Last week as the government announced 14 day self isolations along with other measures the picture looked really bleak and uncertain. However, gardeners initially have galvanised themselves into action and got ready for a long spring and summer of growing and enjoying their garden.
Whilst there is still uncertainty as to what further restrictions may be imposed one thing is certain, gardening has taken off for the season big time and we expect the GTN Bestsellers figures for next week to show an acceleration of sales.
Our Epos data only covers volume item sales so we are unable to factually comment on restaurant sales but we know they have been hit, so there are holes in turnover and activity that need to be filled. Farm Shops appear to be part of that, and we saw plenty of chocolate items selling through in the data.
It’s a bit like Easter and Christmas rolled into one. We now need to make gardening so relevant to peoples well being during the next 12 weeks so garden centres can remain open as they are in Germany.
Stay safe and well.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 11
• Garden Products Top 50 – up 19%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 74%
• Wild Bird Care Top 50 – up 33%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 29%
• All Plants index – up 20%
• All Items index – up 18%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk