Overall, garden centre sales in August 2022 were down -7% on August 2021 as consumers faced another month of high inflation, price increases on energy and drought restrictions, according to the HTA's market update.

Within this figure, garden/gardening sales were down -6% on August 2021 and non- garden/gardening sales were down -11% as consumers were likely adapting their leisure budgets from the rising costs of essentials.

In addition, the August bank holiday may not have driven footfall as consumers had multiple leisure options available to them. Our analysis of transaction numbers shows that overall garden centre transactions were 12% down on August 2021.

Overall sales in comparison to July 2019 were up +23% on a more ‘normal’ trading period comparison. Garden/gardening sales were up +24% and non-garden/gardening sales were up +19% within this compared to July 2019.

However, these increased sales are likely reflecting the price increases seen within the 3-year period instead of demand. Consumer financial confidence dropping each month is likely impacting consumers’ willingness to spend on leisure.