In This Issue
New highs for Christmas?
Meet the team helping companies grow, Cultiv8 Marketing
Firmans Direct seek experienced Sales Agents
Area Manager for South of England wanted by Traegar
Winter plants boost sales
Arboretum named National Retailer of The Year
Life ‘as normal’ resumes with millions still gardening
Discount retailer's shelves fully stocked for Christmas
Wyevale Nurseries launches retail plant collections for 2022
Zest running man goes extra mile for Macmillan
Garden buildings market increased despite pandemic
Dobbies gets into the festive spirit
Woodlodge to showcase 700 lines at Harrogate fair
Garden Connect: 4 new OpSuite integrated webshops & apps live
GTN October 2021 Issue available on-line
Experienced Field Sales Agent (Commission Only)
Area Manager South England
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Sweet Christmas
Garden retailers recognised at greeting card awards
Rockin Robins
Tamsin Westhorpe appointed editor of Inside Horticulture magazine
More momentum for growing media
Investment in R&D sparks recruitment drive for sustainable decking brand 
Hillier welcomes new Sales Manager to Amenity team
The best of last week's
Elho takes top prize as GIMA Award winners announced
Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening
Dobbies strengthens leadership team
Council grants expansion plans at garden centre
Christmas and plants – the recipe for success
A festive Christmas at Hillier
Brightening up our homes at British Garden Centres
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
Raw food firm lines up Christmas feast for pets
CASCO Pet launches new company website
DogPhone keeps ‘pandemic pups’ in touch with owners
Situations Vacant
Experienced Field Sales Agent (Commission Only)
Firmans Direct
 
Read more»
Area Manager South England
Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England
 
Read more»
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New highs for Christmas?
Exclusive GTN Xtra Garden Centre Epos data analysis

Are we heading for another record Christmas sales period? As sales climb towards the Christmas peak, last week’s sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data were up by 15% on last year, and 2019...


 

Are we heading for another record Christmas sales period? As sales climb towards the Christmas peak, last week’s sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data were up by 15% on last year, and 2019.

 

Plants and Christmas were the star performers again, with Veg-2-Gro also seeing a significant increase year on year. The milder November weather may well have been a key factor in encouraging people out to garden centres last week, but with many Christmas events happening over the coming weeks it appears garden centres will once again be the shopping venue of choice for Christmas.  

 

As the GTN Greatest Christmas Awards judges get out on the sleighs to visit nominated centres we’re looking forward to seeing you all.  If you’ve not made your entry yet please email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk today to make sure you get added to the list.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 46.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – down 9%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – down 2%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 53%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 2%
  • Christmas Top 50 – up 12%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 46

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 7%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 15%

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.

Meet the team helping companies grow, Cultiv8 Marketing
GTN Xtra Promotion

Since establishing in 2018, owners of Cultiv8 Marketing, Rob Giles and Alex Giles have been helping companies grow using bespoke marketing packages designed to get the best return from their marketing budgets. ..


 

Since establishing in 2018, owners of Cultiv8 Marketing, Rob Giles and Alex Giles have been helping companies grow using bespoke marketing packages designed to get the best return from their marketing budgets. 

 

Formerly called Stratrg Ltd, Cultiv8 Marketing offer marketing and branding services, with many of their customers operating in the home, garden and pet industry. Having over 20 years combined experience in marketing and product management roles in these industries, Cutliv8 have developed an agency that understands the ins and outs of working in these markets.

 

This includes having the flexibility to work with differing budgets and delivering to tight timescales. With excellent market knowledge, Cultiv8 are well placed to help you create better marketing whilst sharing your goals to help you to grow.

 

Rebrand or Refresh

Whether your need is to rebrand or even breathe life into your current offer, Cultiv8 Marketing can help. This can be for one off projects or an on-going resource to help continuously improve your content and communications. 

 

Lydia Grayston, Marketing Manager of Sipcam Home & Garden said:

‘Working with Cultiv8 is a joy. Rob and Alex bring so much innovation and knowledge to our marketing campaigns. They are happy to take on any new challenges we set and execute everything they do with the highest level of creativity, going that extra mile to ensure they meet even the tightest of deadlines. They successfully manage our social media platforms, creative design and are always at the forefront of our marketing campaigns which included a major re-brand project last year. We no longer see them as our marketing agency, but very much part of our team.’

 

Launch or Develop

Trained in professional marketing, Cultiv8 Marketing can help at differing stages of product life cycles. You may have a brand-new idea that you need bringing to market, requiring a solid communications plan. At the same time Cultiv8 can breathe life into new product development projects by delivering new packaging and fresh content ideal for your target audience.

 

Emily Scruton, Brand Manager of WHM Pet Group said:

‘Rob and Alex have produced videos, editorials and managed our social media over the past year and a half for us. With great attention to detail, they’re always collaborative and coming up with new, engaging content to help promote our brand. Also working extremely well under tight deadlines, Rob and Alex have become part of the team in helping contribute to the marketing strategy and overseeing it being successful.’

 

Big or Small

Cultiv8 have worked with start-ups, new overseas entrants to the UK market and established multi-national companies. Every business has differing resources and Cultiv8 pride themselves on being flexible and creative to provide the best return on investment possible to their customers. With fresh ideas and only your best interests in mind, Cultiv8 are an extension of your team and a flexible resource you can count on whenever it is needed.

 

Speak to Cultiv8 Marketing today for a free consultation about your business or to discuss a specific project in mind. Alternatively for more information and examples of past work please visit - https://www.cultiv8marketing.co.uk/.

Rob Giles – Mob: 07735 618972  Email - rob@cultiv8marketing.co.uk

Alex Giles – Mob: 07912 759474 Email - alex@cultiv8marketing.co.uk

Firmans Direct seek experienced Sales Agents

Firmans Direct are looking for experienced Sales Agents to promote their superb range of garden furniture to garden centres and independent retailers across the UK.


Experienced Field Sales Agent (Commission Only)

 

This is a B2B sales role please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience.

 

Firmans Direct are looking for experienced Sales Agents to promote their superb range of garden furniture to garden centres and independent retailers across the UK.

 

 

What do we do?

Firmans Direct Ltd is a UK based company specialising in Garden Furniture.  We have been selling business to business for over 40 years and have a multi-national customer base.  Supplying high quality furniture direct from our manufacturing sites to both large chain retailers & independents stores, we are keen to reach out to new customers. We provide all our Sales Agents with the best support and opportunity to succeed with us.

 

 

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for Field Sales Agents who have a great personality, fantastic customer interaction skills and proven sales experience.  Our ideal candidates will have sales experience in a B2B environment, good communication skills, conversant with Microsoft office and Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint presentations.   Be persistent and engage with customers to build long lasting business relationships.

What do we offer?

 

Our Agents handle a designated area and have full access to sell all Firman’s products across all sectors of the furniture industry and garden centre market within this territory. Full product training is given in house, and field based training will help smooth the successful applicant into the Firman product ranges.

 

What’s included:

  • Generous commission scheme
  • Own dedicated sales area
  • Full product training
  • Field support
  • Backup of a full office team
  • Full marketing Samples

If you want to be a part of the Firmans Team, please email your CV now!

paul.collins@firmansdirect.com 

 
Area Manager for South of England wanted by Traegar

Traegar Pellet Grills is advertising for an Area Manager South England…


 

Area Manager South England

Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England, United Kingdom

Apply directly by email, with your CV to Jo McDonald, Country Manager, UK & Ireland: jmcdonald@traeger.com 

 

Welcome to the Traegerhood: 
Our business is BBQ, and business tastes good. Traeger invented the wood pellet grill over 30 years ago, and we’ve been revolutionizing outdoor cooking ever since. We’re a team of disruptors, innovators, problem solvers, and food fanatics who are dedicated to bringing people together to create a more flavorful world. From our headquarters in Salt Lake City and beyond, we work tirelessly to provide a world-class experience to our customers, retailers, and especially our employees. If you’re a team player who’s dedicated to delivering top-quality results every day, then we want you to come cook with us!

What You'll Do:
Within Traeger UK and Ireland this role will be pivotal in reinforcing the great in roads the brand has made developing retailer partnerships in the South of England. As the face of the brand in the heartland of sales for BBQs within the UK, you will be an experienced sales leader to cultivate Traeger’s brand presence as the go to choice for both trade partners and consumers alike.

With responsibility for the development and on boarding of retailers in the territory of the South England you will assess current distribution and using your previous knowledge, experience and contacts develop a strategic plan to grow and strengthen the number of doors Traeger is represented in, whilst developing strong, trusting relationships with current stockists to create loyalty to the brand and NO1 for top-of-mind sales.

Weekend and event activities, either as coordinator or supporting participant will be critical during key times of the year.

How You'll Help Us Win:

  • Manage and develop sales channels to their fullest potential, ensuring that sales budgets are achieved, and exceeded.
  • Build and maintain a long-term business plan for the territory
  • Intrinsic in the development and execution of the business plan for the UK and Irish Markets
  • Support for Country Manager in the negotiation, execution, and administration of Key Accounts, developing relationships.
  • Create, rank and own target list of regional dealers for the South of England.
    • Rank on volume potential and influence on region.
    • Updated & reviewed monthly with the Country Manager.
  • Strive to identify customer needs and explore all opportunities to maximize sales from accounts.
  • Develop strong relationships with current partners to grow sales and loyalty to Traeger.
    • Administer in store training and certification programmes to create brand loyalty
    • Identify and implement events with key retail partners.
    • Implement key company directives and strategies to retailers and influencer partners.
    • Use tool kits, support, and relationships to incentivize dealers to drop competitor copy-cat pellets and grills.
    • Use tool kits to build out our in-store presence.
  • Attend and support key trade events within the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

  • Proven track record in related market and sales
  • Excellent sales and negotiation skills
  • Good business sense
  • Excellent communication and ‘people skills’
  • Initiative and enthusiasm
  • The ability to work calmly under pressure
  • Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on priorities and goal setting to achieve targets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Inc. Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Full/ Clean UK driving license

Why You Will Love to Work Here:

  • Be part of the most disruptive force in outdoor cooking
  • Join a true team working towards a common goal
  • Culture of risk-taking, innovation, & quality
  • Individual professional development programs & initiatives to help you grow professionally
  • Great discounts on all things Traeger

 

Winter plants boost sales

The mild weather during the first few weeks of November this year has encouraged high levels of winter plant sales with volumes last week up by 7% on the same week last year and 38% up on the same week in 2019.


 

The mild weather during the first few weeks of November this year has encouraged high levels of winter plant sales with volumes last week up by 7% on the same week last year and 38% up on the same week in 2019.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Poinsettia and Gaultheria sales almost doubled to move up to Nos 7 and 8.
  • Tillandsia airplants increased sales by 63%, moving up to No 11.
  • Ornamental Cabbages climbed 26 places up the GTN chart to No 13.

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.

Arboretum named National Retailer of The Year

The Arboretum with branches in Leighlinbridge in Co. Carlow and Kilquade in Co. Wicklow has been named National Retailer of the Year in the annual Retail Excellence awards...


 

The Arboretum with branches in Leighlinbridge in Co. Carlow and Kilquade in Co. Wicklow has been named National Retailer of the Year in the annual Retail Excellence awards.

 

Fergal Boyle, of the Arboretum paid tribute to the team of over 130 people between the two locations who have worked tirelessly over the past two years. 

 

He said: “We are thrilled with this award and we regard it as a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication which our team have shown over the past two years.  It has been an incredibly difficult year or two between the pandemic, the various lockdowns and the challenges that people are facing every day of the week but our team has kept going throughout everything and they are the reason we have won this award.”

 

Duncan Graham, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence said that Arboretum was a wonderful example of Irish retail: “The Doyles have created a magnificent retail experience and they are worthy winners of the title National Retailer of the Year.”

Life ‘as normal’ resumes with millions still gardening

The Horticultural Trades Association’s November Market Update Report shows that of the 3 million people who took up hobby gardening in 2020 around two thirds have been retained...


 

The Horticultural Trades Association’s November Market Update Report shows that of the 3 million people who took up hobby gardening in 2020 around two thirds have been retained. 

 

Those that dropped off, likely did so due to the reopening of travel, out-of-home leisure and a return to more typical working patterns.  

 

In June 2020, the HTA’s consumer tracker survey revealed that 64per cent of British adults said they used their gardens for growing plants, trees or flowers. When the survey was repeated in August 2021, the proportion of British adults growing plants, trees or flowers fell to 62per cent, which is around 700,000 fewer people. The largest decline came amongst the youngest age group, those aged 25-44, who are likely to be returning pre-pandemic habits for spending their leisure time.  

 

Despite the decrease in numbers of people gardening, garden centre sales are still up on both 2020 and 2019. Garden/Gardening sales are up 55per cent on October 2019 and although non-gardening sales remain similar to October 2020, pet sales are up again, with an increase of 10per cent on October 2020. Catering sales were also down, with the ending of the temporary 5per cent VAT rate for hospitality, rising to 12.5per cent likely having an impact on sales figures. Still, there are promising increases in food/farm shop sales, which are up 23% on October 2020. 

 

The UK’s job market has reached a record high number of people on payroll and the UK’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4.5%, as of August 2021. Still, consumer confidence has decreased for a third consecutive month as consumers are faced with increased inflation and other economic issues affecting their financial stability. In fact, inflation has reached a 10-year high, largely driven by fuel and energy price hikes. Rising inflation impacts consumer confidence and willingness to spend on non-essentials as disposable incomes are squeezed.  

 

The major purchase index declined by 10 points from September to October, indicating that consumers will be more reluctant to spend in the months leading up to Christmas.  

 

HTA members can read the report here.

Discount retailer's shelves fully stocked for Christmas

Discount retail group QD, which owns Cherry Lane Garden Centres, is promising customers everything they need for a cracking Christmas this year. With shelves already brimming with decorations, lights, food and gifts, the retailer has been working ahead with suppliers for many months to ensure everything is available for the festive season...


 

Discount retail group QD, which owns Cherry Lane Garden Centres, is promising customers everything they need for a cracking Christmas this year. With shelves already brimming with decorations, lights, food and gifts, the retailer has been working ahead with suppliers for many months to ensure everything is available for the festive season.

 

Sourcing and securing supply of festive products this year for QD’s 48 outlets, which include 15 Cherry Lane Garden Centres and 28 QD – QualityDiscounts.com stores, has created some unprecedented challenges for the retailer, but its commitment to delivering for customers has seen the company rise to the occasion.

 

James Collins, trading director for the QD Group, explains: “Previously, our buying team would have typically visited each supplier in the Far East and across Europe at least four times to agree our seasonal ranges and develop exclusive products for Cherry Lane and QD. However, this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions and countries being in lockdown, we have had to do this all remotely. It’s a totally new approach but we’ve found new ways to work with suppliers to ensure we deliver the products our customers want this Christmas.”

 

The Group also began its Christmas forecasting much earlier to ensure key festive items were given priority for shipping. This included juggling three to five different shipping lines simultaneously and working closely with suppliers to get product sent into the warehouse well in advance.


While international shortages of computer chips and national lockdowns have affected manufacturing of products such as smart lights and crackers for some retailers, by working ahead, QD’s team has been able to source these items and get them on the shelves in good time. The Group has also shifted its focus to buy more products from the UK and Europe to ensure shorter lead times and offer customers new items.

 

In addition, investment has been made by the QD Group to scale up its online operation. James Collins adds: “We’re finding that some customers still prefer to shop from home so we’ve been expanding the e-commerce side of the business to offer our range, still at the same great prices, for home delivery.”

 

Sustainability has also been high on the agenda at QD since the company launched its Value Our Planet strategy in 2018. The Group now has more than 50 ranges of environmentally friendly products in-store, including its largest ever selection of recyclable cards, crackers, gift wrap, bags and gift tags, plus a plant-based, zero plastic sticky tape which is compostable and biodegradable. QD stores will also be stocking real Christmas trees grown and potted in the Cherry Lane nurseries this year, not to mention energy efficient LED lights and artificial trees made from 100% recycled plastic.

 

The QD brand was established in 1985 by the company’s CEO Nick Rubins’ father, and current Chairman, Danny Rubins. The first store was located in Anglia Square, Norwich, where it is still open today. QD prides itself on its family focus and local roots.

 

Nick Rubins, CEO of the QD Group, said: “As a family-run business, we can be much more agile than many of the national chains. We rely on great communication – internally, with our suppliers and talking directly with our customers too – and have been able to make decisions quickly to ensure QD secures everything for a brilliant family Christmas this year – and all still at our great value prices. At the same time, we’ve continued our focus on becoming a more environmentally responsible business, cutting our waste and offering customers a wider selection of eco products. Last Christmas was low key and uncertain for so many people across the country, we’ve really pulled out all the stops for 2021 to help customers enjoy fantastic celebrations together this year.”

 

The QD Group is an independent, family-owned chain of High Street value retail outlets. There are currently 28 QD - QualityDiscounts.com stores across the country, plus 15 Cherry Lane Garden Centres, four Thing-Me-Bob stores and Lathams of Potter Heigham.

 

For more information on QD, visit www.qualitydiscounts.com.

Wyevale Nurseries launches retail plant collections for 2022

Wyevale Nurseries has put together a selection of plants for garden centres to follow the predicted trends for the retail sector next year...

 

Allium Lavender ‘Bubbles’ is a wonderful new introduction.


Wyevale Nurseries has put together a selection of plants for garden centres to follow the predicted trends for the retail sector next year.

 

Wyevale predicts boldly coloured, British-grown and low maintenance plants that look set to be on-trend for 2022, so its plant collections for retailers include options ticking all the boxes.

 

Carol Dickinson, Head of Business Support at Wyevale Nurseries based in Hereford, explains: “Our 2022 promotional catalogue for garden centres showcases some of our boldest and brightest plants on the nursery. Ideal for the nation’s army of new gardeners! Here we’ve highlighted just a handful of our collections for 2022 but we have a large range available right from the start of the year through to early autumn.

 

“The autumn Chelsea Flower Show gave us an opportunity to look at different varieties, styles and to include unique features and shapes, as well as considerations for provenance, low maintenance and location e.g container or balcony planting.

 

“Plants we think will be particularly popular in 2022 are Allium Lavender Bubbles, Exochorda racemosa ‘Niagra’, Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’, Astrantia Star Collection, Hardy Fern Specimen Collection, Lomandra longifolia ‘White Sands’, and our Phormium Collection.”

 

Allium Lavender ‘Bubbles’ is a wonderful new introduction. Winner of the best New Plant at this year’s virtual National Plant Show and was placed second in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year. It’s so called because it has masses of dusky purple flowers which appear to float like bubbles over lush, glaucous evergreen foliage. It has a long flowering period and performs well in the garden or container. Plus, it’s pollinator friendly.

 

Exochorda racemosa ‘Niagra’ is a deciduous shrub with green oval-shaped leaves and masses of white blooms in spring that last for many weeks, making this a pretty addition to any garden, courtyard, bed or container.

 

Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ is a truly striking plant and UK bred to be more winter hardy. Shortlisted as one of Chelsea’s Plants of the Year in 2019 it gives a strong garden performance with reddish-pink blooms against apricot centres. A great attraction for bees and butterflies.

 

Carol continues: “Our Astrantia Star Collection features these beautiful eye-catching, traditional cottage garden favourites, which make for excellent cut flowers, another growing trend with gardeners. They’re uniquely shaped blooms flower from late spring into summer. Our collection includes ‘Star of Billions’, which has large dense pincushion flowers which open pale green, slowly turning to blush pink and ‘Star of Beauty’, which features large clusters of tiny white flowers with magenta-purple tips, crowded together in a dome shaped flower, just like the pins on a cushion.

 

“However, it’s not just plants with wonderful flowers in our 2022 catalogue, we’ve also a great range of ferns, grasses and evergreens, which were really popular at Chelsea 2021 and look to be a firm favourite for next year. Our Hardy Fern Specimen Collection features plants grown in five-litre pots and are supplied as a mass of fresh foliage, providing maximum impact. Although not new varieties, we’ve an extended range for 2022 featuring interesting forms and colours.

 

“Other ferns included in this collection are Asplenium scolopendrium, Dryopteris affinis, Dryopteris atrata, Dryopteris erythrosora, Polystichum polyblepharum and Polystichum setiferum Herrenhausen.”

 

Also spotlighted in the catalogue for 2022 is Lomandra longifolia ‘White Sands’. Although not new, it won the People’s Choice Award at Groot Groen 2020, and is an ideal low maintenance grass for containers, beds and borders to give architectural interest and evergreen colour. The Wyevale Nurseries team says it predicts low maintenance will be ‘big’ for the coming year.

 

 

Carol adds: “Another Wyevale Nurseries speciality is our fabulous Phormium Collection. We offer a fine collection of these evergreen beauties in a range of colours and forms. They are perfect for garden centre plantarias, as they are so eye-catching! Use to add architectural interest and height to displays or promote on their own.

 

“This collection comes in a range of beautiful colours, from Black Velvet to Yellow Wave.”

 
Zest running man goes extra mile for Macmillan

Andrew Baker, Finance Director for outdoor furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure, has gone the extra mile this year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2021...


 

Andrew Baker, Finance Director for outdoor furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure, has gone the extra mile this year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2021.

 

It’s been almost a year-long Marathon Challenge, clocking up an astonishing 1,572 miles so far, and raising thousands of pounds for the charity.

 

Highlights include running a staggering 27 miles during Zest’s, (part of P&A Group)  24 Hour Challenge in June as well as posting a personal best (pb) time for the Berlin Marathon at 3 hours 16 minutes and 26 seconds. More recently, he ran the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in another pb of 1 hour 26 minutes and 29 seconds.

 

Andrew has been joined in his endeavors by Iwan Gwyn, manager of Woodworks Garden Centre and Café (also part of the P&A Group), who has completed an equally impressive 1,034 miles.

 

Commenting on their achievements this year, Andrew said: “It's been a tough year for many due to the pandemic but running is great for mental health and it would be good if, through this challenge, we could inspire more people to give it a go. I’ve kept going partly because of my competitive nature - always wanting to go faster or further - but more so due to knowing the funds raised are going to a great cause. I have two family members undergoing cancer treatment at the moment which really puts it into context.” 

 

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial, and emotional support to people diagnosed with cancer, from the moment they have been diagnosed through treatment and beyond. 

 

There is still time to donate to Andrew and Iwan’s Macmillan Marathon Challenge and, anyone wishing to do so, can click the link here or here.

Garden buildings market increased despite pandemic

Rather than curbing market growth, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in demand for garden buildings and structures, as more people are working from home and require additional space...


 

Rather than curbing market growth, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in demand for garden buildings and structures, as more people are working from home and require additional space.

 

Additionally, with overseas travel restricted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, some households have had additional disposable income to spend on big ticket home improvement projects, including garden renovations as many UK citizens also enjoyed staycations at home, given spells of good weather.

 

There has been greater demand for more premium materials and for detached buildings which can be used all year round. The unpredictability of the UK’s weather, coupled with people spending more time at home due to Covid-19 lockdowns, has led to increased demand for insulated buildings. This includes garden pods and some log cabins and summerhouses.

 

The garden is now perceived as an extension of the inside of the home, reflecting the homeowner’s tastes. With people spending more time relaxing and entertaining in their gardens, demand for garden shelters has also increased. The latter provide shading, screening and decoration and can also be used to delineate separate zones within the garden.

 

The sector includes the more traditional gazebos, pergolas, arches and arbours, as well as structures to provide practical cover for outdoor kitchens, hot tubs/spas and garden bars, amongst other innovative uses. A key feature of this market has been the trend towards higher value products and a more differentiated structure.

 

Ozge Celik Russell, Research Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Residential Garden Buildings and Structures Market Report comments: “There are estimated 22 million gardens in Great Britain and over 90 percent of these are attached to houses, with regional and generational differences in garden sizes and home ownership.

 

"This provides a large consumer base for garden products, buildings and structures. The 7th edition of the Residential Garden Buildings and Structures Market report is extended to include glazed extensions attached to the main building and covers the changes the sub-sectors have undergone during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

"While 2020 was a difficult year for many sectors, the residential garden buildings and structures market value remained stable as the increased demand for detached garden buildings and structures balanced the decreased demand for attached glazed extensions.

 

"A key trend to watch is consumer demand for insulated garden buildings to use all year round. Manufacturers have already started to respond through new product development and upgrade options.

 

"This trend will drive growth in traded value in garden buildings for all year round use and also impact how the product mix for detached garden buildings will evolve in the short-to-medium term as insulation options are added to log cabins and summerhouses.” 

 

 

The market as a whole has grown strongly since 2016, primarily reflecting sustained investment by consumers in their gardens. The trend for ‘outdoor living’ has led to greater use of gardens for socialising and dining, with garden buildings and structures providing an opportunity to increase the amount of living space for the homeowner and to add greater comfort and style.

 

The most significant contemporary social influence on the garden buildings and structures market is the home working trend following the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to an increased number of people working from home, given the enforced lockdown restrictions. Despite the easing of these measures, it is expected that employers will continue to allow some employees to work remotely and flexibly, for part of their working hours. Demand for home offices is forecast to continue in the wake of Covid-19, as workers adopt a more blended approach to working in the office or remotely. This is expected to positively influence sustained growth in the garden pods sector.

 

The garden buildings and structures market has remained comparatively robust, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a relatively strong order book. Throughput of sales has however been impacted by lockdown restrictions, disruption to supply chains and in some cases labour shortages due to furloughing or self-isolation of staff with symptoms of the virus.

Dobbies gets into the festive spirit

Dobbies is inviting shoppers across the UK to join them for extended shopping hours to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust...


 

Dobbies is inviting shoppers across the UK to join them for extended shopping hours to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. 

 

Taking place from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday 25 November in all Dobbies stores across the UK - including little dobbies - the Christmas Shopping Night will showcase the Christmas ranges, and feature competitions, discount vouchers, demos and sampling. 

 

Customers have the opportunity to make donations to Dobbies’ national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, write festive messages on Christmas baubles for the Wish Tree, and win prizes in a fantastic festive raffle.

 

The Christmas Your Way raffle will offer customers the chance to win all the items featured on specially created Christmas trees. There’s a tree for chocolate fans in partnership with Lindt, one for kids with Living Nature, one for those who love their pets with Chuckit, gardening gurus with Burgon and Ball, and fashionistas with Powder. The raffle will open on the night and close on 17 December.

 

Selected stores will offer an exclusive preview of their Christmas Grotto and customers will be able to enjoy a two-course festive meal at Dobbies’ restaurants for £12.95, choosing from vegan and vegetarian options as well as traditional turkey with all the trimmings. This is bookable in advance. 

 

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager said: “Christmas is a time of year we all look forward to at Dobbies and we can’t wait to welcome people for a full festive experience with our late opening evening. There will be a free welcome drink and a range of Christmas gifts, decorations and products to choose from.

 

“Most importantly, we are raising funds for our national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, who do incredible work with young people across the country. It’s going to be the perfect way to get the festive season started.”

 

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted to collaborating with Dobbies as they stay open late on 25 November. The donations from Dobbies’ customers will enable us to give the gift of care from our nurses, or the gift of community on one of our specialist units, to young cancer patients across the UK.”

 

For more details on Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night and to see a full list of the selected stores, visit https://www.dobbies.com/events.

 

There is a £1 donation to attend, with all monies raised going to Teenage Cancer Trust – this is available in-store in advance or on the night. 

 

Dobbies is also going to be sharing some festive joy in the run up to Christmas, celebrating community groups, charities, clubs and neighbourhoods who make a difference to their local areas. Not Your Average Community will see three local groups from across the UK win £1,000 to spend on decorations to brighten up their local area for Christmas. For more details visit https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community

Woodlodge to showcase 700 lines at Harrogate fair

Woodlodge will be exhibiting its Christmas product range at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair in January 2022. It will be the first time the business has attended the event and will be showcasing 700 festive lines on a dedicated Snowlodge stand...


Woodlodge will be exhibiting its Christmas product range at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair in January 2022. It will be the first time the business has attended the event and will be showcasing 700 festive lines on a dedicated Snowlodge stand.

 

The Snowlodge collection, which was launched to acclaim at the end of last year has proved popular with retailers, with Woodlodge dedicating a whole stand to it at Glee 2021. Harrogate Christmas & Gift will open doors to a new audience and retailers who are keen to capitalise on the Christmas decoration market.

 

Being one of the very first trade shows of 2022, taking place from 16th - 19th January at the Harrogate Convention Centre, it will provide Woodlodge  with the best start, displaying the Snowlodge range to retailers and kicking off next year’s sales.

 

With festive décor representing big business in the gift retail industry and the company taking note of current buying trends, Snowlodge is a carefully curated portfolio of stylish, trend-led and classical décor ideas, designed to energise the Christmas sector and provide a variety of price-points across multiple categories. The range is backed by the highest quality promise and unrivalled customer service which has become synonymous with the Woodlodge brand. 

 

The magic of Christmas is brought to life with handmade craft products that include festive stars, room ornaments and decorations, figurines and candle holders, stylish trees, gonks and baubles, novelty doorstops as well as wreaths, garlands and joyeux LED lighting that will illuminate the home for Christmas.

 

Woodlodge has also produced a range of amazing outdoor Snowlodge easy-to-assemble decorations including silhouettes, stakes, reindeer and a range of lighting solutions to create the best ever display, providing retailers with the ultimate Christmas collection under one roof.

 

With 2021’s celebrations set to be big on decorations and table dressing following the muted festive period of 2020, Woodlodge’s Snowlodge range will continue this trend with its magical and whimsical products that are perfect for a family orientated Christmas.   

 

As people want to spend more time with loved ones over Christmas and staying in for New Year, retailers can expect consumers to embrace the festive season like never before, with nostalgia and splendour playing a large part.

 

Nature has been at the core of many activities over the past two years, and it is predicted that consumers will be seeking a more simplistic approach to their festive decorations next year. Snowlodge offers an earthy, subtle and muted palette in its range, with snow white shades, frosted silver and glass playing a big part in the home, as well as rustic wood and rattan adding decorative effect in a time of good will and optimism post pandemic. 

 

Michael Wooldridge, Director at Woodlodge said: “We were thrilled with the reaction to our Snowlodge range in 2021 and are now ready to bring our offering to the wider market including independent retailers and department stores at Harrogate & Christmas Gift. With Christmas being a fast-evolving trade and sales starting increasingly early, Harrogate is the perfect show for retailers to view themes and innovation  and explore the Snowlodge festive collection which builds on Woodlodge’s expertise from our Honey & Wild garden and gift décor range.”

 

Woodlodge will be exhibiting the Snowlodge range in Hall M, stand M24. 

 

The Christmas collection is backed up by innovative displays and merchandising to ensure a busy and profitable festive 2022 season. 

Garden Connect: 4 new OpSuite integrated webshops & apps live

Just in time for the Christmas season, Garden Connect and Davidson Richards have launched four new projects...


 

Just in time for the Christmas season, Garden Connect and Davidson Richards have launched four new projects.

 

Two brand new webshops went live at Stewarts Garden Centres and Groves Nurseries. Even better, the new St. Peters Garden Centre app has been launched, including both loyalty and hospitality functionality. Last but not least, together Garden Connect and Davidsonn Richards implemented an update on the integration with OpSuite allowing webshop visitors to buy digital gift cards online!

 

Do you want to learn more? Check this blog for all info & links.

 

Stewarts Garden Centres webshop

Stewarts Garden Centres have gone live with a brand new webshop at www.stewarts.co.uk. The new website is fully integrated with OpSuite EPOS and also offers the option to sell digital gift cards. After placing an order, this gift card is generated automatically on OpSuite and sent via the Garden Connect platform to the consumer. It’s the perfect last-minute gift and easy to manage.

 

Michael Saddler from Stewarts Garden Centres is happy with the result. He said: "We would definitely recommend Garden Connect. The process from initial meeting to final website was very smooth, they were able to accommodate all our requirements and nothing was too much trouble. We are very happy with the look and function of the finished website and the backend is nicely laid out and intuitive to use."

 

Go to www.stewarts.co.uk for more information.

 

Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre webshop

Another webshop that went live in October is for Dorset based Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre. The new Groves webshop links the garden centre and webshop together and will help to generate in-store footfall as well as to increase online sales.

 

Another important aspect of the new Groves webshop is Ivy House, the restaurant within the garden centre. You might recognise Ivy House since the photo of this stylish building is sometimes used on Garden Connect’s own presentations! Not a coincidence, since our partner Smiemans Projecten built Ivy House a few years ago.

 

Visit www.grovesnurseries.co.uk for more info.


St. Peters Garden Centre loyalty & hospitality app

St. Peters Garden Centre launched a brand new, OpSuite integrated app for its customers. The new app is linked to the loyalty program of St. Peters Garden Centre allowing users to:

  • Check their personal vouchers
  • Check points
  • Register all purchases made

 

St. Peters can also use push messages to stay in touch with their loyalty cardholders.

 

But there is more! Since many card holders are visiting St. Peters Garden Centre to enjoy a coffee or lunch, the app also includes an advanced ordering system to order food and drinks while in the restaurant:

 

  • Fully OpSuite integrated
  • Customers can use vouchers within the app
  • In-app payments via card or phone
  • Options for allergies, dietary restrictions, and so on

 

This will help St. Peters Garden Centre to save time while giving an extra reason to its customers to register and join the unique loyalty program.

 

Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (Android) to download the app.

 

Creative Gardens digital vouchers

Northern-Ireland based Creative Gardens launched its OpSuite integrated webshop last year, in the middle of the lockdown. After having a good first year, the webshop has been enhanced with two advanced features. The first one is the ability to sell digital cards, as explained above.

 

But the second feature caters for the loyalty members of Creative Gardens since they can now log in with their loyalty account and get points on their online purchases. They can also redeem their personal vouchers within the check out of the webshop, making sure the customer experience is exactly the same online & offline.

 

Go to www.creativegardens.com for more info.

GTN October 2021 Issue available on-line

In this Glee Review issue of GTN:

  • Vitax increases range and capacity
  • Remembering Eddie Topping MBE
  • Capturing the essence of Autumn at Chelsea
  • Get Grilling with Traeger
  • Glee 2021 – a special return
  • Glee Buyers Power List
  • Glee New Product Awards
  • Sustainability Award – Southern Trident
  • Glee 2021 Gallery
  • Floral Thursday for Greenfingers Charity
  • GTN Bestsellers Subscription Offer
  • GTN Bestsellers – September garden centre sales analysis and charts
  • Garden Centre Books
  • HTA Column – Tales of the unexpected
  • GIMA Column – The future is looking bright.

In this Glee Review issue of GTN:

  • Vitax increases range and capacity
  • Remembering Eddie Topping MBE
  • Capturing the essence of Autumn at Chelsea
  • Get Grilling with Traeger
  • Glee 2021 – a special return
  • Glee Buyers Power List
  • Glee New Product Awards
  • Sustainability Award – Southern Trident
  • Glee 2021 Gallery
  • Floral Thursday for Greenfingers Charity
  • GTN Bestsellers Subscription Offer
  • GTN Bestsellers – September garden centre sales analysis and charts
  • Garden Centre Books
  • HTA Column – Tales of the unexpected
  • GIMA Column – The future is looking bright.

 

 

 

Experienced Field Sales Agent (Commission Only)

 

This is a B2B sales role please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience.

 

Firmans Direct are looking for experienced Sales Agents to promote their superb range of garden furniture to garden centres and independent retailers across the UK.

 

 

What do we do?

Firmans Direct Ltd is a UK based company specialising in Garden Furniture.  We have been selling business to business for over 40 years and have a multi-national customer base.  Supplying high quality furniture direct from our manufacturing sites to both large chain retailers & independents stores, we are keen to reach out to new customers. We provide all our Sales Agents with the best support and opportunity to succeed with us.

 

 

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for Field Sales Agents who have a great personality, fantastic customer interaction skills and proven sales experience.  Our ideal candidates will have sales experience in a B2B environment, good communication skills, conversant with Microsoft office and Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint presentations.   Be persistent and engage with customers to build long lasting business relationships.

What do we offer?

 

Our Agents handle a designated area and have full access to sell all Firman’s products across all sectors of the furniture industry and garden centre market within this territory. Full product training is given in house, and field based training will help smooth the successful applicant into the Firman product ranges.

 

What’s included:

  • Generous commission scheme
  • Own dedicated sales area
  • Full product training
  • Field support
  • Backup of a full office team
  • Full marketing Samples

If you want to be a part of the Firmans Team, please email your CV now!

paul.collins@firmansdirect.com 

 
Area Manager South England
Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England

Area Manager South England

Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England, United Kingdom
Apply directly by email, with your CV to Jo McDonald, Country Manager, UK & Ireland: jmcdonald@traeger.com 
 
 
Welcome to the Traegerhood: 
Our business is BBQ, and business tastes good. Traeger invented the wood pellet grill over 30 years ago, and we’ve been revolutionizing outdoor cooking ever since. We’re a team of disruptors, innovators, problem solvers, and food fanatics who are dedicated to bringing people together to create a more flavorful world. From our headquarters in Salt Lake City and beyond, we work tirelessly to provide a world-class experience to our customers, retailers, and especially our employees. If you’re a team player who’s dedicated to delivering top-quality results every day, then we want you to come cook with us!

What You'll Do:
Within Traeger UK and Ireland this role will be pivotal in reinforcing the great in roads the brand has made developing retailer partnerships in the South of England. As the face of the brand in the heartland of sales for BBQs within the UK, you will be an experienced sales leader to cultivate Traeger’s brand presence as the go to choice for both trade partners and consumers alike.

With responsibility for the development and on boarding of retailers in the territory of the South England you will assess current distribution and using your previous knowledge, experience and contacts develop a strategic plan to grow and strengthen the number of doors Traeger is represented in, whilst developing strong, trusting relationships with current stockists to create loyalty to the brand and NO1 for top-of-mind sales.

Weekend and event activities, either as coordinator or supporting participant will be critical during key times of the year.

How You'll Help Us Win:
  • Manage and develop sales channels to their fullest potential, ensuring that sales budgets are achieved, and exceeded.
  • Build and maintain a long-term business plan for the territory
  • Intrinsic in the development and execution of the business plan for the UK and Irish Markets
  • Support for Country Manager in the negotiation, execution, and administration of Key Accounts, developing relationships.
  • Create, rank and own target list of regional dealers for the South of England.
    • Rank on volume potential and influence on region.
    • Updated & reviewed monthly with the Country Manager.
  • Strive to identify customer needs and explore all opportunities to maximize sales from accounts.
  • Develop strong relationships with current partners to grow sales and loyalty to Traeger.
    • Administer in store training and certification programmes to create brand loyalty
    • Identify and implement events with key retail partners.
    • Implement key company directives and strategies to retailers and influencer partners.
    • Use tool kits, support, and relationships to incentivize dealers to drop competitor copy-cat pellets and grills.
    • Use tool kits to build out our in-store presence.
  • Attend and support key trade events within the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:
  • Proven track record in related market and sales
  • Excellent sales and negotiation skills
  • Good business sense
  • Excellent communication and ‘people skills’
  • Initiative and enthusiasm
  • The ability to work calmly under pressure
  • Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on priorities and goal setting to achieve targets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Inc. Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Full/ Clean UK driving license

Why You Will Love to Work Here:
  • Be part of the most disruptive force in outdoor cooking
  • Join a true team working towards a common goal
  • Culture of risk-taking, innovation, & quality
  • Individual professional development programs & initiatives to help you grow professionally
  • Great discounts on all things Traeger
 
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Sweet Christmas

As we head towards the peak weeks for Christmas sales, last week’s increase gets the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas products index back to almost parity with last year, now just 1.6% down...


 

As we head towards the peak weeks for Christmas sales, last week’s increase gets the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas products index back to almost parity with last year, now just 1.6% down.

 

Along with personalised Christmas lines, festive sweets feature prominently in the chart with 13 confectionery lines in the Top 50.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • History & Heraldry Personalised Christmas Elf moves up two places to No 1.
  • Steenland Gold Net Chocolate Coins 100g move up 10 places to No 3.
  • Lindt’s Chocolate Snowflake climbed 30 places up the chart to No 12.
  • Jeno’s Robin on Clip was the highest new entry at No 23.

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.

 
Garden retailers recognised at greeting card awards

Bernaville Nurseries near Exeter and the Blue Diamond Group picked up honours at The Retas 2021 greeting card retailer awards.


 

Bernaville Nurseries near Exeter and the Blue Diamond Group picked up honours at The Retas 2021 greeting card retailer awards.

 

Bernaville won the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards for independent centres while Blue Diamond to the multiple or group award.

 

The Retas 2021 presentations, which took place at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair,  saw greeting card retail stockists from right across the retail spectrum recognised, rewarded and celebrated.

 

The ever-popular event was attended by over 300 greeting card retailers, publishers and suppliers and hosted by comedian Stuart Goldsmith.

 

In keeping with the thriving passion for houseplants and gardening, as well as the yearn for green shoots of optimism, the theme of The Retas 2021 was The Finery of Greenery.

 
Rockin Robins

Highlights of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart for last week include decorative garden robins, tree ties, rubble sacks and, of course, pots...


Highlights of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart for last week include decorative garden robins, tree ties, rubble sacks and, of course, pots.

 

Overall the GTN Garden Products Top 50 sales volumes are down by 9% on last year and 41% down on 2019 levels.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Vivid Arts Plant Pals Robin On Stick moves up three places to be the No 1 bestseller of the week.
  • Garland 48cm (19") Tree Ties quadruple sales to re-enter at No 19 and their rolls of 35 litre Blue Rubble Sacks are a new entry at No 33.
  • Apta Verona Standard Pot 13cm was the highest re-entry of the week, back in at No 11.
  • Growth Technology Orchid Pot Clear 13cm climbed 33 places up the chart to No 12.

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.

 
Tamsin Westhorpe appointed editor of Inside Horticulture magazine

The HTA has announced the appointment of horticultural journalist Tamsin Westhorpe as editor of its flagship member magazine, Inside Horticulture...


The HTA has announced the appointment of horticultural journalist Tamsin Westhorpe as editor of its flagship member magazine, Inside Horticulture. 

 

Tamsin will take on the role from the Spring 2022 issue onwards.

 

Tamsin has written for several national magazines and newspapers including The Telegraph, The English Garden, Gardeners’ World, Gardens Illustrated and Garden Answers. 

 

An experienced editor, she has also edited The English Garden and Dobbies customer magazine and spent time as deputy editor for Amateur Gardening magazine. 

 

Tamsin said: “My career in horticulture started at the age of 17 working on my family's nursery. I then went on to experience life in a garden centre, spent time as a parks gardener and interior landscaper before entering the world of garden media. 

 

“I'm so excited to be working with the HTA to create a magazine that shares the incredible work that is being carried out by its members. Having experienced so many different aspects of the industry in the past I'm very much looking forward to hearing about and reporting on new initiatives and achievements through the pages of Inside Horticulture.” 

 

James Clark, HTA director of policy and communication said: “Inside Horticulture magazine is developing and producing some great content for members. We are excited to welcome Tasmin to the team to take on the leadership of the magazine, using her skills and experience to create the top-quality stories and insights the magazine is becoming known for. She brings an impressive background in not only horticultural journalism, writing for national publications, but also as a business owner, who understands the commercial realities of the industry.” 

 

Inside Horticulture, launched in June this year, is a quarterly member publication that aims to deliver real value to HTA members. It demonstrates the HTA’s work on members’ behalf on key policy campaigns and includes the latest industry market information statistics, learning opportunities, and case study best-practice, with insights into other parts of the industry and stakeholder groups through interviews and Q&As. 

 

Tamsin succeeds Stephanie Mahon, who has taken on a new role as editor of Gardens Illustrated.

 
More momentum for growing media

Last week’s growing media sales maintained the momentum of being significantly up on 2019 levels by 32% for the week. The average weekly variance to 2019 levels since the start of October is now 43%...


 

Last week’s growing media sales maintained the momentum of being significantly up on 2019 levels by 32% for the week. The average weekly variance to 2019 levels since the start of October is now 43%.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Growth Technology Houseplant Focus Repotting Mix Peat Free, 8 litres, moved up 3 places to No 2 in the GTN Chart.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Organic Blend Farm Manure, 50 litres, climbed 27 places up the chart to No 12.
  • Westland John Innes No 3 Mature Plant Compost, 10 litres, was the highest re-entry at No 33.
  • Woodlodge Alpine Gold Gravel 5kg was the only new Top 50 entry of the week, in at No 45.

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.

 
Investment in R&D sparks recruitment drive for sustainable decking brand 

Composite Prime, the UK’s largest sustainable decking and cladding brand, has more than doubled its company head count during the pandemic, with six new recruits from the local area, including two senior hires...


 

Composite Prime, the UK’s largest sustainable decking and cladding brand, has more than doubled its company head count during the pandemic, with six new recruits from the local area, including two senior hires. 

 

To facilitate its entry into new global markets this year, Composite Prime has appointed a product development manager, Jim Gross, to ensure that the business’s market leading products continue to satisfy consumer demands with a focus on sustainability, style and quality credentials. He will also lead several new product launches scheduled for 2022.

 

Jim joins the business during a time when sustainability is high on the agenda for both businesses and consumers and consistent innovation in the sector is crucial to remain at the forefront of the materials industry. 

 

With more than a decade of experience in product development and product management in the automotive and construction sectors, Jim’s experience will ensure that Composite Prime’s new products are brought to market quickly, whilst maintaining high levels of product testing, certification and quality control.

Jim said of his new role: “I was keen to join an environmentally conscious organisation, whose ethos aligned with my own and provided me with the opportunity to develop new materials and new products to meet and exceed market demands.

 

“My experience in the construction sector has afforded me the opportunity to work on product development processes in businesses of a variety of sizes and in various stages of growth. One of my key responsibilities at Composite Prime will be to use this experience to establish new processes and improve existing ones.”

 

Composite Prime has also invested in its customer service and sales teams with the recruitment of an aftersales manager, who will drive new business opportunities and customer satisfaction in the midlands and south of England. Alice Collins joins Composite Prime with experience from roles in utility sales, lead generation and waste management. 

 

Charles Taylor, director at Composite Prime, said: “As we grow quickly, it’s important to recruit the most talented and experienced team members in the industry, to support us on our journey to entering new global markets and help us to continue innovating new and high quality products that consumers will love and that will last them a lifetime. 

 

“We’re delighted to welcome all of our new colleagues, who have joined us at an incredibly exciting time, and we plan to continue recruiting more team members to support our rapid growth next year.” 

 

A deck technician, Welison Conceicao, has also been recruited to support the aftersales team in delivering high levels of customer service, as well as providing technical and product installation support. 

 

A recent investment in the business’s marketing and operations departments has seen the creation of several other new roles including a digital and e-commerce coordinator, an accounts assistant and an operations coordinator. 

 

The new hires will operate out of the company’s headquarters in Ilkley, West Yorkshire which Composite Prime has significantly expanded to incorporate more meeting space to allow face to face training with stockists to resume. 

 

Pictured, from left to right: Jim Gross (product development manager), Alice Collins (aftersales manager), and Welison Conceicao (deck technician).

 
Hillier welcomes new Sales Manager to Amenity team

Hillier Nurseries has expanded its Amenity team, following two record-breaking years of sales, with the appointment of Gareth Ashenhurst...


 

Hillier Nurseries has expanded its Amenity team, following two record-breaking years of sales, with the appointment of Gareth Ashenhurst.

 

Gareth, who joins Hillier from James Coles and Sons where he held the position of Sales Manager, will be bringing his expertise to a similar role at Hillier.

 

The former Leicester Tigers rugby player started in the James Coles sales team in 2008 having initially joined the company in the tree production division where he led on the development of Coles’ pot-in-pot container tree unit. Following this, and his subsequent move into the sales team, he progressed up through the ranks to eventually take the Sales Manager position.

 

Gareth’s flair for account management and relationship building is something he exercised with great success in his previous role, and something which he is excited to bring to his new position at Hillier. He commented: “I’m extremely excited to be joining Hillier at such an impressive time of growth for the business – and I look forward to getting stuck straight in with planning what’s next for this leading company.”

 

Along with Gareth’s appointment, Hillier is also pleased to welcome a number of new staff within the Amenity team. Andy Barlow joins as Cash and Carry Manager from his previous role at Plants for Trade, along with Gemma Seikus and Tracy Wathen who have joined the expanding sales team following substantial growth within the business in recent years, each bringing with them a strong horticultural background.

 

At this exciting time of growth for Hillier, 2022 is set to be yet another successful year for the company. As such, there is a further recruitment drive for skilled tree production staff.

 

Sales Director, Adam Dunnett explains: “At Hillier, we’re thrilled to be expanding our team due to the business’ record growth in recent years, and we have ambitious plans to continue this growth. As such we’re always seeking skilled staff to come into our production management team as well as young enthusiastic horticulturalists who wish to learn and develop within an industry leading organisation.”  

 

For further information on any opportunities within Hillier, or for information about the company and products, visit www.hillier.co.uk/trees, find Hillier Trees and Hillier Garden Centres on Facebook, or Instagram at @hilliertrees or @hilliergardencentres.

 

Pictured: Tracy Wathen Jones, Gareth Ashenhurst and Gemma Seikus.

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Elho takes top prize as GIMA Award winners announced

Elho won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards last night with its Green Basics Veggie Wall 80cm. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Richard Jackson Garden, Stihl, Fallen Fruits, Mr Fothergill's Seeds, Onduline, Wildlife World, The Solar Centre, Woodlodge, Evergreen Garden Care, Dalefoot Compost and Meadow View Stone...


 

Elho won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards last night with its Green Basics Veggie Wall 80cm. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Richard Jackson Garden, Stihl, Fallen Fruits, Mr Fothergill's Seeds, Onduline, Wildlife World, The Solar Centre, Woodlodge, Evergreen Garden Care, Dalefoot Compost and Meadow View Stone.

 

Celebrating the innovation, dedication and passion that goes into everything – from product development, to marketing campaigns and point of sale – the evening saw 17 award winners revealed and was accompanied by a much-needed night of merriment to mark the return of the awards after a two-year hiatus.

 

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, commented on tonight’s event. “I would like to be the first to extend my congratulations to all of the winners and to all those that joined us to welcome the return of the GIMA Awards.  It’s been so good to be back and, even more so, to see that the industry has continued to grow and develop, even when faced with incredible adversity. 

 

“The entries to this year’s awards were of the highest calibre and demonstrate the perseverance and enthusiasm that continues to make garden retail one of the most exciting sectors to be part of.

 

“Our thanks also extend to our judges for lending us their expert eye and skilled opinion, as well as all of our sponsors; without whom the awards would be not be possible.”

 

GIMA AWARDS 2021 – THE WINNERS

 

The big award of the night – the GIMA Sword of Excellence – was, this year, awarded to the team at Elho for its Green Basics Veggie Wall 80cm. This all-in-one system, with frame and netting included, offers urban gardeners an instant growing solution and drew praise from the judges for its ease of use and ‘plug and play’ capabilities. The judges also said: “Such a great product, perfect for new gardeners with smaller outdoor space; and made from recycled plastics.  It really ticks all the boxes.”

 

The 2021 GCA Supplier of the Year Award was a hotly contested award but it was Meadow View Stone who walked away with the coveted title. The judges offered some key reasons why Meadow View deserves this leading accolade, including: “Some of best communication and supply in some of the hardest times, keeping me informed and the full range supplied on time”, and “Consistent service throughout a challenging year.  Very impressive support and supply”, 

 

This year, the Gardenex Export Achievement Award was awarded to Wildlife World. The judges’ comments included: “A worthy winner of this year’s Export Achievement Award, showing great initiative and success.  When developing a new sales channel in the USA, Wildlife World remarketed its bird care products for the American market, created vibrant and eye-catching instore displays and is now successfully trading with over 50 Wild Birds Unlimited stores, achieving a significant increase in sales in the USA.”

 

The GIMA Awards newest award – Sustainability – was also a hard-fought category, with Phoenox Textiles, Hygeia, Primeur and West Country Soil Improvement all enjoying finalist status. However, it was Dalefoot Compost who the judges selected as 2021 winner, describing it as, “a company that has sustainability and the environment at the very heart of what it does.  As well as delivering a great peat-free product, its peatland restoration work makes Dalefoot a worthy winner of this inaugural Sustainability Award.”

 

GIMA AWARDS 2021 - PRODUCT AWARDS

 

Garden Care 

Winner: Richard Jackson Garden - Plantsmith houseplant care product range

Finalists: Evergreen Garden Care - Miracle-Gro Peat Free, SBM Life Science Ltd - Provanto® Smart Bug Killer, Sipcam Home & Garden - Ecofective Plant Disease Defence RTU and Refill, REMIN (Scotland) Ltd - 10kg bag REMIN volcanic rock dust

About the winner: Traditionally, houseplant care products are packaged and sold like traditional garden care products. They’re functional but not aesthetic, you’d hide them under the kitchen sink for example. Plantsmith is a new range of professionally formulated products, designed to look as good as they perform.

What the judges said: “Great looking and well executed product that will sell well in all houseplant departments.”

 

Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries

Winner: Elho - Green Basics Veggie Wall 80cm

Finalists: GARDENA – AquaBloom, Woodlodge - Honey & Wild Plant Support Collection, Capi Europe – Rain Barrel Row NL – olive green 

About the winner: It's a unique all-in-one ‘plug and play’ solution for any urban gardener wanting to grow climbing fruit, vegetables and flowers in a small space.

What the judges said: “Great all-in-one growing solution boosted by the use of recycled plastic.”

 

Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements

Winner: Stihl - STIHL HSA 26

Finalists:  GARDENA – Leaf Collector, Burgon & Ball - Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball garden tool additions, Westland Horticulture – The Capability Trowel

About the winner: The HSA 26 is part of the STIHL AS Cordless System for garden maintenance. The trimmer attachments are easy to swap over in seconds and, with a battery run time of up to 110 minutes, this lightweight and manoeuvrable tool is equally good at trimming topiary or lawn edges.

What the judges said: “Great flexible tool, lightweight and helps keep everything trim and tidy.”

 

Outdoor Leisure 

Winner: Fallen Fruits – MGO Firebowl

Finalists: Zest 4 Leisure – Burghley Arbour, Zest 4 Leisure – Chepstow Arbour, Tramontina – Beer Barrel Grill

About the winner:  With its light grey colour and contemporary design and dual use, firebowl/BBQ is a change from the traditional metal or terracotta garden heating options. Made from magnesium oxide, it is fire resistant, strong, resistant to mould and mildew, and can easily withstand the outdoor elements.

What the judges said: “Modern and functional.  Suitable for all gardens, balconies and patios.”

 

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs

Winner: Mr Fothergill's Seeds – RHS Flower Mixes

Finalists: Farplants Ltd – Skimmia Perosa, DLF Seeds Ltd – Tuffgrass (Johnsons Lawn Seed), Mr Fothergill's Seeds Johnsons Seeds Microgreens Range

About the winner:  Aimed at novice gardeners and those looking for an economic and efficient way to fill flower beds and borders with long season colour. The seed is diluted with natural buckwheat husks to aid broadcast sowing. Grow beautiful flowers in three easy steps: Scatter, Rake, Awake!

What the judges said: “They've got everything right with this range; seed selection, packaging, name, easy to use, it really stood out.”

 

Garden Landscaping

Winner: Onduline Building Products Ltd – ONDULINE EASYLINE DIY roof sheets

Finalists: Vitavia Greenhouses – Janssens Urban Greenhouse, Deco-Pak – Glasglo, Woodlodge – Honey & Wild Songbird Garden Arch

About the winner: With people spending more time in their gardens, introducing ONDULINE EASYLINE roofing sheets into the retail offering is creating a prime new opportunity to attract value-conscious customers who are keen to upgrade their existing garden buildings sustainably, rather than face the expense of a brand-new shed.

What the judges said: “A versatile product, ideal for small projects.”

 

Garden Clothing & Gifts

Winner: Richard Jackson Garden – Plantsmith Gift Boxes

Finalists: Smart Garden Products – Bees Collection, Burgon & Ball – RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘British Meadow’ gardening gift collection, Woodlodge – Honey & Wild Bee Spiral Mobile

About the winner: You can buy beautifully packaged scented candles and beauty kits, but gardening gift kits have always tended to be practical and not particularly attractive. Plantsmith wants to change that with our houseplant care gift boxes. Designed to appeal as a gift for all houseplant lovers, especially the more style-conscious gardeners.

What the judges said: “The ideal gift for any houseplant lover.”

 

Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care Products

Winner: Wildlife World – Artisan Bird Nesters

Finalists: Smart Garden – Wild Wings Feeding Station, Capi Europe - Design Butterfly Hotel, Westland Horticulture – Peckish Natural Balance Bird Food Range

About the winners: These are fantastic products for a few reasons: They are ethically produced – both in the sense of materials used – natural and recycled – and the fact that these products support woman in very poor parts of Bangladesh. These social enterprises transform local communities, pioneer upcycling, empower women, champion refugee rights and practice organic farming.

What the judges said: “Important social and environmental values embedded into good-looking, well made, practical products.”

 

 

Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation 

Winner: The Solar Centre – Kingsbridge Solar Wall Light

Finalist: Smart Garden Products – Mega SpiraLight, The Solar Centre – Salcombe Solar Wall Light, Smart Garden Products – Forli Flaming Lantern

About the winner: This light delivers everything a security light does but in a contemporary, stylish-looking light fitting.

What the judges said: “Super stylish, minimalist design and excellent quality.”

 

Decorative Pots & Planters 

Winner: Woodlodge – Bee Kind Honeycomb and Bumbee Pots

Finalist: Woodlodge – Bee Wall Teapot, Burgon & Ball - Burgon & Ball Malibu indoor plant pots, Woodlodge – Kensington Redstone range

About the winner: As concern escalates over pollinator decline and gardeners seek to make wildlife-friendly havens, Honeycomb and Bumbee were added to the Bee Kind range to draw attention to the plight of much-loved but endangered insects.  Highly giftable, the range is the perfect container for any nature lover.

What the judges said: “The Bee Kind range has been one of this year's best sellers and, at the same time, has supported the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, which is fabulous!”

 

GIMA AWARDS 2021 – MARKETING AWARDS

 

Best Point of Sale Material

Winner: Wildlife World – Cotswold Granaries FSDU

Finalists: Elho – Sustainability Vertical Banner, Elho – Green Basics 200L Rainbarrel POS, Westland Horticulture – Westland Specialist Feeds & Compost DQP

About the winner:  The Cotswold Granaries FSDU is a completely custom design, cut out of OSB using Wildlife World’s in-house CNC machine. The laser-engraved header, logo and shelf stripes offer a unique design, whilst cutting the environmental impact of printing! The unit is also made from 100% FSC and PEFC Timber.

What the judges said: “An attractive piece of point of sale that's natural, rustic, simple and not over-engineered.”

 

 

Best Sustainable Consumer Product Packaging

Winner: Wildlife World – Cotswold Granaries Wild Animal Food

Finalists: Sipcam Home & Garden – Ecofective Refills and Recycled Bottles, Westland Horticulture - Natural Balance range, Vitax Ltd - Vitax Organic Feeds, Hozelock – Superhoze Packaging

About the winner: No other wild animal food company has produced products in fully 100% home compostable packaging, even down to the re-sealable zip. It's a top quality, nutritionally dense range of feeds that will attract and sustain wildlife in the consumer’s garden.

What the judges said: “Attractive and well executed packaging with clear sustainable credentials.  Everything, even the resealable zips are fully compostable!”

 

Best Marketing Communication & Social Media Award

Winner: Evergreen Garden Care – Miracle-Gro Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Finalists: Stihl - TV ad and supporting campaign, Westland Horticulture – Peckish Digital Bird Food Campaign, Westland Horticulture – Specialist Feeds Digital Campaign

About the winner: We have not seen a mental health campaign like this in the garden care space before. We were not seeking to promote a specific product with the campaign, but instead to work to encourage open dialogue about mental health and educate about the health benefits of gardening.

What the judges said: “A well-executed campaign, which really brought the connection between gardening, mindfulness and wellbeing to the fore, as well as encouraging an open dialogue about mental health.”

 

This year the GIMA Awards winners were selected by a panel of industry experts, made up of Alexa Blackmore, The Gardens Group; Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre; Matthew Bent, Bents Garden & Home; Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News; Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus; Phillippa Stubbs, British Garden Centres; and Stuart Whalley, Rosebourne. 

 
Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening

Here’s our picture special from last night’s glitzy GIMA Awards evening hosted by celebrity Vernon Kay. Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer.


Click here to see gallery of pictures

 

Here’s our picture special from last night’s glitzy GIMA Awards evening hosted by celebrity Vernon Kay.  Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer.

 

 
Dobbies strengthens leadership team

Dobbies has announced three senior appointments, strengthening its team as it continues to develop its platform for growth – Richard Hodges as Dobbies’ Commercial Director, John Dunning as Restaurant Director, and Tim Hollis as Head of Buying...


 

Dobbies has announced three senior appointments, strengthening its team as it continues to develop its platform for growth. 

 

Richard Hodges is appointed as Dobbies’ Commercial Director. He joins from Sainsbury’s where he was Head of UK Wholesale and International Growth. Richard will take responsibility for all trading, as well as leading the rollout of the company's small store format, little dobbies, and growth plans for dobbies.com. 

 

John Dunning is appointed as Dobbies’ Restaurant Director. He was most recently at Bourne Leisure, where he was Food and Beverage Director for Butlins. 

 

Tim Hollis is appointed as Dobbies’ Head of Buying. He was most recently Head of Buying for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Holding a key role within Richard’s team, Tim will lead the buying team and be responsible for buying across all categories.  

 

Graeme Jenkins, Dobbies’ CEO, said: “Richard, John and Tim bring outstanding experience from the retail, hospitality and horticulture worlds. They will be instrumental in helping continue with our growth plan.” 

 

Richard Hodges, Commercial Director, said: “Dobbies is the UK’s leading garden centre business - I’m looking forward to playing a major role in the next stage of the company’s growth.” 

 

John Dunning, Restaurant Director, said: “Dobbies has always been a great place for food – I am looking forward to helping improve the restaurant offer for our customers.” 

 

Tim Hollis, Head of Buying, said: “Dobbies is continually striving to offer customers the best product ranges and I’m motivated by the opportunity to drive the business forward. I’ll ensure we continue to build on Dobbies’ sustainability commitments, taking our green credentials to the next level.” 

 

Andrew Bracey, Dobbies’ Chairman, said: “As we grow Dobbies organically and by acquisition we are always trying to improve what we offer our customers. By strengthening the team, we will be more able to do this and continue to improve on our outstanding customer experience.” 

 

The appointments follow a string of developments this year for Dobbies, including the launch of four little dobbies and the acquisition of a new garden centre in Boston.  

 
Council grants expansion plans at garden centre

Mayberry Garden Centre near Brighton in Sussex has received planning permission to expand its premises and create new access...


 

A garden centre in Sussex has received planning permission to expand its premises and create new access.

 

Adur District Council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for the changes to the Mayberry Garden Centre in Portslade near Brighton.

 

Owner Tates of Sussex now has permission to enlarge its premises, making its indoor and outdoor retail areas bigger, with an extra floor space of more than 2,000 square metres. New access would include diverting a public right of way.

 

The plans would affect the eastern third of the vacant Eastbrook Allotments site which is also subject to a planning application by Tates for a car showroom.

 

A spokesperson for Tates said: “All aspects of the application have been meticulously and diligently considered.

 

“The highways authority have confirmed their support for the new access arrangements which will remove the need for deliveries to use the same access as the garden centre customers.”

 

The plans would affect part of a vacant allotments site which is also subject to a planning application by Tates for a car showroom.

 
Christmas and plants – the recipe for success
Exclusive GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Epos data analysis

Christmas and plants are proving to be the recipe of success for garden centre retailing this Autumn. They are the sectors that have driven the GTN Bestsellers up by 7% on the same week last year...


 

Christmas and plants are proving to be the recipe of success for garden centre retailing this Autumn. They are the sectors that have driven the GTN Bestsellers up by 7% on the same week last year.

 

Christmas Top 50 sales were up by 8% and whilst plants were down by 8% on 2020 levels they were up by 30% on 2019.

 

The Little Dobbies at Richmond was certainly making the most of the Christmas and plants combination last weekend, using their Christmas displays to draw people in and then using plants as the prime product in front of Christmas baubles. It made for a pleasing display and was keeping the tills busy!

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 45.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – down 3%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – down 20%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 5%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 33%
  • Christmas Top 50 – up 8%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 45

  • All Plants with Barcode index – down 8%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 7%

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.

 
A festive Christmas at Hillier

Hillier has announced its line-up of festive events and launches taking place across the 18 garden centres throughout the Christmas 2021 period...


Hillier has announced its line-up of festive events and launches taking place across the 18 garden centres throughout the Christmas 2021 period.

 

On Wednesday 3rd November, Hillier Garden Centres officially unveiled its Christmas displays and collections in-store. As well as launch its Christmas digital magazine to the Hillier Gardening Club members, delving into the traditions of Christmas across the world. Once again Hillier will be supporting Mission Christmas with each store being a gift drop-off point. 

 

The week of the 22nd November is a key date in the Hillier festive calendar, commencing the delivery of thousands of top quality UK grown Christmas trees to centres, ready for sale. Early December the Festive Celebration Evenings will begin with light switch-ons, festive entertainment and a chance to sip a warming cup of mulled wine while wandering through the Christmas tree forest.

 

This year’s festive menu presents an abundance of festive flavours across all Mulberry & Thyme Restaurants and The Courtyard Restaurant at Syon Park for customers to enjoy throughout late November and December. Including the return of the customer favourite Festive Afternoon Tea for Two.

 

The award-winning Wreath workshops are back at Hillier this year with the addition of table decoration workshops. Running from the 6th to the 10th December, these workshops are delivered by knowledgeable Hillier Garden Centre staff, who will demonstrate to participants how to make their own festive pieces to take home and enjoy. 

 

Hillier Retail and Wholesale Director, Chris Francis, is positive about this year’s festive plans: “It’s another exciting year at Hillier, with a packed calendar of festive events and launches for customers across our garden centres. We’re looking forward to the return of our in-centre events and providing many happy customers with great experiences once again.”

 

For further information about Hillier, or for festive news, inspiration and a series of Christmas themed “how to” guides, visit www.hillier.co.uk, find Hillier Garden Centres on Facebook, or @Hilliergardencentres on Instagram.

 
Brightening up our homes at British Garden Centres

This festive season has already seen a 30% increase in sales of Christmas Lights across British Garden Centres...


 

British Garden Centres have officially launched Christmas in all their centres across the UK and following their success, they are already seeing clear Christmas trends and success.

 

This festive season has already seen a 30% increase in sales of Christmas Lights across British Garden Centres. 

 

People are lighting up all areas of their homes, whether it's for Christmas trees, garlands, around the fireplace or outdoors, this area of our Christmas departments is proving very popular this year. British Garden Centres are also proud sponsors of this year’s Illumination Street. For more information and to get involved with this fantastic competition visit:  https://illuminationstreet.com. This year there's £5000 worth of prizes to be won! 

 

Amy Stubbs, Group Development Manager, said “We love Christmas at British Garden centres and although some suggest we start too early, we know how much our customers love our Christmas departments. Seeing the centres transform in late September and showcase their individuality really brings the magic of Christmas to each centre”. 

 

Brigg Garden Centre Christmas launch announcement post on Facebook had an organic reach of 180,000 people, which had a 275% increase from the 2020 announcement. 

 

Following their first month of sales and Christmas launches here are their top 6 best-selling Christmas trends. The top two positions account for 20% of our Christmas takings so far.  

 

1. Time to Remember

The traditional reds, vivid golds, and classic greens is a theme embraced worldwide and never goes out of style. The traditional theme helps create a warm and cosy ambience that will radiate through your home. It truly brings the feeling of Christmas to life.

 

2. A Winter’s Tale

Dreaming of a winter wonderland? The Winter’s Tale theme brings the magical snowy scenes into your home with stunning vivid blues, frosted whites, and beautiful silvers. A truly mystical colour palette perfect for any home.

 

3. Winter Rose

All things romance, Winter Rose is about bringing the love story and fairy-tale of Christmas to life throughout your home, with hints of classic pearl and champagne colours threaded through the stunning blush and velvet pinks with notes of magnolia. A truly gorgeous theme and style for your home this season.  

 

4. Sleigh Bells Ringing

A stunning mix of festive fun with hints of Scandi outdoor fees with frosty whites and silvers with rich berry reds and pine green accents. The fun gingerbread décor sits perfectly within this festive theme, to add some whimsical Christmas classics to your home. Bring the joy of Christmas home with beautiful gingerbread ornaments and scented products. 

 

5. Enchanted Forest

This folklore woodlands inspired theme brings the outside in with the raw green and brown shades with accents of royal purple and autumnal oranges throughout. The rustic aesthetic is really brought to life with the Enchanted Forest theme.

 

6. A touch of Elegance

An extravagant yet modern take on Christmas with all thing’s gold! Featuring a stunning collection of vintage gold lights with champagne, light gold, pearl, and wool white decorations with gorgeous fairy-tale features. Candles and gold painted foliage to make your home stand out this season. 

 

British Garden Centres Group Christmas Buyer said, “Each year we can’t wait to start planning Christmas and sourcing products to bring the magic of Christmas to our stores. We are constantly looking for new trends but also remaining faithful to the classics like Traditional and Winter”.

 

There are more fabulous themes throughout the group in selected centres that cater for everyone’s taste, from Victorian-era flowers to the Scandi candy cane treats. The magic of Christmas is truly at British Garden Centres this year. The garden centre group has products for each area of your home including stunning door wreaths. 

 

British Garden Centres has seen incredible success with their Christmas launches and have an incredibly wide variety of stock across the group. With recent stock issues across the country, British Garden Centres are proud to have not been affected and successfully launched their Christmas departments, some as early as September. 

 

Follow the group on Pinterest for great Christmas inspiration. 

 
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 last week are here

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

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Bestsellers 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


 
Raw food firm lines up Christmas feast for pets

Raw pet food brand Natural Instinct has re-introduced its limited-edition Christmas Feast for dogs and cats...


Raw pet food brand Natural Instinct has re-introduced its limited-edition Christmas Feast for dogs and cats. 

 

The festive special is sure to strike the right note thanks to its unique recipe, including turkey with other festive ingredients. 

 

The Limited-Edition Christmas Feast is available in three pack sizes to cater for all pet owners. 

All Natural Instinct complete meals include 100% British meats, with added fruits, vegetables and natural supplements to create wholesome and healthy meals. 

 

Managing director Phil Keen said: “We are delighted to announce the return of our Christmas Feast meal this season. 

 

“Our delicious and nutritious festive meal will bring the Christmas spirit to your furry best friend, so they can celebrate as a true member of the family. 

 

“We produce the most scrumptious, natural, complete frozen meals full of goodness and high value nutrients. It’s the easiest Christmas Feast of the holidays.” 

CASCO Pet launches new company website

 

CASCO Pet has launched its newly redesigned website. The new site provides inspiration and easy access across all devices to help vets, pet retailers and aquatic specialists make well-informed decisions about animal housing, equipment and consumable products...


CASCO Pet has launched its newly redesigned website – www.cascopet.com. The new site provides inspiration and easy access across all devices to help vets, pet retailers and aquatic specialists make well-informed decisions about animal housing, equipment and consumable products.  

 

The website’s new streamline and modern design has improved functionality and accessibility and comprehensively brings together the entire range of veterinary, pet and aquatic products.

It also contains CASCO’s ‘news and views’ blog, an enhanced service and support section, and inspiring case studies.

 

“We are thrilled to debut our new company website to our global team, clients, and future clients who want to know more about CASCO Pet and understand the complete breadth and depth of products we offer,” said Matthew Bubear, chief vision officer. 

 

“This website redesign truly brings together our commitment to animal health and wellness and provides clients who may operate across many pet sectors one place to find all our ranges.”

 
DogPhone keeps ‘pandemic pups’ in touch with owners

A new system, dubbed DogPhone, is the first of its kind to empower animals to use the internet to contact their owners. In the future, its creators say, it could help address the separation anxiety of pets who have grown used having people at home during the coronavirus pandemic.


 

On the internet, the old saying goes, nobody knows you’re a dog – but that could be set to change with the invention of a device which helps pets place video calls to their owners.

The system, dubbed DogPhone, is the first of its kind to empower animals to use the internet to contact their owners. 

In the future, its creators say, it could help address the separation anxiety of pets who have grown used having people at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

DogPhone is the result of a collaboration between Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas (pictured above), of the University of Glasgow, and her 10-year-old labrador, Zack, along with colleagues from Aalto University in Finland.

The results of Zack’s interactions with a prototype DogPhone are the focus of a new research paper delivered today (Wednesday 17 November) at the 2021 ACM Interactive Surfaces and Spaces Conference in Łódź, Poland. 

DogPhone allows Zack to call Dr Hirskyj-Douglas by picking up and shaking a ball fitted with an accelerometer. When the accelerometer senses movement, it initiates a video call on a laptop in their living room allowing Zack to see and interact with his owner whenever he chooses. Zack’s owner can also use the system to call him, and he is free to answer or ignore the call.

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas is a specialist in animal-computer interaction at the University’s School of Computing Science, who researches new ways to enrich pets’ lives through technology. 

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas said: “There are hundreds of internet-connected ‘smart toys’ on the market that dog owners can buy for their pets, from fitness monitors to remotely-controlled treat dispensers. Smart toys for pets are expected to be a 20 billion dollar industry by 2025. 

“However, the vast majority of them are built with the needs of dog owners in mind, allowing them to observe or interact with their pets while away from home. Very few of them seem to consider what dogs themselves might want, or how technology might benefit them as living beings with thoughts and feelings of their own. 

“What I wanted to do with DogPhone was find a way to turn Zack from a ‘usee’ of technology, where he has no choice or control over how he interacts with devices, into a ‘user’, where he could make active decisions about when, where, and how he placed a call.”

In order to make a device that Zack would find appealing, Dr Hirskyj-Douglas paid close attention to the kinds of objects that Zack likes to play with, and the textures he enjoys touching. After considering the possibility of a stick or a stuffed toy, Dr Hirskyj-Douglas chose a soft ball as the form Zack was most likely to want to interact with. 

With the help of colleagues from Aalto University, Dr Hirskyj-Douglas built an internet-connected accelerometer which could be concealed inside the ball. After several demonstrations of how the ball could be used to start a video call, Zack was given the ball to play with over sixteen study days spread over three months.

In the first iteration of the experiment, lasting two days, Zack made 18 calls, half of which were ‘accidental’ calls placed while he slept on the ball, suggesting the accelerometer system was too sensitive. During several of the calls where Zack was awake, he showed Dr Hirskyj-Douglas some toys that they often play with together and approached the screen, suggesting he wanted to interact with his owner.

The second phase of the experiment, lasting seven days, resulted in only two calls, suggesting the accelerometer tuning had gone too far in the direction of insensitivity.

In the third phase, lasting another seven days, the accelerometer tuning was refined again to try to phase out accidental calls while allowing deliberate ones to be placed more easily. This time, Zack made 35 calls in total, averaging five in a day. 

While many of them seemed accidental, there was also more significant interaction between Zack and Dr Hirskyj-Douglas, who used her phone to show him her environment, including her office, a restaurant, an underground station, and a street busker. Zack again showed additional interest in these interactions, pricking up his ears and approaching the screen. 

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas said: “Of course, we can’t know for sure that Zack was aware of the causal link between picking up the ball and making a call, or even that some the interactions which seemed accidental were actually unintended on his part. However, it’s clear that on some occasions he was definitely interested in what he was seeing, and that he displayed some of the same behaviours he shows when we are physically together. 

“One unexpected consequence of the experiment is that I sometimes found myself unexpectedly anxious when I placed a call to Zack and he wasn’t in front of the camera or he didn’t approach the screen. I hadn’t considered that this might be a consequence of the two-way communication that DogPhone creates, and it’s something to consider for the next iteration of the system.

“Whatever form that takes, we’ve taken another step towards developing some kind of ‘dog internet’, which gives pets more autonomy and control over their interation with technology.

“More refined versions of devices like DogPhone, built backed by further research into what dogs find appealing and comfortable, have real potential to turn the internet of things into a useful tool for animals, built around their needs and wants.

“That could help the ‘pandemic puppies’ – dogs acquired during the unprecedented growth in pet ownership during COVID-19 lockdowns – find new ways to deal with the stress of being home alone as their owners return to work.”

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas’ research paper, titled ‘Forming the Dog Internet: Prototyping a Dog-to-Human Video Call Device’, was delivered at the 2021 ACM Interactive Surfaces and Spaces Conference in Łódź, Poland.