The Garden Centre Association Barometer of Trade figures for January reveal a ‘very good’ start to the year despite the wet weather.

From the 13 categories garden centres recorded, 10 were up when compared to January 2025 with food hall/farm shop recording +15.31% and topping the BoT, followed by clothing up +14.95%.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Our members figures show a very good start to the year even with the constant rain, which has put a nice spring in our members' steps as we look forward to spring.

“It’s very good to see plants, seeds and bulbs all performing strongly this early in the year and with support from the gifts, food halls and clothing categories it has really added up to a great month.

“The catering sales figure, representing 36% of the total sales, demonstrates how important this category is at this time of year to keep pulling those visitors in.”

Seeds & bulbs came third in January’s BoT up +14.3% followed by gifts with +11.99% and outdoor plants in fifth with +11.01%.

Catering was sixth, recording +10.07%, then garden sundries at +7.48%, followed by houseplants up by +5.62%. Pets & aquatics also poll positively for the month when compared to January 2025 at +1.24%.

The categories that recorded negatively included, understandably, furniture & BBQ at -7.13% and hard landscaping down by -26.92%.

The GCA’s BoT reports covering 13 categories are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.