Leading wholesaler Stax Trade Centres is increasing its attempts to attract more garden centres as it aims to increase its growing penetration of the gardening market.
With the market remaining healthy despite the turbulence of the economic downturn and last year’s weather, Stax is optimistic about the future and feels the time is right to push on.
Joint MD David Hibbert says: “We have seen an upturn this summer. The warm weather has encouraged the traditional gardening market into the garden, prompting more trips to the garden centre. We are also seeing the growth of more leisure shopping as consumers head to garden centres for a coffee and a mooch around as part of a day out. As a result we are showing strong gardening sales, especially of well known brands including Scotts, Bayer, Town & Country, Hozelock, Rentokil, Vitax, STV, and Pagoda.”
The gardening market is estimated to be in excess of £5 billion (HTA data) and Hibbert believes it will increase.
“As we see ever increasing signs of economic recovery, and as the population continues to age, we believe that garden centres will thrive.”
Stax will be at Glee again this year, with a bigger stand in hall 5 (5E31). They will be exhibiting their own brands: Ambassador quality garden tools, Glenwear workwear and clothing and a selection of SupaGarden value brand lines.
“Going forward we plan to work hand in hand with independent garden centres across the country by offering them the right mix of products, at the right terms to help them capitalise on market growth” Hibbert said.
Stax are continually developing their garden offering through all depots and through Scottish delivered wholesaler Wisharts of Edinburgh. Hibbert says STAX have invested in improving their online ordering system and representatives can offer garden centres assistance in reviewing ranges, providing merchandising and marketing support, as well as helping new customers with a range of special deals.
Contacts: David Hibbert, Stax Trade Centres, 0161 728 8000
Mark Camp, Stax Marketing , 01254 878 956
