Phil Gibbs, secretary to LOFA (Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association):
The highlight of the year for the UK outdoor leisure industry was undoubtedly moving the venue for the SOLEX trade show to the NEC. The switch was warmly welcomed by the exhibitors and visitors and was rewarded by even better results.
The other highlight for us was the launch of our major outdoor living market research project. The results, which were released before Christmas, will help everyone in the supply chain to meet consumer needs and expectations more effectively in the year ahead.
A safe prediction is that SOLEX will see further growth in 2014 – more space than last year has already been sold and there are still more contracts to sign.
Andy Campbell, retail and business consultant:
The major restructuring and leadership changes at both the retail and supplier ends of the chain were the most profound things to happen in 2012 and will have deep reverberations in the months to come.
My prediction for 2014 is that, after several lacklustre trading years, the industry will start to regain some traction and we will see solid, profitable growth within tightly managed businesses. The industry is showing signs that it has learned well during the recent lean times.
Malcolm Scott, retail and planning consultant:
2013 has been the retail chains gett bigger – but still no really financially sound trading formula has emerged to support them, beyond as yet future hope that they can produce profits large enough to support the investment made into them.
The outlook for 2014 remains unclear, because the trade is in transition. Owners are grappling with how to keep customers happy with higher comfort and retail experience expectations, keep build and operational costs low to maintain their competitive advantage vis a vis the high street and fend off the advance of internet shopping, diversify out of weather dependent products but not lose the magic of plants. It requires vision from owners, and consultants, and clever focused investment of funds in only those parts of the business which drive sales and profit. GCA inspectors may have to accept the reality that not all parts of a garden centre can operate at the same standard and make money.
Neil Gow, outgoing director of the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) and owner of a small garden centre:
The weather proved to be the highlight of the year, giving us a half-decent summer, which made all the difference. This year, a later Easter will give us more of a chance. Some are still wanting to get the season started too early, which increases the risk that the weather will catch us out again. But if the weather is right, I can see it being a good year. There is plenty of potential for grow-your-own – I believe we have only just scratched the surface, but you need sensible products, not just more cheap me-toos. Gardeners are happy to spend money when they are getting value. Customers will always come back for more if the product is good and the service memorable.
Iain Wylie, chief executive of the Garden Centre Association:
We had all the seasons in 2013 but not necessarily in the right order! That made logistical planning a nightmare. It’s a cliché, but it showed just how dependent we are on the weather.
The other problem we have is getting into the right frame of mind. People do want to visit garden centres and enjoy their gardens and just because we have had two years of difficult weather does not mean consumers have lost interest in gardening. The indications for the economy are quite bright and I am cautiously optimistic. I certainly do not believe that people have forgotten how to garden. Grow-your-own has lost some momentum through the trade but we have to remember that it’s not just garden centres who are selling it. Finally, better media coverage for gardening would be top of my wish list for 2014.
