them new skills. By supporting these wonderful local organisations, we can get more people growing and improve many people’s lives.”

 

In the last five years, Perrywood Tiptree has raised over £90,000 for charities.

Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards

 

The winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 have been announced LIVE! on-line during Glee's Festive Focus Day today. 

 

And the winners are...  


Watch the LIVE announcement and see all the results here

The winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 have been announced LIVE! on-line during Glee's Festive Focus Day today.

 

And the winners are...Watch the LIVE announcement during Glee's Festive Focus Day here or click below

 

 

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 – The Winners

  • The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team – Sponsored by Woodlodge - £500 stock for the winner – Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Pengelly, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team – Sponsored by GTN Bestsellers -subscriptions worth £580 for the winner – Pughs Radyr.
    • Highly Commended: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Pengelly

 

  • The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team – Sponsored by Garden Radio – 1 years’ service with bespoke messages, worth over £500 for the winner – The Old Railway Line.
    • Highly Commended: Barton Grange, Colemans Garden Centre, Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team – Sponsored by SOLEX - 2 x Hotel Rooms at SOLEX 2021 for the winner – Altons BBQ World
    • Highly Commended: Hillmount

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Pets Team – Sponsored by Smart Garden Products, Zöon -£500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line
    • Highly Commended: Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Community/Charity Initiative – Sponsored by Kaemingk – A display from their UK showroom for the winner - Pengelly
    • Highly Commended: Daisy Nook, Dobbies, Perrywood, Thetford

 

  • The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea – Sponsored by Glee – 2 x Hotel Rooms at Glee 2021 for the winner - Groves
    • Highly Commended: Altons BBQ World, Hillmount, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video – Sponsored by Premier Decorations - £500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line
    • Highly Commended: Bosworths, Glendoick, Pengelly

 

  • The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team – Sponsored by Elho - £500 stock for the winner - Baytree
    • Highly Commended: Lakeside Plant Centre

 

  • The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Display Team – Sponsored by Global Journey - £500 stock for the winner – Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Baytree

 

  • The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by DCUK - £500 stock for the winner – Squires Badshot Lea
    • Highly Commended: British Garden Centres Thatcham

 

  • The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Ascalon - £500 stock for the winner - Pengelly
    • Highly Commended: Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre

 

  • The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk - A display from their UK showroom for the winner – Busy Bee
    • Highly Commended: Glendoick, Planters Tamworth, Sapcote, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team Sponsored by Festive - £500 stock for the winner – Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Baytree, Hillmount, Perrywood

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Supplier – As voted for by garden centres taking part in The Greatest Christmas Awards - Kaemingk
    • Finalists: Festive, Gisela Graham, Noma - Leisuregrow, Otterhouse, Premier, Smart - Three Kings, Snowtime, Swift Imports

 

With almost 100 individual entries for the awards submitted before the New Years Eve deadline the judges spent many hours reviewing the entries, scanning websites and social media to produce the following list of Finalists:

 

 

Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Bosworths, Busy Bee, Christies of Fochabers, Colemans Garden Centre, Daisy Nook, Dobbies, Garden Centre Overstrand, Glendoick, Grange Farm Nursery, Groves, Haskins, Hillmount, Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre, Millbrook, Old Barn, Otter Nurseries, Pengelly, Perrywood, Planters Tamworth, Planters Bretby, Pughs, Rosebourne - Weyhill, Sapcote, Squires Badshot Lea, St Peters - Worcester, Thatcham - BGC, The Old Railway Line, Thetford, Waresley Park.

 

See photos from all the Finalist centres below.  Well done to them all!

 

Watch out for more detail about the winners in future issues of GTN Xtra and the January issue of GTN which will be published later this week.

Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day

 

Take a look at Christmas future with forecasters, Trend Bible as they dive into the emerging trends that will define Christmas 2021...


 

It’s never too early to get your Christmas strategy in order. Festive Focus Day equips you with everything you need to know to make sure your 2021 Christmas ranges fly off the shelves.

 

Take a look at Christmas future with forecasters, Trend Bible as they dive into the emerging trends that will define Christmas 2021 using this link or click below

 

 
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...





with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

 
Huge year for Grow Your Own

It’s going to be a huge year for Grow Your Own. With only seven weeks of the year gone, ‘stay at home’ and bad weather for at least five of those week, the GTN Veg-2-Gro sales index is already 3% up on last year...


 

It’s going to be a huge year for Grow Your Own. With only seven weeks of the year gone, ‘stay at home’ and bad weather for at least five of those week, the GTN Veg-2-Gro sales index is already 3% up on last year. 

 

It could be that the only thing to limit Veg-2-Gro sales this year will be supply. Have you got enough in stock and on order?

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Taylors Onion Sets Red Baron move up one place to No 1.
  • Farplants Thyme Lemon 9cm is the highest re-entry in the GTN Chart at No 12.
  • Mr Fothergills Tomato Gardeners Delight is the highest climber up the chart, zooming up to No 6.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
New appointments to AMES UK Senior Leadership Team

The successful development of AMES UK during an unprecedented time of uncertainty has been, in no short measure, the result of the dedication, experience and expertise of the managers and staff in Apta, La Hacienda, True Temper and Kelkay. James Hoad (pictured) has recently been appointed as Supply Chain Director...


The successful development of AMES UK during an unprecedented time of uncertainty has been, in no short measure, the result of the dedication, experience and expertise of the managers and staff in Apta, La Hacienda, True Temper and Kelkay. 

 

Paul North, AMES UK Managing Director says that he has found outstanding knowledge, experience and dedication in the teams which represents huge development potential for the future of the business. It’s made him very confident of delivering ambitious growth plans over the coming months; one of the early and most significant elements of which is in Supply and Operational Planning.

 

James Hoad has recently been appointed as Supply Chain Director, a role in which he has already built strong connections between commercial sales teams, demand planning, production and stock availability. James has more than 10 years’ experience with Apta where he was previously Commercial Director.

 

 

He is working on the project in close partnership with Jon Wilson, who has been promoted to the position of Manufacturing Director, responsible for the development of the Pollington manufacturing facility. Jon has been with the business since 2015 and is focussed on deploying the huge investments in equipment and infrastructure which have helped the business achieve a 25% increase in overall production capacity in the last 12 months.

 

James is developing close supply chain partnerships with key suppliers in Europe and the Far East. Reviewing suppliers across the four Operating Companies has revealed opportunities for major synergies and AMES UK expects this to deliver new exclusive supply relationships and improved efficiencies.

 

James and Jon are members of the new AMES UK Executive Leadership Team which is tasked with implementing the business’ ambitious growth and development plans.

 

Jon Wilson said “The last few months have been some of the most challenging and exciting of my career. I’m very proud to be part of the new AMES UK Executive Leadership Team. Together, we are building a really exciting future.”  James Hoad added “The creation of this multi-disciplinary Executive Leadership Team with people from all parts of the business is helping to build a mutually supportive and confident culture. It’s a high-energy and fulfilling place to work.”

 
Mad March sales levels in February

Core garden products led the way as activity soared with the break in the weather and half term week. The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales index was closer to a March week than a normal February week...


 

Core garden products led the way as activity soared with the break in the weather and half term week. The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales index was closer to a March week than a normal February week.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1L + 30% Free romped back into the chart at No 1.
  • Westland’s PlantPak Windowsill Greenhouse was a new entry at No 11.
  • Brintons Patio Magic 2.5L saw the biggest percentage sales increase, week on week, to re-enter at No 45.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
GCA virtual area meetings hailed a success

The first regional meetings of 2021 for Garden Centre Association members were held online and were hailed a great success by attendees recently. Garden centre staff from South Thames, Midlands and Wales & West, North Thames, North West and North East areas got together virtually to discuss and air their views with their peers.


The first regional meetings of 2021 for Garden Centre Association members were held online and were hailed a great success by attendees recently...

 

Garden centre staff from South Thames, Midlands and Wales & West, North Thames, North West and North East areas got together virtually to discuss and air their views with their peers.

 

Iain Wylie (pictured), Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Although slightly different from our usual style of area meetings, we, like many others, are using technology to ensure members have some face-to-face contact, even if it is via a computer screen.

 

“After what has been a tremendously difficult year, it gave owners and management teams from our member centres the opportunity to meet and discuss various topics, such as current trading conditions and predictions for 2021, issues surrounding supply, including the challenges due to the container shortages and Brexit, as well as phytosanitary legislation. The environment and sustainability matters, were covered too, including the peat debate.”

 

The meetings had very similar agendas, but the Area Chairmen were able to facilitate the sessions and tailor the conversations to the topics most important to their respective regions.

 

They held true to the essence of a good area meeting, the opportunity to share business concerns, successes and best practice with likeminded individuals.

 

Iain added: “The feedback from members couldn’t have been more positive. It is more than apparent that meetings in person are missed but in the current situation these type of meetings are the next best thing and no doubt in the future will have apart to play alongside and supplementing the traditional meetings.

 

“We held our first online meeting in November 2020 for our Scotland and Northern Ireland areas, and more online meetings are being planned and will take place in the coming months.

 

“We pride ourselves on our area meetings and many of our members say they are one of the biggest benefits of membership. They are a fantastic motivational and management tool and, in more difficult times, reassuring, as members facing the same challenges are able to share their problems and to look forward to the future with more optimism.”

 
Growing media sales up 175%

Early bird gardeners certainly caught up on their growing media purchases last week.  Sales almost doubled week on week and set an all time GTN Bestsellers record for any of the first seven weeks of the year...


 

Early bird gardeners certainly caught up on their growing media purchases last week.  Sales almost doubled week on week and set an all time GTN Bestsellers record for any of the first seven weeks of the year.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Essential Top Soil 35 litres was the highest chart re-entry at No 16.
  • Godwins Peat Free All Purpose Compost 50 litres climbed furthest up the chart to No 12.
  • Westland The Gardener's Multipurpose Compost Bale 80 litres was the only new entry of the week, in at No 44.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Gardenex organises webinar on ‘Exporting to the EU since the trade deal’

Gardenex will be hosting a special webinar, ‘Exporting to the EU since the trade deal – impacts and key issues’, on Friday 5 March from 10am to 12.30pm...


Gardenex will be hosting a special webinar, ‘Exporting to the EU since the trade deal – impacts and key issues’, on Friday 5 March from 10am to 12.30pm.

 

The webinar will look at the key exporting issues which exporters have been facing in 2021 following the conclusion of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU on Christmas Eve.

 

Tailored for the gardening, leisure, pet and commercial horticultural industries, the webinar will be hosted by Strong & Herd LLP, one of the experts in and key suppliers of export training advice and information in the UK. 

 

Tim Hiscock, Export Development and International Trade Adviser, will be presenting the webinar. He has 30 years’ experience in international sales management in a wide range of manufacturing sectors, has worked with small and large companies in developing international business, and has a strong track record in developing and managing distribution networks. 

 

Topics covered will include:

  • New customs processes (import/export declarations)
  • New documentation requirements
  • Commodity codes
  • Origin rules
  • Incoterms rules 
  • Labelling and product standards/liability issues
  • Northern Ireland
  • Question and Answer session

 

The webinar is part of a suite of invaluable information being provided on this issue to member companies by Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA. The combination of regular tailored information bulletins, industry updates and the Federation’s online helpline is providing companies with valuable insights and practical support to help them protect and expand their international sales in a profitable manner during and following the UK’s exit from the EU.

 

The two hour presentation will sum up the latest information on the actions exporters should be taking when exporting to the EU and will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Questions should be sent in advance to charlie@gardenex.com.

 

 

The webinar will be offered as a free of charge service to members of Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA.

 

Non-members can register to take part in the webinar and will also receive a credit of £50 against a membership subscription to Gardenex, PetQuip or the Commercial Horticultural Association.

 

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, says: “If you are an exporting company in the gardening, pet, leisure and commercial horticultural or allied industries, and need more information about the impact and key issues surrounding trading with EU countries now and in future, then this webinar is designed for you.”

 

Companies interested taking part in the webinar can contact charlie@gardenex.com to receive full details and the registration link. If you cannot make the event on 5 March, you will still be able to access the presentation at a later date – if you register in advance.

 
Best week since 2017 for Wild Bird Care

Even with all the focus on core gardening and plants, Wild Bird Care sales still recorded a record sales level for a January or February week since 2017. Over two thirds of the lines in the GTN Top 50 increased their sales week on week, a great sign for the rest of spring...


 

Even with all the focus on core gardening and plants, Wild Bird Care sales still recorded a record sales level for a January or February week since 2017. Over two thirds of the lines in the GTN Top 50 increased their sales week on week, a great sign for the rest of spring.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Henry Bell Essentials Seed Mix 2kg stayed at No 1 after doubling its sales.
  • Tom Chambers Snuggler Nest Box was the highest re-entry to the Top 50 at No 15.
  • Westland Peckish Natural Energy Balls 6 pack saw the biggest percentage week on week growth, back in the chart at No 25.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

David Austin reopens its UK wholesale trade with the announcement of its partnership programme

After a challenging year, David Austin has slowly started to re-open parts of its business closed due to the impact of Coronavirus. Spring 2020 saw the closure of Garden Centres across the UK and the subsequent closure of David Austin’s wholesale trade and its own Plant Centre in Shropshire...


After a challenging year, David Austin has slowly started to re-open parts of its business closed due to the impact of Coronavirus. Spring 2020 saw the closure of Garden Centres across the UK and the subsequent closure of David Austin’s wholesale trade and its own Plant Centre in Shropshire.  

 

Whilst David Austin weathered the pandemic by relying on its well-established mail-order business, the effects of both Coronavirus and Brexit have had a profound effect on the long-standing business.

“We have been faced with a combination of challenges we could never have imagined when planning our crops even a couple of years ago. However, we are adapting to these new challenges and preparing for the future, although it will take us a little time to catch up due to our 2-year growing cycle.” says Richard Austin.

 

Spring 2020 saw David Austin unable to pot up 230,00 roses and planting was significantly reduced, the effects of which are only just being felt. In order to re-open the company has had to face the difficult reality of reducing its wholesale customer base by half. Carefully selected customers have been invited onto the Partnership Program where they will have priority access to the limited stock available.  

 

“This is not how we planned to embark on our Partnership Program, as despite being guaranteed stock this season, our partners will still be limited on the quantity and varieties available while we deal with the wake of the coronavirus effect. Over the next couple of growing cycles, we will be able to return to some normality, continue to improve our trade offering and invite more customers onto our partnership programme.  

 

We are re-opening, slowly and cautiously and we hope to be able to re-open our own plant centre and gardens too in the foreseeable future, however it is unlikely to be business as normal for a while both in the UK and in Europe where we have currently had to suspend trade altogether.” summarises Richard Austin.

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Sue Allen and Tammy Woodhouse to Brave the Shave on Garden Re-Leaf Day

 

Two brave souls are daring to “brave the shave” this year in support of Garden Re-Leaf Day’s 10thanniversary this March (Friday 19th) and the FUNdraising efforts of the Greenfingers charity...


 

Two brave souls are daring to “brave the shave” this year in support of Garden Re-Leaf Day’s 10thanniversary this March (Friday 19th) and the FUNdraising efforts of the Greenfingers charity. 

 

Taking the plunge will be Greenfingers Chairman Sue Allen, along with Millbrook Garden Centre’s Managing Director/Greenfingers Trustee, Tammy Woodhouse, who will be saying goodbye to their lockdown locks for good as they prepare to shave their heads, all in the name of charity.

 

Speaking about their head-shave, Sue said: “Having become Chairman of Greenfingers just before the charity’s biggest fundraising day last year, I couldn’t believe how lucky we were to be able to hold the event just before the country locked down for the first time.  

 

"I am also conscious of the fact that so many of the events we would normally rely on to help raise huge sums didn’t take place last year and may not happen in 2021 - the GCA Conference in January, our own Fundraising dinner, our previously planned first-ever Summer Ball and lots more.  

 

"Despite all our fears, we are so grateful to so many wonderful friends of the charity who supported in so many ways. But the reality is that, even though we could be slowly beating this virus, 2021 will be far more challenging in terms of fundraising. 

 

“So, in an effort to make a big difference on the 10th Garden Re-leaf Day, my daughter Tammy and I have made a huge and somewhat crazy commitment to raise at least £10,000 by having our heads shaved at Millbrook’s Gravesend Garden Centre on Friday 19th March to mark Garden Re-Leaf Day.

 

“It has taken a lot of soul searching and self-questioning before deciding to go for it.  However, in part, it is a salute not only to some of those children and families in the hospices we help but also to friends near and far who have experienced hair loss in their battle against cancers.  

 

“If we can raise lots of money to compensate for the income streams, we know we have lost this year, then it will be worth the cold heads, strange looks and the agonising wait for our hair to grow again.” 

 

If you would like to support Sue and Tammy’s hair-raising challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sueandtambraveshave 

 
Garden centre seeks planning permission for holiday lodges

Skylark Garden Centre has applied for planning permission to build holiday lodges on its Wimblington site in Cambridgeshire...


 

Skylark Garden Centre has applied for planning permission to build holiday lodges on its Wimblington site in Cambridgeshire.

 

The lodges will cash in on the site's natural abundance of nature and will sit nicely alongside the three fishing lakes that Skylark opened last summer.

 

Edward Gowler, whose family runs Skylark has sought permission to build 67 holiday lodges, a toilet block, a reception building with associated parking and landscaping, and extensions to the existing garden centre building and car park.

 

The aim would be to build the lodges in phases to allow for the necessary capital to be generated.

 

The lodges will be glass at one end with a decking area overlooking the fishing lakes, with residents able to enjoy a spot of fishing on their own doorstep.

 
Last chance to view Woodlodge’s new Snowlodge Christmas Décor range
See the virtual portal from your own office right now!

There is still time to indulge in the festive spirit with Woodlodge’s brand new Snowlodge range for Christmas 2021.  This exciting offering, made up of over 1,400 products, is supported by a dedicated virtual portal where the full range is on display for buyers to view from the comfort of their own office...


 

There is still time to indulge in the festive spirit with Woodlodge’s brand new Snowlodge range for Christmas 2021.  This exciting offering, made up of over 1,400 products, is supported by a dedicated virtual portal where the full range is on display for buyers to view from the comfort of their own office.

 

Featuring popular favourites such as room decorations, ornaments, baubles, candle light and tea holders, plushes, outdoor display pieces and joyeux pot covers, the new Snowlodge offering represents a true one-stop-shop for retailers in all things Christmas. 

 

To make viewing the products as easy as possible during current restrictions, buyers can view the range through a 3D virtual portal and ‘walk through’ the Snowlodge product hub online.  The portal can be accessed below or through https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=JQ4PHwEL3dE and enables buying teams to view Snowlodge Christmas Décor offering together, helping to make more definitive choices for their centres ahead of the 2021 festive season.

 

The product hub is also available to physically view at the Cranmore Park Conference Centre in Solihull. Access to this 3000 square feet winter wonderland is available by appointment only. Stocked with the complete Snowlodge offering, buyers will be walked through the area by a Woodlodge sales representative, who will outline the product USPs and can assist with direct ordering. This hub will be open until March 25th, with deliveries into stores from September. 

 

Retailers will also be able to view Woodlodge’s Honey & Wild range of garden décor via both the hub and virtual portal. First launched at the company’s showroom, ‘Glee@Woodlodge’ last year, the portfolio consists of fun and whimsical products such as stakes, lanterns, metal statues, garden mirrors, wall planters, bird feeders and garden mobiles. 

 

 

Managing DirectorMichael Wooldridge said: “After a quiet Christmas in 2020, consumers are expected to go big on their festive decorations this year, after months of being apart from loved ones.  With this year’s celebrations expected to be heavily family orientated, the Snowlodge offering is a carefully curated portfolio of products that have been selected to drive sales during the crucial Christmas season.”

 

To book your place at the Snowlodge product hub or to receive a Snowlodge catalogue,  please email Tara Truman, on taratruman@woodlodge.co.uk  or Abigail Stocker on abigailstocker@woodlodge.co.uk

 

 
James Parr joins Smart Board

Smart Garden has announced the promotion of James Parr to its Board as National Accounts Director...


Smart Garden has announced the promotion of James Parr to its Board as National Accounts Director.

 

James, 41, came to Smart in November 2013, soon after Paris Natar acquired the business.

 

“I knew where this was going,” said James, “so was over the moon when invited to join the team. As a former garden centre retailer myself, I relished the challenge of helping to build a vibrant garden centre business for Smart. The rest is history”.

 

Jonathan Stobart, MD, commented: “James is universally liked and respected by customers and colleagues alike. He has consistently shown commercial insight, strategic thinking, energy, perseverance and, above all else, a fantastic sense of humour! This promotion forms part of our Company’s strategy to develop the next generation of Smart’s leaders.”

 
Gardening comes to the Sun on Sunday

The Sun on Sunday now has a Gardening page that reflects news, including what happened the day before...


The Sun on Sunday now has a Gardening page, in case you missed it. 

 

Peter Seabrook told GTN Xtra: "This is the page before it was tweaked to include reference to yesterday’ fine weather in Essex.  

 

"I believe this will be the only national gardening column that will reflect news, including what happened the day before.


"It is long over due for gardening to be up to date with copy in these days of instant news.  Just think how the weather has changed, last Sunday we were under several inches of snow and bitterly cold east wind, yesterday afternoon I managed to mow the top off the lawn."

 

 
Henry Bell secures exclusive contract with Blue Diamond

Leading quality pet, wild bird food and accessories manufacturer, Henry Bell Wild Bird Care announces it has acquired an exclusive contract with one of the largest garden centre retail groups in the UK and Channel Islands, Blue Diamond Group.


 

Leading quality pet, wild bird food and accessories manufacturer, Henry Bell Wild Bird Care announces it has acquired an exclusive contract with one of the largest garden centre retail groups in the UK and Channel Islands, Blue Diamond Group. Henry Bell has reached an agreement to produce Blue Diamond’s wild bird food own label products as well as supplying its full wild bird care range.

 

As of this month (February 2021), Henry Bell will be producing and supplying Blue Diamond with own label products, including new bulk 12.55kg sizes in Garden Banquet, Gourmet Crumble, Finest Peanuts and Finest Sunflower Hearts (see full product list in the notes to editor). The full own label range for Blue Diamond comes in 100% recyclable packaging.

 

Additionally, the full range of Henry Bell Wild Bird Care products will be available at 37 nationwide Blue Diamond garden centres. Henry Bell products include Wild Bird Feeders, Feeding Stations, a Decorative Feeder Collection, Nest Boxes, a broad range of feeds including Seed Mixes, Straight Foods, Fat Balls and Suet Bites & Cakes, and the most recent addition, the Sterling Collection.

 

 

Tom Scribbins, Category Manager of Pets and Wild Bird at Blue Diamond: “It is an exciting time for us as we are growing our range of quality own label products. We are delighted that Henry Bell will be our partners in this next chapter for wild bird care at Blue Diamond. Henry Bell’s catalogue of bird food and feeders will sit alongside our own label and will complement each other perfectly.”

 

Thomas Lee, Managing Director of Henry Bell & Co: “We are delighted to be the primary wild bird care supplier for Blue Diamond. Henry Bell has a long heritage in producing private label wild bird food, so it’s a privilege to be partnering with Blue Diamond to provide their loyal customers with premium produce – both own label and our extensive Henry Bell Wild Bird Care range.”

 
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Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour

In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.


In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.

 

To add your garden centre Christmas photo tour to GTN Xtra simply get snapping and enter The Greatest Christmas Awards.  See the categories here.  Send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details

 

 
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Sneak preview of Squires Badshot Lea Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Squires Bashot Lea's Christmas Awards entry photo tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of the photo tour submitted by Squires at Badshot Lea as part of their entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 so get snapping and enter your garden centre team today!

 

Full details are here.

 

 
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
Sneak preview of Perrywoods Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Perrywoods Christmas Awards Entry Photo Tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of Perrywoods photo tour entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2020, including the vital ingredient for all entries, team photos. See the gallery of photos below.  Apologies for the wrong photos being included in yesterdays edition.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards so get snapping and enter today.  Full details can be found here.

 

 
British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham

Charles Stubbs, Lewis Fox and Nemanja Tintor, along with the rest of the BGC team, were proud as punch yesterday as their 58th centre at Thatcham in Berkshire opened...


See GTN Xtra's exclusive photo tour of the new centre

Charles Stubbs, Lewis Fox and Nemanja Tintor, along with the rest of the BGC team, were proud as punch yesterday as their 58th centre at Thatcham in Berkshire opened.

 

The centre had been handed back to the landlords during the Wyevale Garden Centres sale of the century in and closed in September 2019 as the owners looked for a new leaseholder.  British Garden Centres took on the site in September 2020 and since then have refreshed the centre, enclosing a walkway at the Restaurant end to allow for extra covers, extending the covered sales area out into the planteria and hard surfacing the overflow car parking area which was previously a field.

 

See GTN Xtra's exclusive photo tour of the new centre below:

 

 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
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 2018 as well as 2019 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 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird & Wildlife Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for last 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 £100m.

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@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

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

All the latest news from the world of pet products


 
PetQuip Awards set to reward outstanding achievements during pandemic

The prestigious PetQuip Awards will take on even greater importance in 2021 when it recognises outstanding achievements within the pet industry during the Covid-19 pandemic...


The prestigious PetQuip Awards will take on even greater importance in 2021 when it recognises outstanding achievements within the pet industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Two new categories – ‘Innovations in Lockdown’ and ‘Community Projects during a Crisis’ – have been introduced this year to reflect on how well pet companies and individuals have excelled in the face of adversity.

 

Winning a PetQuip Award, which is recognised as a prestigious industry honour, could be just the tonic needed by companies which have been operating during the pandemic.

 

As well as the kudos of being recognised and rewarded for outstanding performance by the pet trade, winning a PetQuip Award will provide a welcome morale boost for pet product suppliers and retailers.

 

Entries for the 2021 awards are now open. Judging will take place in August and the plan is to announce the winners the following month at a special ‘Oscar-style’ event during PATS Telford on the 26th September.

 

“So many people in the industry have been asking when they can enter this year’s awards that we decided to launch now,” said Pat Flynn, award organiser and PetQuip’s Trade Association Manager.

 

“Winning an accolade for your achievements, especially in times such as this, bolsters morale and gives any business more opportunities to promote their new product developments and successes.”

 

PATS organiser Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions and Events, said: “It is important to bring the whole trade together after such a challenging period of time, and we’re delighted to be supporting the prestigious PetQuip Awards for 2021. You can be sure that we’ll be working even harder this year to make sure PATS Telford and the PetQuip Awards are the BEST in the business.”

 

The PATS Telford New Product Awards, sponsored by pbwnews, will also be presented during the PetQuip Awards event and party.

 

The PetQuip Awards is the pre-eminent pet industry awards event and will take place in a new ‘Oscar-style’ setting with even more opportunities for the whole trade to celebrate, network, relax and enjoy each others’ company.

 

The evening will start with a drinks reception, followed by presentations of the PATS New Products Awards and then the Oscar-style announcement of the winners of the PetQuip Awards will take place.

 

Guests will then be able to enjoy socialising during an international-themed buffet and informal evening entertainment.  

 

The award categories are:

  • Innovations in Lockdown
  • Community Projects during a Crisis
  • Business Start Up Award
  • Business of the Year - services, manufacturing, wholesale and supply 
  • Product of the Year – 3 sections – Accessories/Technical; Food /Treats; Healthcare/Animal Grooming
  • International Retailer, Wholesaler or Distributor of the Year
  • Exporter of the Year
  • UK Retailer of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Visit www.petquip.com to download the entry forms. PetQuip is happy to receive nominations for retailers and suppliers who in your opinion deserve to be winners.  The nomination can be made anonymously, and PetQuip will always contact anyone who has been nominated to progress the entry.

 

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of PetQuip, confirmed: “The PetQuip Awards, now in their ninth year, have consistently delivered recognition for the winners across the pet product industry, and are announced during a professional, enjoyable and successful networking evening for the whole industry. The PetQuip team is looking forward to delivering a great new-style event for all the industry during PATS Telford.”

 

A digital edition containing reactions from PetQuip Awards 2020 winners can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3qQu7LB

 

If you would like to benefit from PetQuip membership or require any further advice and assistance, email info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Doggy day care facility opens at Dobbies

Industry-leading doggy day care provider, Bruce’s, has opened its newest centre at Dobbies Garden Centre, Woodcote Green,  in Surrey. This is the second Bruce’s doggy day care to launch at a garden centre location, demonstrating the success of this new concept for concessions...


 

Industry-leading doggy day care provider, Bruce’s, has opened its newest centre at the Woodcote Green Garden Centre in Surrey, owned by Dobbies.  

 

This is the second Bruce’s doggy day care to launch at a garden centre location, demonstrating the success of this new concept for garden centre concessions.

 

Bruce’s doggy day care centres operate like a children’s nursery, but for dogs. Following 12 years of growth and success, Bruce’s continues to expand and the identification of new site locations is a priority.  The Bruce’s brand has already opened four new centres, with plans for further site roll-outs over the coming year. 

 

Garden centre locations are naturally aligned with the Bruce’s doggy day care concept.  Often semi-rural and with excess outdoor space, and often have wide green areas where dogs can exercise and play, with the opportunity for small, indoor areas for reception where the dogs can choose to snooze if they wish.  

 

In addition, the large car parking areas associated with garden centres provide plenty of space at drop-off and pick-up times, as well as accommodating the Bruce’s buses, which ferry the dogs between their homes and the day care centre.

 

Dog owners generally have a natural affinity with the great outdoors, walking, hiking and enjoying their gardens, making them perfect garden centre customers. Particularly for those centres featuring pet care sections, selling dog food, treats and toys, which Bruce’s customers can enjoy browsing and purchasing from.

 

Bruce Casalis, Founder of Bruce’s, said, “The demand for doggy day care services is booming and as the UK’s leading provider, the Bruce’s brand is set to grow.  As we’ve researched sites for new day care centres, it has become clear that a garden centre setting is beneficial to us, while the arrival of our customers is beneficial to them.  It’s a perfect match and we are hoping to replicate more as we grow.”

 

To discuss the suitability of a Bruce’s doggy day care centre for your garden centre, please contact Ed Daniell, Head of Property, on 07840 379618 or email him at ed.daniell@bruces.dog