Catering served up the best results for September, according to Garden Centre Association’s latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures out this week.

Seven of the 13 categories logged were up in the figures submitted by GCA garden centre members when compared to September 2023; with the year-to-date variance up 0.91%.

GCA Chairman, and Managing Director of St Peters Garden Centre, Will Blake says: “It’s great to see that overall, our members achieved growth for the month, despite the economic backdrop and the somewhat variable weather conditions. Seeds, bulbs and houseplants performed well and, as has been commonplace this year, catering and farm shop sales are continuing to do well.

“Unfortunately, significant categories, such as outdoor plants, and sundries haven't fared so well, which is disappointing for our industry. Let’s hope we all have a strong end to the autumn gardening season, and then Christmas is a huge success for everyone!”

The top category for September 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was catering at +18.16%, with seeds & bulbs in second place at +15.94% and Christmas sales next at +14.22%.

In fourth position was food hall/farm shop +12.13%, then clothing at +11.47%, gifts at +10.48% and houseplants in the seventh spot at +6.38%.

The other five categories were showing as down. They were pets & aquatics, which recorded a slight dip at -0.64%, outdoor plants down at -2.02%, hard landscaping down by -2.3%, the miscellaneous category at -2.42%, garden sundries at -3.24% and furniture and BBQs falling by -23.86%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.