The end of September marks the last call for retailers to join the G.E.M.S revolution in 2024. Retailers who wish to benefit should contact their Westland Sales representative now to book a meeting to find out how G.E.M.S can bring growth to their garden centre.

The unveiling of the G.E.M.S (Garden Equipment Merchandising System) by Westland at Glee 2022 marked the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at enhancing the outdoor area and merchandising of plant support products in UK and Irish garden centres. Historically, this category has presented significant merchandising challenges, and we wanted to make a profound change.

Since its launch, over 3000 meters of the G.E.M.S system have been successfully delivered and installed by the Westland Merchandising team. With the benefits being enjoyed hundreds of retailers and thousands of gardeners. This innovative approach to clear and straightforward merchandising has made a substantial impact in a gardening category valued at over £50 million in retail sales. It's  clear that garden centres adopting G.E.M.S have seen a c.25% increase in annual sales.

In 2023, the outdoor GEMS system expanded with the introduction of four new modules for the outdoor area. Weedstop™ and Plant Protection, both launched in Autumn 2023, address two critical autumn categories that have traditionally been challenging to merchandise. In January 2024, Crop and Netting, as well as Growers Bamboo, will become available. Growers Bamboo, designed for more professional gardeners, offers three different lengths suitable for various plants, boasting extra thickness for added stability.

Looking ahead to 2024, G.E.M.S extends its presence indoors with customised modules for propagation, accessories, and brushware. Recognising the higher merchandising expectations inside garden centres, the system now incorporates an FSC® real wood façade and wooden hoppers for fast-moving products like string and wire. The newly introduced G.E.M.S indoor displays are meticulously designed to offer customers a clear and effortless shopping experience when searching for gardening essentials. The timber surround on the stand not only adds visual appeal but also draws attention to the products. These stands exude professionalism, attractiveness, neatness, and ease of replenishment. We really hope our customers enjoy using them, as much as we have designing them!

The response to the G.E.M.S launch at Glee 2023 was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in the prestigious recognition of winning the Glee New Product Awards for Retail Services and Experiences in 2023. Orders have poured in from both existing and new customers, and Westland eagerly anticipates supporting their successful product launches. With stock delivery options available in January and orders continuing through to the end of September, there is still ample opportunity to embrace the benefits of G.E.M.S.

Range Headlines:

G.E.M.S Modules are all the same size: 1.2m(w) x 0.5m(d) x 2.2m (h), POS is waterproof, and the stands are powder coated for a long undercover life

• 15 x Outdoor G.E.M.S Modules: Metal Border Plant Support, Conical Plant Support, Bamboo (x2), Gardstake, Treestake, Willow and Bamboo Hoop, Willow Trellis, Framed Trellis, Rivet Trellis, Wire Netting, Bulk Roll, Weed Fabric, Plant Protection, Crop and Pond Netting and newly added Growers Bamboo
• 6 x Indoor G.E.M.S Modules: Brushware (x1), Propagation (x2), Accessories (x3)

Order by end of September for installation by Westland from January