In This Issue
The lockdown gardeners – who are they and how do we keep them?
When it rains... sales fall. Garden centre business as normal...
Fire & water - Woodlodge adds to product line-up for 2021
#millionplantingmoments as plant sales stay strong
Christmas grows by 21% with chocolate as the topping
Tong applies for planning permission for a second site
Firm acquires intellectual property of Internet Gardener
Royal visitor to Food Hall at Squire’s Frensham
Homebase launches UK’s first ‘Green Aisle’ to help shoppers make environmentally friendly choices
GCA members plan for a successful Christmas
Clear ‘N’ Collect combines functionality and sustainability for the most advanced rake yet!
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Rosebourne sign up Whalley and Ormrod
Planting in pots and houseplant care drive sales
Visors out sell facemasks in garden centres - updated
Wild weather boost for wildlife
Darlac appoints Business Development Manager
HTA’s Ornamentals Management Committe welcomes new appointments 
The best of last week's
Christmas gets off to a flying start – up 71%
Garden centre sales up 30% in September
Garden centres must work in partnership with suppliers
Blue Diamond interim results show resilient performance
The birth of a brand: Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild range to ignite sales of garden décor in 2021
Retirement Village plan submitted for Solihull garden centre site
Garden Centre Photo Tours
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
Winners of the PATS Telford 2020 New Product Awards revealed
Pet and garden store chain commits to the high street
Mars Petcare to drive seasonal sales with festive additions
Team Beco recruit dogs to sniff out River Thames litter
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Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214


Garden centres must work in partnership with suppliers

GCA and GIMA members concluded during a recent webinar that garden centres will need to work in partnership with suppliers to minimise future supply chain disruption.

 

During the joint virtual forum, members of both associations discussed measures put in place to ensure a smooth continuity of stock availability during the autumn season and into 2021.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive explained: “Our latest forum allowed members to discuss the important issues currently facing our industry, after a particularly uncertain time.

 

“They debated the knock-on effect on their businesses due to the current trading conditions, as a result of COVID-19, as well as supply chain continuity, the pre-season attitude and whether they are anticipating a similar demand for gardening/leisure products next year. 

 

“The effect of Christmas performance on attitude and timing of the 2021 season was also discussed, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on product development and their expectations regarding innovations for 2021. Are they currently sourcing new products and suppliers, or sticking with this year’s supply base?

 

“Like our previous sessions, it was noted once again, that communication between retailers and suppliers will be key going forward. However, this time the equally important message was that retailers will need to work in partnership with their chosen suppliers to maximise sales opportunities and minimise supply chain disruption and ensure stock availability. 

 

“Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ for suppliers and retailers in regard to pre-season and forward ordering. With almost daily government announcements bringing in new rules or restrictions, garden centres, in particular, find themselves prioritising the ‘here and now’ just to keep trading safely. However, there is a desire to work together with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure continuity of supply for the spring 2021 season. Retailers and suppliers need to discuss on a case by case basis.”

 

The panellists on behalf of the GCA were Mike Burks, The Garden’s Group Managing Director and GCA Chairman and GCA Midlands Chairman, William Blake, who is also the Director of St Peter’s Garden Centre.

 

Representing GIMA was Nigel Thompson, Head of Sales at Sipcam, John Grayson, Hozelock Commercial Director and David Nicholson, UK Sales Manager at Elho.

 

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “There was a strong message from the suppliers involved in the forum about importance of pre-season in ensuring continuity of supply for 2021. With a reported extra two million new gardeners emerging from the lockdown everyone is anticipating continued interest in gardening in 2021.

 

“Covid-19 has created so many unknowns and uncertainties for next year, as well as other global forces affecting the whole of the supply chain, meaning suppliers are having to forecast even further ahead than usual.  Pre-season ordering and early commitment to stock is now more important than ever for next year.”

 

The virtual forums will continue to take place during the next six to 12 months and a range of topics will be discussed. Sessions are free and exclusive to members of both trade associations.

 

Registration details for the next event will be sent to GCA and GIMA members shortly.

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