Fewer garden centres operated by large groups than 10 years ago
With more garden centre acquisition activity already this year and more in the pipeline, one of the questions we get asked most often is “Is it a good thing for the industry or something to worry about?”
Our answer is that provided the group operator knows what they are doing and will run the centres well then that is a good thing, and the other answer is that groups buying up centres has been happening for a long time and that has provided many an opportunity for smaller businesses to grow into a new space or niche.
Plus ca change... the more things change, the more they stay the same.
In fact, over the past 10 years the number of garden centres that are operated by large groups of more than 10 centres has actually dropped from 305 in July 2016 to 294 as of last week in March 2026.
2026
2016
Group's with 10 or more centres
Outlets
Group's with 10 or more centres
Outlets
British Garden Centres
78
Wyevale Garden Centres
153
Blue Diamond
53
Dobbies
35
Dobbies
53
Klondyke
24
Klondyke
23
Blue Diamond
18
Hilliers
22
Notcutts
18
Notcutts
19
Squires
15
Cherry Lane
19
Hilliers
12
Squires
17
Cherry Lane
10
Caulders
10
Hillview
10
Total
294
British Garden Centres
10
Source: GTN Magazine
Total
305
Where there has been significant change is in the number of groups with less than 10 centres and we can expect this to continue as single site operation gets harder due to increased costs and the attraction of sharing back-office costs across a number of locations becomes more appealing.
Great perspective. While ownership structures may shift, the biggest change over the last 10 years is how central data has become to running a successful garden centre from understanding shoppers and local missions to optimising range, price and promotions. At NIQ, we support both independents and large groups with actionable, data‑driven insight to spot growth opportunities and manage their businesses with confidence as the industry continues to evolve.
Graham Spencer
Having visited a chain garden centre near me yesterday, it seems there is plenty of room for well-run independents. The focus was on value, but the result was a tired-looking store with uninspiring displays. This chain must compete with two independents within 15-20 minutes, and they are both very much better (without being more expensive), both in terms of quality and range, with inspiring displays that encourage lingering visits and repeat visits by customers. Based on what I saw yesterday, I wonder if this particular chain really is getting it right.
