Welcome to the all-new GIMA Buyers Guide, where we bring together the latest news, innovations and other important updates from GIMA and our members.

Alongside our essential ‘new product guide’, you’ll find insight into enhanced business support services, improved customer journeys, and refreshed business values, all aimed at helping garden retail thrive not just this spring, but well into the future.

Innovation is the biggest driver of growth in our industry. Whether it’s tackling age old problems with fresh solutions, offering eco-friendly alternatives, or simply keeping pace with socio-economic shifts and trends, suppliers are investing in new product development to meet evolving consumer demands. By embracing this innovation, retailers can stay ahead of the curve, spark new dialogue, attract fresh faces to gardening, and deepen engagement with existing customers.

Despite the constant pressures impacting our industry, the suppliers featured in this guide have pulled out the stops to deliver exceptional new products in the quest for growth and continuous improvement. One major challenge is the tightening of consumer spend throughout the cost-of-living crisis. Suppliers are meeting this challenge with a focus on improved garden essentials, as consumers seek versatile solutions that offer both affordability and durability, enabling them to repurpose outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.

Rising living costs have also brought an end to ‘throw away’ culture, which presents an exciting new opportunity for our industry to champion the longevity of gardening as a pastime. Our responsibility as an industry extends far beyond offering products. We must be committed to empowering shoppers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed purchasing decisions, helping to educate consumers, foster loyalty and win repeat business. The contents of this guide are testament to the extensive work we have done on this as a sector.

I firmly believe that as an industry we are on the brink of further change. This might not be an almighty change, but it is certainly one that I believe we are ready and capable of responding to. And - with the gardening year very much upon us - there has never been a better time to make a start. But first, allow me to thank you all.

Thank you for being creative and thinking of new ideas, for advocating for the world of gardening and for making garden retail such a vibrant and thriving sector to be part of. Being your President has been a true honour and I thank you for making my time such an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Jenny Douthwaite

GIMA President 2023/24