In This Issue
Summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues
Face masks from Global Journey are a garden centre bestseller
All time high for July growing media sales
Perrywood partners with Mercury Theatre to host a performance for the plants
Summer plant sales will be better than 2018
GIMA announces virtual Buyer Connect session with British Garden Centres
Eat Out To Help Out at Dobbies
GCA and GIMA join forces to enable better communication between garden centres and suppliers
HTA and Gerald Eve continue to campaign on Scottish garden centres ratings after recent successes
Johnsons Microgreens range gets makeover for new season
DJ Turfcare is set to transform lawncare sales this autumn with new Autumn Lawn Treatment
Whartons Roses – 2020/21 catalogue now available
New plants in HTA Virtual Awards added to Joy of Plants’ library
Merchandiser/ Area representative
Plant Area Manager, Goonhavern Garden Centre, Cornwall.
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Strong start to post-lockdown recovery for garden centres according to HTA Market Update
Core garden care drives up sales
Spuds for Christmas double sales
The best of last week's
Pughs cancel their award winning Christmas Grotto for 2020
First UK visitors to Kaemingk showroom after lockdown
Woodlodge acquires Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry
Dobbies and Sainsbury’s launch grocery partnership
No financial support for English plant growers
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
Lily’s Kitchen unveils revamped dry pet food ranges
PetQuip Awards will recognise industry’s outstanding achievements in an innovative format for 2020
Britain's 10 million dog owners can play lead role in protecting the environment, urges top Uk eco-firm Beco
Situations Vacant
Merchandiser/ Area representative
M4 Corridor Oxford/Buckinghamshire/Berkshire, Full-time, £21k pa
 
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Plant Area Manager, Goonhavern Garden Centre, Cornwall.
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Summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues

The summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues with the GTN Bestsellers All Products Index showing a 3% week in week increase to be 33% up on last year...


 

The summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues with the GTN Bestsellers All Products Index showing a 3% week in week increase to be 33% up on last year.  

 

With a whole week still to go the GTN Index for July is only 3% down on the whole month for last year and higher than the whole month total for 2018, 2017, 2011 and 2012.  Next week we will be able to report on yet another sales record broken since garden centres were able to re-open.

 

Core gardening continues to be the main driver for volume sales, with records also being set for Garden Products, Growing Media, Veg 2 Gro and All Plants.

 

It will be interesting to see if making the wearing of face masks compulsory on Friday 24th July makes a difference to footfall and sales.  Sales of face masks in garden centres are certainly on the up!  See the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter for details of bestselling face masks featuring in the GTN Bestsellers EPoS data:  www.gardentradenews.co.uk

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 29

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 22%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 110%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 8%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 125%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 29

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 29%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 33%

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

Face masks from Global Journey are a garden centre bestseller
GTN Promotion

There was good news for the range of Global Journey Face Masks last week. The aggregated sales of their face mask range make them the No 1 selling face masks in garden centres according to GTN Bestsellers...


There was good news for the range of Global Journey Face Masks last week. The aggregated sales of their face mask range make them the No 1 selling face masks in garden centres according to GTN Bestsellers.

Compared to sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart they would be at No 3, sitting between Tomorite 1 litre + 30% free and Tomorite 1 litre!

 

Since the launch of the Global Journey Face Masks earlier this month, sales in the garden centres have been astounding, with some customers reporting sales of £400 - £800 per day.

 

Claire Jenner at Frosts Garden Centres said: "Great sales on the face masks last week. You went in as our No.2 supplier on clothing last week at £1.6k. We are now chasing our tail on replenishing.  How soon could you get a stand and stock to our Brampton store? We didn’t include them in the original offer, but with the sales so strong it seems daft they haven’t got it."

 

Customer feedback is mainly focused on the great quality, superb designs, and great retail price of £3.99. There are 48 designs, 24 adult and 24 kids (48 x 6 @ £1.70) displayed on a slimline stand measuring only 46cm width.

 

They are breathable baby soft polyester, with an Anti-Microbial finish. They are shaped to hug, washable and re-usable. They have been so successful, that new designs are already being worked on in time for Autumn / Winter.

 

To order or for more information simply call 0161 8720333 or email isamuels@global-journey.com

 




All time high for July growing media sales

Growing media sales for July are already at an all time high, 39% up on last years record high after only 3 weeks of sales. It would appear the desire to grow in pots and planters will continue through the summer this year...


Growing media sales for July are already at an all time high, 39% up on last years record high after only 3 weeks of sales. It would appear the desire to grow in pots and planters will continue through the summer this year.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Erin Molloys Multipurpose Compost 50 litres is the highest new entry to the GTN chart this week.  In at No 24.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multi Purpose with John Innes 40 litres stays at No 1.
  • Bulrush John Innes Seed 25 litres is another new entry at No 49.

 

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.

Perrywood partners with Mercury Theatre to host a performance for the plants

The plants at Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree received a musical surprise this week when they were treated to a very special concert by local freelance performers, singer Jenna Saiz-Abo Henriksen and pianist Adam Abo Henriksen, as arranged by the Mercury Theatre Colchester...


The plants at Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree received a musical surprise this week when they were treated to a very special concert by local freelance performers, singer Jenna Saiz-Abo Henriksen and pianist Adam Abo Henriksen, as arranged by the Mercury Theatre Colchester.


Inspired by the Barcelona Opera House, which reopened last month with a performance to 2,292 potted plants, Perrywood joined forces with the Mercury to put on this special out of hours performance on Tuesday evening, bringing music to the plants while showing their support to their local theatre.


Perrywood Tiptree reopened on the 13 May but the Mercury Theatre still faces an uncertain wait for guidance on when and how they may be able to reopen. Perrywood Tiptree has been a Corporate Member of the Colchester based theatre for a few years, and wanted to use this opportunity to offer additional support the Mercury Rising fundraising campaign to which it has made a donation today. The Mercury Rising redevelopment project, which continues safely following government guidance during the pandemic, will see the theatre refurbished as part of a £10m capital project due to finish this year.


Hannah Powell, Communications & HR Director at Perrywood Tiptree said: “Music and plants have both played an important role in supporting people through the lockdown. They both enable people to let go of their worries and fears and to focus on something different for a while.


“It’s not just people who respond well to music; research suggests that any sound, including music, helps boost plant growth! If you enjoyed watching the performance please do consider making a small donation to the Mercury Rising campaign.”


Steve Mannix, Executive Director at Mercury Theatre Colchester said: “We are very grateful to have Perrywood’s support, especially at this time. Their donation enabled us to engage with some of our local freelancers whilst helping to ensure the future of our beloved theatre. We are looking forward to the day we will once again be able to open our doors and provide live entertainment for our audiences. Until then, we hope you will enjoy the videos of Jenna and Adam, as well as the rest of the brilliant online content our team have been producing for our current Mercury Online programme.”


You can find out more about the Mercury Rising campaign and Mercury Online programme at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk.

Summer plant sales will be better than 2018

It looks as though summer plant sales will hold up for longer than the summer of 2018, provided there are plants available for people to buy...


 

It looks as though summer plant sales will hold up for longer than the summer of 2018, provided there are plants available for people to buy.  

 

Last week saw GTN Bestsellers All Plant sales volumes up by 29% on last year and up 35% on the same week of 2018.  

 

There’s an indication of people buying autumn plants early, as soon as they go on sale, with Cyclamen re-entering the chart at No 49, a week earlier than last year.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Calibrachoa stay at No 1.
  • Gazania are the highest re-entry at No 22.

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.

GIMA announces virtual Buyer Connect session with British Garden Centres

On Tuesday 18th August, GIMA along with buyers from the UK’s second largest garden centre chain, British Garden Centres, will be hosting a special virtual Buyer Connect event...


On Tuesday 18th August, GIMA along with buyers from the UK’s second largest garden centre chain, British Garden Centres, will be hosting a special virtual Buyer Connect event.

 

Representing the second virtual event in the 2020 Buyer Connect calendar, this speed networking opportunity will allow potential suppliers to ‘meet’ with buyers responsible for sourcing British Garden Centre’s gift, gardening, Christmas and furniture offering for Spring/Summer 2020/2021.  

 

After taking advantage of the recent Wyevale dispersals, and more recently acquiring the Hillview group, British Garden Centres has grown exponentially, and now incorporates 57 stores across England and Wales, making it the second biggest garden centre chain in the UK. As such this Buyer Connect event marks an incredibly exciting opportunity for brands to showcase their latest product innovations to this highly engaged and influential group of buyers.

 

Each virtual ‘meeting’ will last 20 minutes and will be open to any supplier that does not currently trade with British Garden Centres.

 

Taking part could not be easier. To secure an appointment interested parties are invited to complete an application form (found at https://gima.org.uk/buyer-connect/ or by following the links below) and submit it to info@gima.org.uk. Do note that whilst efforts are taken to fulfil all requests, an appointment is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the buyers.

 

The cost for taking part in this virtual Buyer Connect event will be £60+VAT per appointment for GIMA members, and £120+VAT per appointment for non-members.

 

Closing Date for applications:  Friday 7th August 2020

 

To find out more please visit www.gima.org.uk or call 01959 564947.

 

Link to application form:

Buyer Connect Application Form .xls
Buyer Connect Application Form .pdf

Eat Out To Help Out at Dobbies

Dobbies are taking part in the UK Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme which gives diners 50% off their restaurant bill up to the value of £10 and they have been awarded AA COVID-19 Confident accreditation across all 68 restaurants...


Dobbies, along with many other garden centres, are taking part in the UK Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme which gives diners 50% off their restaurant bill up to the value of £10.

 

Running from 3 to 31 August, Monday to Wednesday each week, the offer will be available across all Dobbies’ restaurants, allowing customers to enjoy the brand’s delicious meals, cakes and treats for less. Diners will also be able to take advantage of further savings with VAT reduced to just 5% on food, making eating out even more cost-effective.

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We know many of our customers have missed enjoying spending time with family and friends in our restaurants and we’re delighted to welcome them back. By participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme we are making sure our customers can enjoy their Dobbies’ favourites for less.”

 

All restaurants across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland now open, with plans to reopen Wales on Monday 3 August, in line with Government guidance. Dobbies was awarded AA COVID-19 Confident accreditation across all 68 restaurants due to stringent safety measures.

 

Graeme Jenkins adds: “The safety of our team members and customers is Dobbies’ number one priority. We have worked hard to ensure the safety measures we’ve put in place meet Government guidelines and will keep both our team members and customers safe. It is excellent to have received recognition of these efforts under the AA COVID-19 Confident scheme.”

 

For more information visit dobbies.com
For information on the safety measures in place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_cbz1Wg7aU
For information on the Dobbies’ Safety Champion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00PeKsG3Dqw

GCA and GIMA join forces to enable better communication between garden centres and suppliers

A new joint initiative between the Garden Centre Association and The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association has launched to enable debate and communication between retailers and suppliers...


A new joint initiative between the Garden Centre Association and The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association has launched to enable debate and communication between retailers and suppliers.

 

A programme of joint virtual forums between members of both associations has been created to aid healthy debate to enable a stronger, more resilient, and dynamic supply chain going forward.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive explained: “We are delighted to have joined forces with GIMA to create a space where members of both associations can come together to discuss the industry and how we move forward after the recent COVID restrictions and closures.

 

“Our first forum took place on July 14 and we heard from representatives from both the GCA and GIMA who discussed the pressures everyone faced and how we could work together to come up with improvements that will help us all in the medium to longer term.”

 

The panellists on behalf of the GCA were Mike Burks, The Garden’s Group Managing Director and GCA Chairman, Simon Bourne, Director at Perrywood Garden Centre and David Yardley, Chief Executive at Klondyke Strikes.

 

Representing GIMA was Simon McArdle from Westland Horticulture and newly elected GIMA President, Craig Hall of Deco-Pak and newly elected GIMA Vice President and Simon Taylor of Plantworks, which is a GIMA member.

 

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “After a prolonged and unprecedented period of heightened demand for gardening products, both retailers and the supply chain have been put under severe pressure. Many of whom have had to reinvent their businesses overnight. Iain and I posed a series of questions to our panel about their experiences over the last few months.

 

“It soon became clear that suppliers across all categories had experienced similar challenges keeping up with the nonstop demand for gardening products leading to stock availability issues and extended lead times. Issues where compounded by social distancing in factories and distribution centres hampering efforts to fulfil orders”

 

Attendees to the forum shared their experience during lockdown and how they managed the situation with regards stock, manufacturing, and personnel.

 

Iain added: “As an industry we were very fortunate to have been allowed to reopen ahead of other sectors. The GCA and GIMA worked with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and others to help bring this about, showing what can be achieved when the industry works together. It is important we keep these lines of communication open between garden centres and their suppliers to ensure disruption to the supply chain is minimised in the coming months and looking ahead to 2021. 

 

“The forum was extremely helpful for everyone who attended. The key thing that came out of it was that the season is going on longer, tailing off less quickly and we doubt we will see a stop to summer and a start to autumn, it will be more of a transition. 

 

“Gardening has led the post lockdown recovery of sales – notably compost, plants but, also, furniture. All agreed there had been supply issues, often beyond the direct control of the garden product supplier themselves but retailers had been understanding, as had garden centre customers, in taking available alternatives. 

 

“The important thing that must be learned is communication and honesty through the supply chain is critical, whatever the issue, as only with honest and realistic understanding of lead times and availability can centres plan ahead and give accurate information to customers.”

 

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.

 
HTA and Gerald Eve continue to campaign on Scottish garden centres ratings after recent successes

James Barnes, HTA Chairman, and Gerald Eve, the HTA’s preferred partner on rating advice in Scotland, recently attended the Scottish Ratepayers Forum as part of the ongoing campaign to tackle the rates issues faced by garden centres in Scotland...


James Barnes, HTA Chairman, and Gerald Eve, the HTA’s preferred partner on rating advice in Scotland, recently attended the Scottish Ratepayers Forum as part of the ongoing campaign to tackle the rates issues faced by garden centres in Scotland.  

 

The Scottish Ratepayers Forum is the key platform for trade associations and surveyors to represent businesses in Scotland to the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) and Scottish Government on the Non-Domestic Rating system in Scotland.  

Recently Gerald Eve has successfully agreed on an amendment with the SAA on the practice notes for garden centres for the 2017 revaluation. 

 

The SAA has now adopted the Net Internal Area as the basis of measurement rather than Gross External Areas, as well as introducing more flexibility in the range of categorisation of garden centres - which could lead to garden centres saving significantly on their rates. 

 

Barry McEwan, Partner, Gerald Eve said: “The changes to the Practice Notice for the 2017 revaluation is welcome news for garden centres in Scotland.

 

“This has already led to many garden centres recently being successful in their appeals, however, due to the coronavirus there has been a slowdown in the appeals processes and there are still many garden centres that are yet to have their appeals finalised.

 

“We are continuing to take forward their appeals and hope that our successful renegotiation of the practice notice will continue to save money for the garden centres that we represent.”  

 

The coronavirus lockdown has also led to a number of emerging issues in relation to Scottish Rates which the HTA and Gerald Eve will be tackling going forward. 

 

James Barnes, Chairman, HTA said: “The agreement from the SAA to alter the 2017 practice notes is a positive one for our industry and we are optimistic that this will continue to benefit many of our members who are still waiting on their 2017 appeals. 

 

“The coronavirus lockdown and the high valuation of garden centres in Scotland means that many of our members are missing out on emergency grants of up to £25,000.

 

“The grants are only eligible for garden centres with a rateable value of below £51,000. We are greatly concerned that a number of businesses who on appeal could be rated below this limit will still miss out on the grants due to the Scottish Government rules.

 

“The Scottish Government’s decision to not extend these grants to garden centres who are rated below £51,000 on appeal is cutting off otherwise eligible businesses from vital funding at an unprecedented time for our sector. 

 

“At the Scottish Ratepayers Forum this week I pushed the Scottish Government to urgently reconsider their position.

 

“We have asked the Scottish Government to reconsider the appropriateness of the ‘tone date’ for the 2022 revaluation and have requested it to be moved to a time that will better reflect the position of the market in light of the lockdown.

 

“Further to this, we have requested that the 1.6% rates relief this financial year due to COVID-19, reversing the planned increase in poundage, becomes permanent.

 

“We will continue to partner with organisations such as Gerald Eve to tackle issues with the business rates system in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.”

Johnsons Microgreens range gets makeover for new season

Johnsons have redesigned their popular Microgreens seed range for the 2021 season. With new look packets and point of sale, the collection of eight varieties and two high quality growing kits provide all year round greens, from a windowsill...


Johnsons have redesigned their popular Microgreens seed range for the 2021 season. With new look packets and point of sale, the collection of eight varieties and two high quality growing kits provide all year round greens, from a windowsill. 

 

The refreshed packets introduce colour bands for easy identification of each variety and the display stands include new price coded header cards. The packaging design has also been updated for the Microgreens growing kit and seed sprouter. 

 

Helen Clayton, Johnsons Brand Manager, says: “Growing microgreens is one of the simplest ways to add nutrients and flavour to cooking, without the need for a vegetable patch and we are really pleased to launch Johnsons’ new look range to our customers.”

 

Microgreens are virtually 'instant' vegetables that can be grown indoors. Easy and quick to grow, some varieties can be ready to pick in as little as two weeks, with the vitamin-rich leaves providing a fresh intensity to meals.


The seed range includes beetroot, fenugreek and radish for leaf and have RRPs starting from £2.20. The Microgreens Growing Kit (RRP £4.99) is a high quality reusable growing tray which includes three packets of seeds. Once the ‘micro leaves’ are ready, Johnsons compact Micro Snips (RRP £3.99), with spring action handles, are an easy way to harvest your crops. 

 

The Microgreens Kitchen Seed Sprouter has an RRP £11.99 and is a convenient and economical way to produce continuous crops of fresh seed sprouts such as alfalfa and mung beans, as well as the baby leaves of microgreens.

 

To find out more about the Johnsons range, log on at www.johnsons-trade.com or telephone 01638 554111.

DJ Turfcare is set to transform lawncare sales this autumn with new Autumn Lawn Treatment

 

Following on from the announcement that DJ Turfcare is to bring to market an exciting new Autumn Lawn Treatment, we dig a little deeper into the brand; a true stalwart of the garden retail sector with a rich 33-year heritage, and how changing consumer habits are being fully catered for by this passionate and dedicated team...


Following on from the announcement that DJ Turfcare is to bring to market an exciting new Autumn Lawn Treatment, we dig a little deeper into the brand; a true stalwart of the garden retail sector with a rich 33-year heritage, and how changing consumer habits are being fully catered for by this passionate and dedicated team.

 

Eco-friendly driving the consumer agenda

Garden retail is being powered by the unstoppable rise of environmentally conscious consumers, and the lawncare category is at the centre of this revolution. Long before Covid-19 reshaped the retail landscape, shoppers were seeking kinder alternatives to synthetic fertilisers, but with one overriding caveat – there could be no compromise in performance. In fact, consumer expectations of organics are higher than ever before.

 

The coronavirus pandemic has only served to accelerate the trend towards organic-based gardening. Lockdown, working from home and staycations have transformed the way the population uses its outdoor spaces: gardens, and most importantly the lawns that remain their focal point, are now sanctuaries for families to enjoy quality time together. With garden centres shut at Easter while the pandemic peaked, disrupting the traditional lawn renovation season, autumn is tipped to be one of the busiest ever for lawncare departments.

 

One company that has always been at the forefront of the eco-friendly lawncare revolution is DJ Turfcare, an established, family-owned business founded by David Jenkins. More than 33 years of involvement in the professional turfcare industry – with an in-depth knowledge of the needs of professional groundsmen, greenkeepers and landscape contractors – has given David an unrivalled level of expertise and insight into products that deliver exceptional performance. This has placed David in a unique position to identify the most planet-friendly innovation in professional turf culture and bring it swiftly to the consumer market, transforming a category once dominated by chemicals.

 

Accelerate your sales with Viano

As the exclusive UK distributor of the Viano brand of premium quality organic-based fertilisers, DJ Turfcare holds the key to a product portfolio that instantly chimes with the needs of modern consumers. But Viano is far from a new kid on the block: born in 1948, Belgium-based Viano is an established leader in eco-friendly horticultural products for professional and consumer use – a brand with heritage and an enviable track record that’s heavily focused on helping retailers to deliver exceptional growth in the rapidly expanding organic lawncare category.

 

Owner of DJ Turfcare, David Jenkins, says: “Lawncare sales departments have changed beyond recognition in recent years, not just because of a seismic shift towards organic-based products but as a result of our investment in bringing the benefits of Viano products to a wider audience. Endorsement by the Royal Horticultural Society takes centre stage on our leading lines such as MO Bacter and Recovery, underpinning both stockists’ and consumer confidence in the performance of such products. DJ Turfcare is focused on driving Viano brand awareness to both experienced consumers and a new generation of novice gardeners. We will continue to bring the latest technology to market – as demonstrated by our latest innovation, our new Autumn Lawn Treatment - so that retailers can capitalise on opportunities for growth, and drive sales among shoppers who will no longer tolerate the use of traditional synthetic chemicals on lawns.”

 

Viano’s 72-year history of pioneering organic innovation, combined with endorsement from the RHS, has elevated the brand to the next level. The RHS’s iconic logo takes pride of place in prominent positions on the front and rear of Viano packaging – boosting the brand’s appeal to consumers at the point of purchase. RHS-endorsed products must meet exceptional standards of performance and environmental friendliness, as David Jenkins points out: “The gardening public – and DJ Turfcare – hold the RHS in the highest regard. Consumers respond positively to products that carry RHS endorsement, so ranges that display the RHS logo are an attractive proposition for retailers.”

 

To help retailers prepare for significant demand this autumn, DJ Turfcare is highlighting that Viano in Belgium is continuing to ramp-up production to ensure that ample stock is available, while DJ Turfcare remains committed to ensuring that it takes just five days for stockists to receive orders.

 

Autumn essentials: four ‘must stock’ Viano products from DJ Turfcare

1) NEW FOR 2020: Autumn Lawn Treatment is a new organic-based fertiliser designed to ignite sales at a critical point in the season. Its unique formulation can be used from August to November, resulting in a thicker, stronger, greener and disease-resistant sward while killing moss and stimulating root growth – a true multi-function product that inspires consumer confidence with the promise of a deluxe lawn that will withstand the ravages of winter. Incorporating Humifirst, a unique ingredient that acts as a plant growth stimulant, the treatment is safe to use around pets and children.

 

2) Mo Bacter is DJ Turfcare’s flagship product. Already a household name with legions of fans, this organic-based, slow-release fertiliser for lawns, which also destroys moss, regularly continues to top bestsellers lists. It is easily spread, free from chemicals, pet and child-friendly, and is harmless to plants. MO Bacter is a top choice for building brand loyalty and encouraging repeat custom.

 

3) Recovery – after a winter of flooding, followed by one of the driest springs on record, Recovery is tipped to be a hot-seller as consumers seek to reinvigorate brown lawns. It contains Humifirst, proven to create biological activity while acting as a plant growth stimulant – making it the first port of call for renovating tired turf, as an autumn lawn feed, or for use prior to overseeding.

 

4) Bio-Lime was formulated to tackle black layer and resolve acidic soil conditions that encourage moss to thrive – a big problem in UK lawns following recent wet winters. Chemical-free Bio-Lime gets to grips with the problem rapidly, ‘sweetening’ the soil to raise its pH. Another bonus for retailers is Bio-Lime’s almost year-round application ability, extending the lawncare season for stockists and generating sales at quieter times of the year for lawncare departments.

 

Find out more

 

Visit www.djturfcare.co.uk to find out more about the Viano organic-based portfolio and the unique benefits that the range delivers for retailers.

 

 
Whartons Roses – 2020/21 catalogue now available

Packed with top tips and ideas Whartons Nurseries have undertaken a catalogue re-fresh with the additional aim of being a handy reference for garden centre staff...


Packed with top tips and ideas Whartons Nurseries have undertaken a catalogue re-fresh with the additional aim of being a handy reference for garden centre staff.

 

"We want customers to be able to use our catalogue as a selling aid. Prices have been moved to a separate sheet and the catalogue now has multi-level use. This has been achieved by combining the necessary information for easy ordering with a fresh design and beautiful images to inspire" says Jo Davey, Marketing Manager at Whartons Roses.

 

Floramedia UK, who carried out the refresh, believe that designing a catalogue is more than just displaying products; they are a way to showcase all the hard work and expertise that go into growing the varieties they encompass.

 

Vicky Zambelli, Creative Manager at Floramedia explains: "For any design project it’s important to get to know your client. Gathering and fully assessing a thorough brief helps us achieve a design that realises a company’s marketing objectives whilst projecting their values.

 

"We have created a platform that showcases their ranges and pays tribute to the beauty of the flowers. Each variety has a much larger, more detailed image so customers can see the structure of the blooms and their defining features."

 

Varieties of note in the catalogue include Rose of the Year 2021 ‘Belle de jour’, the multi-award winning Flower Carpet series and exquisite HOME FLORIST™ range, as well as Robert Whartons current favourite Rosa ‘Love Knot’,  a patio climber perfect for pots and small spaces.

 

The catalogue is available now from sales@whartons.co.uk

 

www.whartons.co.uk

 

New plants in HTA Virtual Awards added to Joy of Plants’ library

Plant information company, Joy of Plants, has updated its library with photos and descriptions of the entrants from the Horticultural Trades Association’s Virtual New Plant Awards...


 

Plant information company, Joy of Plants, has updated its library with photos and descriptions of the entrants from the Horticultural Trades Association’s Virtual New Plant Awards.

 

Every year Joy of Plants assists in validating entries for the awards and it has now added 37 new plant entries to its plant database.  

 

Terri Jones, Managing Director of Joy of Plants in Twyford, explained: “The New Plant Awards are usually one of the highlights of the National Plant Show, held by the HTA in June each year. But due to the coronavirus crisis, the plant show was cancelled, but the HTA decided to run the New Plant Awards as an independent online event.

 

“The awards are a chance for UK growers and plant suppliers to showcase the new plants they have been cultivating. We were really pleased to support the HTA’s virtual event this year to ensure the opportunity to promote the new plants was not lost.

 

“The plant entries have been added to our plant library and these can be searched for in our Plant Finder tool for websites and Touchscreen Kiosks, printed as bed cards and uploaded to client web shops. 

 

“New plants uploaded to our database include Malus domestica ‘Trinity’ from Frank P Matthews, breeder Alex Turner. It’s an innovative early harvesting cooking apple with red flesh and dark red skin that doesn’t need peeling before cooking. It won Best in Show, Gold and Best in the Trees & Conifers Category.”

 

Other new plants uploaded to the database include Penstemon barbatus var. praecox ‘Pristine Lila Purple’ from Allensmore Nurseries, breeder Dummen Orange, and Anemone ‘Frilly Knickers’ from Fairweather’s Nursery, breeder Hardy’s Cottage Plants, which won the Visitor’s Vote.

 

Terri added: “These are fabulous new plants for 2020/2021 and we’re already seeing some garden centres making a special display of these plants, to show them off to their customers.

 

“We are delighted to have added these plants to our library of more than 14,300 UK house and garden plants and trees. Via our platform of tools, we aim to help garden centres, retailers and growers maximise their plant sales in store and online. There will be further updates of other new plants later in 2020.”

 

Joy of Plants created the Plant Finder plug-in for garden centres’ websites and the Plant Finder Touchscreen Kiosk for plant areas, to ensure customers find plants they want that a garden centre sells and, also to assist staff with providing the right horticultural information.

 

The company also supplies a Bed Card printing tool and Image & Text Library to help retailers populate their web shops.


Joy of Plants has spent the past 25 years photographing and documenting plants to provide information in many forms including Bed Card printing, website plug-ins, Touchscreen Kiosks, and an image and text library for populating e-commerce sites.

 

For further details about Joy of Plants, call 07717 532 323, visit www.joyofplants.com, follow the company on Twitter at @JoyofPlants or on LinkedIn via www.linkedin.com/company/joy-of-plants.

 
Merchandiser/ Area representative
M4 Corridor Oxford/Buckinghamshire/Berkshire, Full-time, £21k pa

We are currently seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to merchandise our dedicated In-store TV display stands. Previous merchandising experience is preferable, as is some experience of customer service, although full training will be given.

 

You will be responsible for approximately 60 customers who will need visiting every 4-6 weeks. These customers are a mixture of garden centres, High Street retailers and out of town retailers.

 

The work can be physical.

 

This vacancy would suit a person with experience of FMCG.

 

Sales or merchandising experience in the Garden Centre retail sector a distinct advantage.

 

You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships.

 

The candidate should hold a full clean driving licence. Some overnight stays will be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks.

 

Company van, telephone and laptop provided. Company Pension Scheme also offered.

 

Starting salary in the region of £21,000 with a potential increase after completion of successful 3-month trial period.

 

Apply in the first instance along with your CV to Sally Ginever Sally.Ginever@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

 

 
Plant Area Manager, Goonhavern Garden Centre, Cornwall.
Full time, permanent, £21k - £24k depending on experience

This is a new position for our independent garden centre as we are in need of someone to manage and maintain the plant area department. Over the past few years, we have expanded and successfully installed a covered canopy in our plant area and subsequently seen an increase in sales. We are now looking for someone to assist the garden centre manager in the day to day running of the plant area and take our garden centre to the next level.


We are looking for someone enthusiastic about horticulture but most importantly has a passion and knowledge of retail and customer service. They will need to lead the plant area staff and bring them together as a team to create outstanding displays and drive sales.


Main responsibilities will include:
• Managing the plant area department team
• Plant buying
• Waste management
• Responsible for health and safety within the plant area and for COSHH
• Managing all outdoor displays, labelling and point of sale
• Stock control - responsible for stock taking all goods using the EPOS system
• Liaising with the garden centre manager to create plant promotions and plant based 'events'

 

Qualifications & Experience Required:
• Must have previous garden centre experience
• Excellent leadership skills
• LEAN management awareness
• Exceptional plant /horticultural knowledge
• Commercial awareness
• Previous plant buying experience
• Knowledge of EPOS systems and stock control
• Excellent IT skills

 

Salary: £21,000 - £24,000 depending on experience


FULL TIME, PERMANENT.

 

Please apply in writing with a CV and covering letter to manager@goonhaverngardencentre.com

 

Goonhavern Garden Centre
Newquay Road
TRURO
Cornwall
TR4 9QQ


www.cornwallgardenshop.com

 
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Strong start to post-lockdown recovery for garden centres according to HTA Market Update

Garden centre sales across gardening categories throughout June indicate a strong recovery, with figures up 34% on June 2019, counteracting lower non-gardening sales according to the latest HTA Market Update report, published this week...


Garden centre sales across gardening categories throughout June indicate a strong recovery, with figures up 34% on June 2019, counteracting lower non-gardening sales according to the latest HTA Market Update report, published this week.

Recovery has been largely driven by exceptional gardening category sales as consumers spend more time in their gardens with growth in sales of garden plants, seeds, and gardening equipment as well as garden leisure categories. Sales of outdoor containers were up 129% on June 2019, garden furniture up 101%, seeds up 93% and hardy plants, shrubs and trees were up 81%. Non-gardening sales, such as catering have remained down.

The July issue of Market Update reports on garden centre sales in 2020 so far, following the lockdown measures imposed in March 2020, and subsequent re-opening of garden centres during May.

Whilst sales of bedding plants show strong growth compared to June of last year for retailers (up by 33%); our June survey of HTA member retailers revealed that 72% of retailers who sell bedding plants said they were currently unable to get the stock their business needs from UK growers. Half of those surveyed said they were importing more bedding plants than this time last year. This suggests that UK growers did not immediately benefit fully from the surge in consumer demand, with lockdown causing disruption and delays for stock production.

Pent up demand, the move away from cash to largely card only payments and consumers making larger purchases less often may have also had an impact on the average value of consumers’ spend, with average transaction values for garden store sales experiencing 61% growth at £36.91 June 2020 compared to £22.19 in June 2019. Consumers continue to make up for lost time and the extra time spent in the garden by stocking up on gardening supplies and higher priced items such as garden furniture and barbecues, and sales growth in these bigger ticket items has also been a factor in higher transaction values.

HTA Futures and Sustainability Manager David Denny comments “The warm weather and lockdown forcing consumers to spend more time at home has driven demand for gardening, garden projects and garden leisure. The garden has also become a ‘safe place’ for many to enjoy with family and friends in a socially-distanced way; and spending time outdoors is becoming increasingly recognised as beneficial to mental wellbeing – especially during these uncertain times.”

The July issue of Market Update also looks in detail at consumer confidence, the UK economy, vehicle fuel prices, weather, groundwater levels and gardening demand.

The national sales figures we report each month come from the HTA Garden Retail Monitor (GRM) system where sales data from submitting garden centres is automatically uploaded to a secure server via their EPOS system.

HTA Market Update is available free for members to download from the HTA website, by logging in and then visiting the Market Information pages here.


Sources: HTA Garden Retail Monitor, HTA Member Voice Q2 survey (June 2020)

 
Core garden care drives up sales

Core garden care products sales volumes are the key driver for another 20% plus week of year on year sales improvements.  Although a lighting line is the No 1 Bestseller, seven of the other Top 10 lines are garden plant care or pest control products...


Core garden care products sales volumes are the key driver for another 20% plus week of year on year sales improvements.  Although a lighting line is the No 1 Bestseller, seven of the other Top 10 lines are garden plant care or pest control products.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Gardman Ice Orb Light Mini, pack of 2, stays at No 1 for the second week.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Roseclear Ultra, Ready To Use 1 litre moves up 4 places to No 4 to be one of five Evergreen Garden Care lines in the Top 10.
  • Neudorff Ant Killer Granules 500g is a re-entry at No 21, while Vitax Nippon Ant Killer Ready to Use Spray 750ml climbs 19 places to No 7.
  • Smart Solar’s Cool Flame Compact Torch is the highest chart climber of the week, up 34 places to No 11.

 

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.

 
Spuds for Christmas double sales

The thirst for growing your own has been quenched by Autumn Planting seed potatoes.  They always jump to the top of the chart when they go on sale, but the volumes selling straight away this year are more than double last year's levels...


The thirst for growing your own has been quenched by Autumn Planting seed potatoes.  They always jump to the top of the chart when they go on sale, but the volumes selling straight away this year are more than double last year's levels.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Taylors Autumn Planting Seed Potatoes Charlotte [pic attached] are the No 1 Bestseller, ahead of Maris Peer, Aaron Pilot and Pentland Javelin
  • Herbs from Holland feature in big numbers in the GTN Chart this week. W&L Groenservice Edible Herb Mix 12cm is a new entry at No 5.
  • Javado Kitchen Herbs Chive (Bieslook) is new at No 15, one of four Javado lines in the Top 50.

 

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.

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Pughs Radyr 141217_GTN087.jpg
Pughs cancel their award winning Christmas Grotto for 2020

Pughs Garden Centres in South Wales have announced that they will not be running their award winning Christmas Grotto Experience in 2020 and the announcement has been met with hundreds of supportive posts on social media...


Pughs Radyr 141217_GTN087.jpg

Pughs Garden Centres in South Wales have announced that they will not be running their award winning Christmas Grotto Experience in 2020 and the announcement has been met with hundreds of supportive posts on social media.

 

Roger Crookes, a member of the senior management team at Pughs told GTN Xtra: "We've been talking through how we would run the grotto ever since March and we eventually decided that even if there was no second peak in October we wouldn't be able to do something on the hoof that was up to our usual standards, so it was better to make the hard decision to protect our reputation and announce the cancellation.

 

"The response on social media has been overwhelmingly good and supportive with many pledging allegiance to Pughs for the future and welcoming the decision.

 

"We don't want to offer anything less than we have in the past.  By end of February we had a plan for the grotto and then since the middle of March we have been weighing up all the options; Santa is not a young man, expectations of people having been before along with some measure of risk just didn't add up.  Christmas grottos are such an emotive thing, people get easily upset if its not what expected.

 

"Having made the big decision its been good to see many other ideas to keep Christmas magical start to take shape.  We're convinced we can maintain the commercial affection of our local customers through Christmas into next year."

 

Here's the statement from the Pughs website:

 

Statement Regarding 2020 Christmas Experience


The past few months have been tough for everyone and here at Pugh’s we have tried to keep an enjoyable shopping experience as well as hopefully providing much needed essentials such as food, plants and gardening products to keep people going throughout lock-down at home.

 

Being a seasonal business we plan everything 6 months in advance and usually by now we would be building our Christmas Santa Experience ready for November, so please forgive us for what is deemed by many as a very early post; however, we get regular messages asking when tickets are due to go on sale. We have had many discussions between us and we feel that we have had to make a tough decision on the Christmas Santa Experience in both of our garden centres for this year. It is with a heavy heart that we feel that it would be irresponsible for us to run our experience given the current pandemic situation. This is due to so many unknowns over the next few months and because of the sheer volumes of people that visit us over a short period of time and the way the experience is run in close groups. We feel that offering something small just for the sake of it would firstly not do justice to the experience that we have worked so hard to build upon and secondly not fulfil the demand for the number of people who would want to visit us, so this year we have decided to take a break for everyone’s safety.

 

We put our all into Christmas at Pugh’s and generations of families have visited us year upon year so, within the guidelines, we will endeavour to ensure the most magical shopping experience and focus on creating beautiful displays as always, as well as VIP shopping experiences, sumptuous Christmas goodies in the Food Hall, late night shopping and of course taking our Christmas Tree shopping experience to a whole new wonderful and magical level.

 

We truly believe that even though the Santa Experience will not be running this year, we can still create a Christmas to remember in so many others ways. We want to thank you again for supporting us through what has been such an unprecedented period of time in all of our lives. Pugh’s will remain at the forefront of creating magical memories for many years to come in one way or another and will strive to round off 2020 with the best Christmas yet.

 

We really hope you understand our decision as it was very difficult to know what to do for the best and this was a really tough call to make.

 

Many Thanks,


The Pugh Family

 

See GTN Xtra's gallery of pictures from the Pughs Radyr grotto in 2017, a Gold Award winner in GTN's Greatest Christmas Team Awards.

 
First UK visitors to Kaemingk showroom after lockdown

Gordon Riggs are the first UK garden centre to visit the Kaemingk showroom again...


Gordon Riggs are the first UK garden centre to visit the Kaemingk showroom again.

 

Denzel from Gordon Riggs: “It is great being able to be back at the Kaemingk showroom. We obviously were a little nervous to begin with, but Kaemingk has taken every necessary step to make us feel very safe.


"The flight was straight forward and the hotel well accommodated to the current situation. In the showroom Kaemingk put clear walking routes in place, there is plenty of space to keep the social distance and I can assure you that there is anti-bacteria gel throughout the building!

 

"By the way – the showroom is looking fantastic again with many inspiring presentations and lots of great new products and certainly worth the effort.”

 

Patrick Brinkcate from Kaemingk told GTN Xtra: "Slowly but surely we are going back to a slightly more normal world and it is great to see companies anticipating so quickly and of course having real brave hearts like Gordon Riggs to test the waters for us!


"You can contact your account manager at Kaemingk to become the next UK visitor. Should you however not feel confident yet, a complete virtual showroom is available as well."

 
Woodlodge acquires Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry

Woodlodge has announced a major expansion of its garden decoration range with the acquisition of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry, allowing the company to significantly increase its offering of eye-catching, on-trend outdoor lifestyle décor...


Woodlodge, the UK’s leading supplier of pots and containers, has announced a major expansion of its garden decoration range with the acquisition of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry, allowing the company to significantly increase its offering of eye-catching, on-trend outdoor lifestyle décor.

Woodlodge, which has been supplying the garden trade since 1987 and distributes products to more than 2,000 garden centres and retail outlets nationwide, says the acquisitions reinforce its commitment to helping retailers expand the buoyant garden decoration category, while growing the company’s presence within the UK garden centre market.

Adobe Wholesale, which has been trading for 15 years, specialises in sourcing novel and unique products that offer maximum potential to help retailers generate sales. Its product line-up as well as garden decoration, includes mirrors, ambient lighting, outdoor clocks, accessories for birds, garden stakes and cast iron accessories. The Garden Foundry prides itself on offering exclusive and unique designs of garden décor items, comprising traditional, contemporary and novelty lines, designed with the highest level of appeal to drive impulse sales.

Martin Kingston, who was instrumental in setting up both businesses, will join the Woodlodge team as Product Development Manager, as part of the acquisition. Martin will work closely alongside Tara Truman, who recently joined Woodlodge as Category Development Manager. Tara brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous sales positions at Briers and Smart Garden and will be responsible for bringing the new brands, ranges and merchandising solutions together for Woodlodge’s 2021 catalogue.

Michael Wooldridge, Managing Director at Woodlodge, said: “The garden décor ranges of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry have a strong alignment with Woodlodge’s core values of quality and innovative design, making both brands a superb match. We already offer garden décor in our 2020 catalogue, a collection that’s renowned for bringing fun into the garden with endearing pottery pieces and stoneware characters designed to put a smile on everyone’s face, but garden decoration is a growing market and these acquisitions demonstrate Woodlodge’s commitment to helping retailers maximise the potential of this expanding category which has witnessed strong levels of growth in recent seasons.”

Discussing why the time is right to ramp-up its garden décor offering, Michael added: “Demand for garden decoration is being driven by the trend for consumers regarding the outdoors as an extension of the style within their homes. It has been well documented that more people have taken up gardening this year as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, and garden enhancement is a high priority on consumers’ agendas. By welcoming Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry into the Woodlodge family, we will be ideally positioned to offer a vastly expanded portfolio of top-quality garden decorations that tap into the latest lifestyle fashions and tick all the boxes for innovation and novelty appeal.”

 

Woodlodge plans to unveil its new range to the garden market by launching it in September in their showroom, with stock being available for retailers from early 2021.

 

To find out more about Woodlodge’s acquisition of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry, or for more information about the company’s market-leading product offering, visit www.woodlodge.co.uk

 

 
Dobbies and Sainsbury’s launch grocery partnership

Dobbies Garden Centres announced last week an exclusive partnership with Sainsbury’s to bring a range of high quality food and grocery products to Dobbies’ garden centres...


Dobbies Garden Centres announced last week an exclusive partnership with Sainsbury’s to bring a range of high quality food and grocery products to Dobbies’ garden centres.

 

The partnership will launch at Dobbies’ Edinburgh garden centre in late July. The range will include over 3,000 products, giving customers a choice of food to take home, including ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen produce as well as other grocery, household and toiletry products.

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “The partnership between Dobbies and Sainsbury’s is an excellent fit, with a shared goal of offering the best to our customers.

 

“By complementing our existing garden centre ranges with a comprehensive food and grocery offer, we will offer our customers a convenient solution for their grocery needs. We look forward to launching our first new look food hall at Edinburgh in late July.”

 

Andrew Bracey, Chairman of Dobbies said: “This is an exciting step forward for Dobbies as we continue to grow the business and lead the future of garden centre retailing. Garden centres are increasingly popular, as people embrace the enjoyment of gardening. Our partnership with Sainsbury’s perfectly complements our strategy of offering the best possible ranges and convenience to customers.”

 

Mike Luck, Director of Business Development at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to bring our distinctive, high quality products to more customers. This opportunity with Dobbies will bring a fantastic choice of food and grocery products to convenient locations for lots of shoppers, helping them shop for what they need quickly and conveniently.”

 

Last March, Dobbies announced a partnership with Nisa to supply groceries to their garden centres.  A spokesperson at Dobbies told GTN Xtra: “Our relationship with Nisa will continue for the time being in the stores that aren’t trialling Sainsburys.

 

The spokesperson added: "We do not have food halls in the two stores where we are co-located with Tesco and do not have plans to change this.”

 

Find out more at www.dobbies.com

 
No financial support for English plant growers

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that there will be no financial support given to English plant growers through a compensation scheme.

 

The HTA are now seeking assurance that garden centres will retain ‘essential retailer’ classification for future COVID-19 related planning, ensuring that forthcoming Brexit trade arrangements will balance free trade with the UK’s biosecurity needs and to spearhead a ‘Buy British’ campaign for all direct and local government procurement processes for forthcoming landscape projects...


The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that there will be no financial support given to English plant growers through a compensation scheme.

In response to that confirmation the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chairman, James Barnes, said: “The decision by DEFRA not to provide financial support to ornamental growers is hugely disappointing and a significant blow for many English plant nurseries.

 

“Since March the HTA and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) have been engaged with Defra to work towards a positive outcome and provided robust evidence that supported the need for a grant aid scheme - like the one put in place by the Dutch government to save its industry. The Northern Ireland Executive has accepted the need. We’re continuing discussions with the Scottish Government for a support package.

 

“We were successful in leading the campaign to get garden centres re-opened within the first phase of relaxing lockdown and that was very welcome for the sector. However, more than half of British ornamental growers (52%) expect a further downturn in sales throughout July as they have not been able to plant crops during lockdown and this has increased imports.

 

“Dutch and other European countries with garden centres that remained open and that have supported their industries are already taking advantage of this. While UK garden centres have a strong track record of sourcing British plants, the pressures of COVID-19 has forced many to look abroad, with almost three-quarters of retailers (72%) claiming that they are currently unable to get the stock of bedding plants their business needs from UK growers.

 

“Meanwhile, the recently proposed Border Operating Model and new January trading arrangements represent a very significant challenge for the sector in just a few months’ time. These proposals would, if remain unchanged, deal another blow to an already weakened sector.

 

“Now, more than ever, we need to support domestic production to provide resilience that comes with a strong UK based horticultural industry.

 

“My primary concern is that the value of this £24bn industry is not fully recognised within Government, both economically and in terms of its contribution to the Government’s 25 Year Environmental plan and the nations wider climate change ambitions.

 

“We welcome DEFRA’s commitment to work with the industry on developing a strategic recovery plan for the sector. We do believe that with the right recognition and policies this industry can become an engine of growth in a post-COVID, post-Brexit world.

 

“Confidence is a hugely powerful instrument in delivering growth and while there will be many things that we the industry and government can do to help this, in the long run, we look to government now to show willing by giving priority to the following: Assurance that garden centres will retain ‘essential retailer’ classification for future COVID-19 related planning, ensuring that forthcoming Brexit trade arrangements will balance free trade with the UK’s biosecurity needs – and to work with the industry to understand the complex supply chain issues and spearheading a ‘Buy British’ campaign for all direct and local government procurement processes for forthcoming landscape projects.”

 
 
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 this week are here

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


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

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for 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


Lily’s Kitchen unveils revamped dry pet food ranges

The UK’s original natural pet food company, Lily’s Kitchen, is bringing more wags and purrs to the nation’s pets with a fresh new look and even tastier dry cat and dog food recipes...


The UK’s original natural pet food company, Lily’s Kitchen, is bringing more wags and purrs to the nation’s pets with a fresh new look and even tastier dry cat and dog food recipes. 

 

Launching online (www.lilyskitchen.co.uk) and into pet stores from the end of July, the revamped cat and dog ranges – which have been two years in the planning – feature new look, highly impactful packaging, recipe improvements and a new addition to the dry dog food range: Lily’s Kitchen Salmon Supper with Sweet Potato for dogs.

 

The packaging change is designed to bring their dry food ranges in line with the iconic look and feel of the brand’s wet food range, which was updated in 2019. Featuring a more contemporary design, pack colours are more vibrant, with colour blocking creating greater standout on shelf. Signposting for pet parents on the front and back of pack has been improved, with Proper Meat and Proper Fish more prominently featured, alongside clear lifestage information (Puppy, Kitten, Adult and Senior). Natural ingredients and their benefits are also shown on back of pack in a new, easy-to-follow format. 

 

Another change is the new food-focused recipe names, such as Shepherd’s Pie, Wild Woodland Walk and Fisherman’s Feast, designed to celebrate mealtimes so the nation’s cats and dogs can enjoy the same delicious-sounding dishes as their pet parents.  

Loyal Lily’s Kitchen lovers can rest assured these new recipes feature the same delicious proper meat and vibrant veggies as the recipes their pups and kitties have always enjoyed – but are now even better. For example, the entire dry cat range now includes more fresh meat and fish than before and, as a result, higher taurine levels. And the new dry dog range is designed to be even tastier and is full of vitamin-rich antioxidants for optimum nutrition.

 

Brand new to the dog menu, and ideal for dogs with intolerances, is Salmon Supper with Sweet Potato, Peas & Dill. Made from nourishing salmon (40%) for gentle digestion, it is high in protein and omega 3 for the best nutrition. 

 

Announcing details of the new ranges, David Milner, CEO of Lily’s Kitchen commented: “We’re extremely excited to unveil our new look and even better tasting dry cat and dry dog food ranges, which our dedicated team has spent the past two years planning.  

 

“At Lily’s Kitchen we have always regularly reviewed our recipes to ensure they are the very best they can possibly be, identifying and introducing new, high-quality ingredients, ensuring greater palatability and above all, focusing on making natural, nutritious and complete recipes that dogs and cats love and enjoy.

 

“Our office pups and kittens have really enjoyed tasting the new and improved recipes – and have definitely given them the paw of approval!”

 

All Lily’s Kitchen dog and cat food recipes continue to offer complete nutrition and are packed full of wholesome natural ingredients including proper meat and fish, vegetables, fruits and botanical herbs, with absolutely no nasty meat-meal or artificial ingredients. And now more wags and purrs guaranteed.

 
PetQuip Awards will recognise industry’s outstanding achievements in an innovative format for 2020

Because of the Prime Minister’s announcement that conferences are unlikely to be allowed until at least October, the organisers of PATS Telford have taken the decision to cancel the exhibition this year. But PetQuip and the sponsors of the awards, including PATS itself, have agreed to launch an innovative new way to recognise the expertise and achievements of the awards entrants and winners within the pet industry in 2020...


The PetQuip Awards will be celebrating the industry’s achievements in an exciting new format this year.

 

Because of the Prime Minister’s announcement that conferences are unlikely to be allowed until at least October, the organisers of PATS Telford have taken the decision to cancel the exhibition this year. But PetQuip and the sponsors of the awards, including PATS itself, have agreed to launch an innovative new way to recognise the expertise and achievements of the awards entrants and winners within the pet industry in 2020.  

 

Judging of the PetQuip Awards finalist list is due to be announced in two weeks’ time, ahead of final judging in August.  

 

“To ensure maximum exposure for the winning companies and their products, PetQuip and the awards headline sponsors – APPA/Global Pet Expo, pbwnews and Natures Menu plus PATS itself – will be supporting a wide-ranging PR campaign for the finalists and award winners throughout the UK and international trade media,” confirms Pat Flynn, Trade Association Manager of PetQuip and organiser of the awards.

 

All finalists and winners will then benefit from an innovative promotion which will bring their brands and achievements to an influential UK and international audience of buyers. 

 

“We are sad not to be able to meet all our awards finalists and winners in person as usual this year at PATS during our awards event and party: but we have arranged to celebrate the achievements of our entrants in an innovative way which will benefit every participant – a positive benefit in a year when our industry has been facing unprecedented challenges,” said PetQuip Director General Amanda Sizer Barrett. 

 

The PetQuip Awards were due to be announced at its annual presentation evening following the first day of PATS Telford on Sunday, 27th September 2020. But with the decision to cancel the UK’s leading pet industry show because of uncertainty surrounding the re-opening of exhibition centres, the association has focussed instead on an innovative way to celebrate the industry’s achievements – more details will be announced when the 2020 PetQuip awards finalists are announced. 

 

Contact PetQuip if you would like to benefit from membership of the association or require any further advice and assistance on: 

Email: info@petquip.com

Websites: www.petquip.com

 

Britain's 10 million dog owners can play lead role in protecting the environment, urges top Uk eco-firm Beco

Leading 'green' pet products company Beco say Britain's 10 million dog owners can play a lead role in safeguarding the environment after Coronavirus...


Leading 'green' pet products company Beco say Britain's 10 million dog owners can play a lead role in safeguarding the environment after Coronavirus.


During lockdown, air quality improved, pollution has eased, public appreciation of nature and green spaces has grown - but threats from global warming and plastic pollution in our oceans remain.


Now the trailblazing firm, who have exported to 50 countries and won a dozen awards over the past 10 years, say: "It's time to care for our planet as much as our dogs".


As we slowly recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, and Beco enters its second decade in the pet trade, the company wants to encourage British dog owners to make more environmentally-friendly choices as 'pet parents'.


Promoting the UK's 'green' economy, valued by the Office of National Statistics at over £40 billion, Beco, whose sustainable products have earned The Ethical Company Organisation's prestigious Ethical Award, is inviting owners to follow its '5-Step Green Guide':


  • Step 1: 'Wage war on plastic waste' Every year, 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, with drastic effects on marine life. New Beco stats reveal that last year the company's worldwide dog-toy sales used recycled, shredded plastic from 1.7 million plastic bottles that might otherwise have ended up in our oceans and it's urging consumers to cut down on single-use plastic as much as possible.
    Step 2: 'Care about poop' British dogs produce over 1,000 tonnes of poop every day, causing owners, local councils and parks major disposal challenges. The bestselling poop bags Beco produce are degradable or home compostable and packaged in recycled cardboard. Since 2012, Beco poop bags have helped owners in 50 countries behave responsibly by scooping 463 million poops while minimising their environmental impact. Beco asks British dog owners to follow suit and dispose of poop responsibly.
    Step 3: 'Investigate ingredients' Humans care about food sourcing and quality ingredients for family meals, and Beco believes dogs deserve the same. Beco's dry and new wet dog food contains only certified ethical and sustainable ingredients that support the environment, eg, Marine Stewardship Council-certified haddock, and free-range chicken from Norfolk. Focusing on food provenance, Beco has adopted a different approach from many other producers and is now urging more conscientious dog owners to consider sustainability and the environment when making food choices for their pet.
    Step 4: 'Enjoy more exercise' While observing social distancing, walking daily with your dog helps them stay fit and healthy and also boosts your own mental and physical wellbeing after lockdown. As we emerge from Coronavirus restrictions, Beco will be stepping up its encouragement to owners to increase the amount of exercise they take outdoors with their dogs.
    Step 5: 'Prioritise packaging' The UK alone produces more than 170m tonnes of waste a year, much of it food packaging. Supermarkets using excess packaging are facing a backlash from consumers who increasingly favour zero-waste shops. Beco makes its packaging out of materials such as recycled cardboard and PLA, a biodegradable plastic from plant-based renewables. Beco urges discerning consumers to prioritise environmentally friendly packaging as they carry on caring about the planet, and hopes fellow manufacturers also take note.


As it calls on pet owners to change habits to favour the environment, Beco has made its own changes. It's re-branded with a new name, moving from 'Beco Pets' to just 'Beco'.


It has strengthened its boardroom team. Rob Shaw, the high-profile British entrepreneur famous for co-founding the 'preppy' High Street retail brand Jack Wills, joins as a new Beco Director.


In 1999, Shaw, along with university friend Peter Williams, opened the first Jack Wills store in the seaside town of Salcombe, Devon with just £40,000. Building the business over the next 20 years, over 100 stores later, the brand had a revenue of over £150 million. With Jack Wills having grown across the UK, Ireland, the US, Asia and Hong Kong, Shaw brings a wealth of experience to Beco.


Beco also has a new website, just unveiled, making it easier for customers to buy online, a new easy-ordering trade website, and a new in-house design team. A new Beco logo completes the re-vamp, with a new company mission statement: "Love your dog, love our planet".


Beco Founder and MD George Bramble (pictured) said: "These are very exciting time for Beco and we warmly welcome Rob Shaw, whose distinguished track record and huge experience will prove a tremendous asset.

"We've devoted the past 10 years to creating the most sustainable products known to dogs. Now, there are many growing existential threats to our environment, it's time to care for our planet just as much as we do our dogs.


"In the past year, we sold Beco toys made from around 1.7 million upcycled plastic bottles. That's 1.7 million items of plastic litter recycled, not heading for our oceans, not poisoning marine life. We're doing this because we really care about the environment and we want to pioneer the way.


"Since 2009, we've been pushing plastic-alternative pet products made from bamboo. At first, people just didn't appreciate why a non-plastic pet bowl was the better option. Now things have changed.


"Since Sir David Attenborough's influential documentary series 'Blue Planet II' aired in 2017 highlighting the extreme issues of plastic in our oceans, consumer sentiment has changed. We see the past few years as "pre-" and "post-Attenborough".


Rob Shaw said: "I have been a long-standing supporter of Beco and George's vision for the brand for a number of years and it's great to get involved on a full-time basis. My Fox Red Lab, Hubie, is especially happy too and has proved himself to be a discerning and astute product tester.


"There's something special going on at Beco, with their laser-eye focus on what the brand stands for and how it can make a difference to pets and this industry around the world."


During the last decade, Beco and its products have won, or been shortlisted for, an impressive haul of no fewer than 14 awards for its product ranges. These include its food for dogs, degradable poop bags and toys and accessories, which are made from 100% natural rubber and recycled plastic.


Beco has frequently appeared in the media, including in The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Vogue magazine, the Mail on Sunday and on BBC Television's hit 'The Apprentice' series, hosted by Lord Alan Sugar.


Bramble added: "This next chapter in Beco's journey is, for us, both challenging and exciting. As we leave Covid-19 lockdown, we're keen to encourage dog walking which can enhance your physical and mental wellbeing. But the ongoing threats to our environment go wider.


"As a company, we feel a commitment to the planet and our customers to create the best products we can, whilst striving to be as sustainable as possible. From products to process, our team has worked incredibly hard to make everything the best it can possibly be.


"As a business we're not perfect, but our materials and ingredients reflect who we are, whether that be the wild-caught fish that goes into our dog food, the hypoallergenic BPA-free bamboo that goes into our bowls or the natural rubber that makes up our toy balls.


"We are striving to create the most sustainable pet products possible. By using fully recyclable and compostable materials, we try to ensure that what we borrow from nature, we also give back."

 

Beco is a fast-growing, award-winning British company based in London. Their motto is 'Love your dog, love our planet'. They are constantly seeking innovation that will make their products more sustainable. The range at Beco has been growing steadily since the company formed in 2009 when the founders started selling their iconic and sustainable bamboo-based dog bowl, still a perennial bestseller.


All Beco products are designed in Great Britain. The company believes that the foundations of any great product are selecting the right materials. Beco is aiming to raise the bar for the welfare standards in its protein sources for its dog food. All its chicken is free-range, the fish recipe includes only Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish, and transparency in food provenance is of high importance in the fast-growing ethical pet-food sector of their business. Beco is also one of the world's leading compostable and biodegradable poop bag businesses, with Beco poop bags exported around the world to more than 50 countries.


Beco's range of dog toys also aim to be more environmentally friendly with their rubber toys sourced from sustainably tapped natural rubber and a soft-toy range using materials made from recycled plastic bottles, helping to create a market for recycled plastics to help prevent plastics ending up in our oceans. They even recycle the cardboard boxes in their warehouse into packaging for all their shipments.