2019 was a strong year of growth for garden centres nationally, with November sales up 10% compared with the same month in 2018 according to the latest HTA Market Update report.

Houseplants saw an increase of 41% compared to November last year, the Lifestyle & Gifts category was up 12%, and Christmas sales were up 9% in month to month comparisons between November 2018 and November 2019.

This year’s November was 2°C colder than November 2018 with changeable rainfall across the UK, likely affecting growing media and hardy plant sales.

The report also highlights that consumer confidence remained flat with a score of -14 in November, which is one point lower than November last year as consumers wait for clarity on the future of the UK. However, post-election in mid-December, GfK reported a sharp increase in optimism for the coming year, likely to influence purchasing behaviours.