In This Issue
Dobbies scoop up Woodcote Green
Great gift book ideas from Baker & Taylor
Westland's £4m offer for Gardman put them at front of a long queue
Houseplants sales 16% up in September says GCA
Delegates learn how to stand out from the crowd
Soaraway growth for water features says Kelkay
Squire's donates 230,000 tulips to local communities
Langlands helps Emma, 14, raise £8k for powerchair
Prague inspires garden centre delegates
GCA Trust sponsored delegates return from ‘inspirational’ IGCA Congress in Czech Republic
Product Merchandiser
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Lechuza self-watering planters open up new sales opportunities
Cold enough for gifts at last?
The best of last week's
Westland scoop Gardman Wild Bird Care to gain 90% market share
SOLEX organiser Phil Gibbs leaves LOFA
Get ready for a half-term sales spree, says GTN Bestsellers
Tong Garden Centre doubles toy area ahead of Christmas
Anchorfast gets the Kelkay treatment
Up to 20% OFF* Retail Staging Display Range
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Situations Vacant
Product Merchandiser
Very attractive salary, bonus, company vehicle.
 
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Dobbies scoop up Woodcote Green

Dobbies have scooped up Woodcote Green Garden Centre as the 'Sale of the Century' of Wyevale Garden Centres continues...


Dobbies have scooped up Woodcote Green Garden Centre as the 'Sale of the Century' of Wyevale Garden Centres continues.

 

Woodcote Green was listed as the most expensive site, £35 million freehold, when the portfolio of garden centres went up for sale in May.

 

In a statement issued this morning Wyevale announced the sale of its Woodcote Green Garden Centre to Dobbies Garden Centre Centres.  It goes on:

Woodcote Green is the third largest garden centre in the UK market. The news follows Dobbies Garden Centres’ acquisition of five other WGC garden centres earlier this month.

Located in South London, the centre was bought by WGC in 2016 and run as a stand-alone entity within the Wyevale Group.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Woodcote Green to Dobbies, one of the UK’s biggest and most experienced garden centre operators. We would like to thank our great colleagues at this centre, who have made a huge contribution to the business, and wish them well for the next stage of their growth and development under Dobbies’ ownership.”

Graeme Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “The acquisition of Woodcote Green represents another step in our growth plan and expands our footprint in the South of England.

“There is a great team at Woodcote Green who have succeeded in creating one of the UK’s best garden centres and we very much look forward to welcoming them to the Dobbies’ family.”

The sale is expected to complete at the end of this week and will bring Dobbies Garden Centres’ estate to 40 centres across the UK. Woodcote Green will become the largest garden centre in the Dobbies Group.

WGC has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “Since the launch of the sale process in May we have already sold 29 centres and are currently evaluating a wide range of competitive offers from the group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs. We look forward to further positive discussions with all potential buyers.”

Christie & Co, the specialist business property advisor managing the sale process on behalf of WGC, have run a two phase process that has achieved considerable interest from a wide variety of buyers. The opportunity to run one, a small group or a portfolio of garden centres has ignited interest within the sector and beyond, and Christie & Co continue to liaise with phase 2 bidders as the process continues.

 

 

Great gift book ideas from Baker & Taylor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Baker & Taylor gift ideas in their book displays, you can find gifts for men and for women and special gifts for grandparents...


With Baker & Taylor gift ideas in their book displays, you can find gifts for men and for women and special gifts for grandparents.

 

  

 

They have books that cover everything from Brexit to Unicorns and iPhones. And don’t miss out on their personalised gift books for kids – Santa’s Elf is a ‘must have’.

 

Gift books play an important part in the indoor shopping areas of garden centres, especially at this time of year, when you can find a gift for everyone.

 

This tailored range offers an Aladdin’s cave of surprises and choices for presents for friends, family – or, indeed, a personal treat. The selection is brimming with the finest books of 2018. There are books to get you in the Christmas mood, to inspire the adventurer in you, to raise a smile or as a gift for someone special. With stocking fillers and the fabulous Christmas range for children, Baker & Taylor provide all the Christmas inspiration you need.

 

You can contact Client Services on 01869 363500, or email them here.

Westland's £4m offer for Gardman put them at front of a long queue

 

 

 

Twenty-five companies were offered the opportunity to buy Gardman before the administrators accepted a £4m offer from Westland, it was revealed this week...


Twenty-five companies were offered the opportunity to buy Gardman before the administrators accepted a £4m offer from Westland, it was revealed this week.

 

In details circulated to creditors, PwC said 20 of the firms approached were trade buyers and five financial. Seven parties submitted non-binding indicative offers for all or part of the business, with Westland and two others moving to the next stage of the “accelerated sale” process. Ten businesses declined to bid at all. Westland’s was the “best offer available”, despite a stock valuation of £7.4m.

 

PwC estimate that unsecured creditors could receive up to 15% of money owed. Secured creditors will be paid in full.

 

The sale only affects Gardman’s UK business, Gardman Ltd. Gardman (Australia) Pty, Gardman USA Iinc, Parnell Lang and The Little Garden Company – all part of Gardman Group – and the China-based Gardman Asia Limited (in which Gardman Ltd held shares) were excluded.

 

Westland will be allowed to continue to operate from Gardman’s leasehold warehouses in Kings Lynn and West Lynn and Peterborough head office for up to six months while they negotiate with landlords, safeguarding jobs for now.

 

Gardman’s shareholders called in administrators to handle the sale after declining to commit to additional funding of at least £10m needed to complete the company’s recovery following last year’s disastrous warehouse fire at Daventry.

Houseplants sales 16% up in September says GCA

Sales in garden centre houseplants departments remained strong during September according to the Garden Centre Association's barometer of trade report...

 


Sales in garden centre houseplants departments remained strong during September according to the Garden Centre Association's barometer of trade report.

 

Compared to last year (2017) sales in houseplants were up 16.49%. Outdoor plants followed close behind at 15.75% up.

 

 

Iain Wylie, GCA chief executive, said: “It looks like there is no stopping the resurgence we've seen in houseplants during the past few years. They have really struck a chord with the younger generation and are now seen as a vital part of home décor and accessorising.

 

“People are becoming increasingly aware that plants are good for wellbeing and, according to research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the right indoor plants could reduce susceptibility to stress, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.

 

“We expect the sales of houseplants to continue doing well for the rest of the year as people opt to bring colour indoors with festive plants such as poinsettias, cyclamen and hyacinths."

 

During the month, seed and bulb sales were up 15.4%, garden sundries sales were up 15.15% and furniture and barbecue sales were up 3.32%.

 

Pets and aquatics were up 0.25% and gifts up 2.55%. Hard landscaping sales increased by 6.57% and food hall and farm shop sales by 6.11%.

 

Clothing  dropped 4.25% but catering increased by 7.58%.

 

Overall, sales revenues for the month were up 8.12% with a year to date change of 1.87%.

Delegates learn how to stand out from the crowd

The HTA Marketing Forum in October gave delegates an insight into the advances in marketing to help them stand out from the crowd...

 


The HTA Marketing Forum in October gave delegates an insight into the advances in marketing to help them stand out from the crowd.

 

Covering all disciplines, the key takeaways were:

 

Reports of retail death are greatly exaggerated. Despite 69% claiming to shop online to avoid queues, only 3% of Britons say they no longer shop in store and 64% of people still enjoy browsing in store. (Anthony Earl, POPAI UK & Ireland).

 

Digital marketing is the way to keep up to date with marketing trends, but print, if done properly, helps smaller business to compete with the bigger companies. (Graham Thomas, Eight Days A Week Print Solutions).

 

No matter who your consumer is, they will likely care about the environment in some way. Use this to your advantage. (Carol Wright, Hozelock).

 

Visual merchandising works around key visual principles such as symmetry, alternation, utilising height and creating visual focus points. (Sarah Manning, Visual Merchandiser, pictured).

 

The benefits of vlogging include increasing trust, providing added value, standing out from the crowd, showcasing strengths and awareness, maximising visual content and giving your business a voice. (Robbie Cumming, HornbyWhitefoot PR).

 

Boosting posts can be a great way to create more customer engagement and increase brand awareness on a small budget. –(Josie McGhee, HTA).

 

Remember your customers are human and you never know what they may be going through. Don’t always try to upsell and see them as more than just a number. (Annabelle Padwick, Life at No. 27).

Soaraway growth for water features says Kelkay

Kelkay has reported exceptional growth of over 65% across the water features category in 2018...

 


Kelkay has reported exceptional growth of over 65% across the water features category in 2018.

 

A small selection of more than 50 new products was on display at Glee.

 

Responding to a noticeable trend towards trade-up opportunities, Kelkay have also developed two further ranges of premium water features for 2019.

 

Eight features under the new ‘Impressions’ brand at RRPs from £299.99 are designed to provide a focal point in the garden, offering the benefits of traditional natural stone at a fraction of the cost and less than half the weight. Engineered to look and feel like natural stone, the traditional and contemporary designs will cope with all weather conditions. It comes with its own merchandising solution and supporting POS.

 

Sarah Winn, group marketing director for AMES UK, said: “We continue to look for further opportunities to invigorate and stimulate growth in product categories and the new and innovative ‘Impressions’ range is a great example. The high quality, affordability and lighter weight product opens up a great opportunity for retailers to expand their water features offer.”

 

Remaining in the Easy Fountain family, but with its own identity, is the new range of metal ‘Nature Inspired’ water features, all of which feature a fashionable copper effect finish. With bespoke POS that slots seamlessly into the Easy Fountain merchandising system, this collection of four new products is designed around natural plants and flowers. Ranged in line with key retail price points from £199, the 'Nature Inspired' collection appeals to consumers looking for something unusual and interesting.

 

More information: go to the website.

 

Squire's donates 230,000 tulips to local communities

 

 

 

Squire’s Garden Centres has donated 230,000 tulip bulbs to local parks, green spaces, schools, hospitals and charities...

 

Pictured: staff from the Washington centre with local schoolchildren who helped with the planting.


Squire’s Garden Centres has donated 230,000 tulip bulbs to local parks, green spaces, schools, hospitals and charities.

 

 

The garden centre chain pledged to donate 10 bulbs for every bag of bulbs that customers purchased in September in its ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign.

 

Local councils, school children and community volunteers joined Squire's staff to plant the bulbs in October.

 

Deputy chairman Sarah Squire said the company had been overwhelmed by the response to the campaign. “It’s fantastic to be able to give something back to the communities where we are located,” she added.

 

The donated variety is ‘Tulip tarda’ (RHS AGM), which has clusters of yellow and white fragrant star-shaped flowers.

 

Pictured: staff and volunteers get on with the planting at Guildford.

Langlands helps Emma, 14, raise £8k for powerchair

Staff at Langlands Garden Centre have helped a local girl born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus  to raise £8,000 for a new electric powerchair...

 


Staff at Langlands Garden Centre have helped a local girl born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus  to raise £8,000 for a new electric powerchair.

 

Emma Hodson, 14, had her first operation when she was just 16 hours old. Although she relies on a wheelchair full time, she regularly enjoys taking part in wheelchair races with Leeds City athletics club and powerchair football with Hull and East Riding Electric Eels.

 

 

When they found out Emma was hoping to raise £8,000 for her own powerchair, staff at Langlands got involved in a number of fundraising activities, including a family fun day at Goodmanham Dale.

 

It wasn’t all fun and games though.  Langlands director James Ducker took part in the Yorkshire Tough Mudder event in July at Broughton Hall alongside his colleague Claire Share to raise £1200, bringing the total raised by Langlands Garden Centre to a £3182.74.

 

James said: “Emma’s father Ian is a team member at Langlands in Shiptonthorpe, so when we heard about Emma’s appeal we knew we wanted to do whatever we could to help.

 

“Staff really committed to the cause and it’s fantastic to know that the money we raised has helped give Emma the final push to not only reach but surpass her goal. We’re so pleased that she will soon be able to enjoy the freedom of having her own powerchair!”

 

Picture shows (l-r): Michelle Hathway, Emma Hodson, Langlands Director James Ducker and colleague Claire Share.

 

 

Prague inspires garden centre delegates

Garden Connect's Edwin Meijer attended the recent IGCA Convention in Prague.  Here is his Blog...


Garden Connect's Edwin Meijer attended the recent IGCA Convention in Prague.  Here is his Blog:

 

A week in Prague with the International Garden Center Association: what’s in it for you? It’s a good question, and not easy to answer. But all the Dutch participants who attended learned a lot and can start improving their companies. I would like to share with you what I’m taking away from Prague.

 

PRAGUE IS VIBRANT

When you think new retail concepts, you think London, New York, Amsterdam, and really any city in Europe other than Prague. But Prague is an incredibly vibrant city and offers many great, beautiful shops. The shoes/lifestyle shop Vnitroblock with art and cosy café (pictured below) and design shopping centre Stockist are two examples of shops with an appealing concept. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill shops and wouldn’t look out of place in any of the cities mentioned above.

 

VIBRANT GARDEN CENTRES

When it comes to garden centres, the Czech Republic is also vibrant. The shops are young, fresh and don’t have a long history, since the concept of ‘garden centre’ didn’t appear here until 1989. This means that garden centres are fully embracing innovation and change, as can be seen clearly. Sure, we’re not talking about Polhill or Frosts, but they are looking at what’s happening around them and visiting many other garden centres and congresses. Almost every shop will surprise or amaze you.

A few examples: 

  • Garden Centre Lisy has created an incredible design garden which hosts around 25 parties and weddings a year.
  • Chladek Garden Centre, right in the middle of Prague. Has a fantastic outdoor section and, following earlier IGCA trips, they have added a great restaurant, which has been a huge success since its opening. 
  • Libeznice Garden Centre, which sold over 2,500 pot & plant combinations on their website this spring at €40 a piece.

So yes, I was sceptical beforehand, but every visit gave me more than enough to think about. Truly inspiring! 

 

PRAGUE SHOPS ONLINE

We also visited Starkl, one of Central Europe’s largest online shops for gardening items and greenery. We were taken on an enjoyable tour through their logistical centre which showed clearly that online shopping is also on the rise in Prague and its surroundings. This online shop sells a lot of plants: so yes, it is possible, as long as you put your heart into it!

 

PRAGUE INSPIRES

But the real source of inspiration still lies in discussions with colleagues from abroad. On the Interactive Tour, every day has set themes for discussion.

Of course, good old John Stanley had more than enough to talk about, and under the leadership of “our” Ronald Brand we spent hours discussing e-commerce and online marketing. It was very instructive to hear how the Chinese participants manage to run a web shop, which by now has 80 (!) employees in its online department. The German entrepreneurs shared their experiences with the collective online shop set up by the German Centre Association (spoiler: it doesn’t work at all). The English were very open in discussing their problems, profits and challenges surrounding e-commerce.

I’ve also come along to share knowledge, so I speak openly about the things that are or aren’t working, and share useful tools and information. The atmosphere encourages opening up and is unique, as everyone participates in the conversations or shares their experiences. And, you know, it’s kind of fun to talk about your profession!

Guy Topping also had a special story to share: he built an indoor amusement park next to his garden centre Barton Grange (UK) with indoor golf, bowling alleys, a hotel and whatnot. A true entrepreneur everyone can learn from.

 

"WHY DO YOU ACTUALLY GO?"

It may seem a bit odd for a supplier to attend the IGCA, but it’s more than worthwhile. It’s great if it brings you clients, but for me, what matters more is knowing what’s going on and what entrepreneurs are doing. The better I know them, the better I can help our clients. I genuinely didn’t hand out a single business card.

 

The first result? In the next months, two (young) entrepreneurs from England and Germany will come to our office in Zwanenburg for a one-day internship. We’ll share our knowledge with them and they’ll discuss the problems they encounter in their companies. Of course, this immensely helps my team and me, as there is no better source from which to learn what we can do better. We’ll also visit a few garden centres to tag along for a day, to get practical experience of what we can improve.

 

Next stop: Windsor, UK in September 2019. I visit the UK almost every week, but I’ll still join his congress. You know, why don’t you do something a little bit crazy and sign up yourself at www.igca2019.co.uk? I promise that you won’t be disappointed.

 

See you in Windsor!

GCA Trust sponsored delegates return from ‘inspirational’ IGCA Congress in Czech Republic

Squires Garden Centres’ Matt Tanner and Klondyke Group’s Jayne Scott were picked for the GCA Trust’s Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme and joined 200 delegates at the 60th IGCA event, held for the first time in the Czech Republic...


Squires Garden Centres’ Matt Tanner and Klondyke Group’s Jayne Scott who were sponsored by the Garden Centre Association Trust to attend the International Garden Centre Association Congress are back from their trip to Prague earlier this month.

 

The young duo were picked for the Trust’s Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme and joined 200 delegates at the 60th annual event, held for the first time in the Czech Republic.

 

Matt, who is the Manager of Squires at Chertsey and is a previous GCA Rising Stars candidate, said: “The whole trip from start to finish was a fantastic week. The standards of merchandising of houseplants in the Czech Republic has certainly made me re-think what we are currently doing in store and made me review the houseplant area. The use of houseplants in gift departments and in the cafés was definitely something I would like to implement.

 

“I was made to feel welcome by all the delegates and the amount of knowledge that is shared informally on the coach trips between venues is priceless. I can’t emphasise enough the benefits of attending the congress and will certainly be recommending it to my colleagues and peers.”

Delegates from 16 countries attended the IGCA Congress this year, including 40 visitors from Great Britain, who made up the largest contingent.

 

Jayne Scott, who was voted the Rising Star at the 2018 GCA conference, said of the trip: “An invaluable experience – making connections with people from all around the world is not something you get the chance to do every day! From talking to each other about how we do things to seeing fresh new ideas within the garden centres sparks inspiration immediately!

 

“A week-long packed schedule saw us visiting garden centres, gardens, factories and much more and I am so grateful I got to have this experience. With fantastic merchandising especially within houseplant sections, I have certainly come away inspired. What a week!”

The Trust is now inviting donations to fund delegates to future congresses, including the next one in the United Kingdom in September 2019.

 

Sue Allen, Trust Chairman said: “I am so pleased that for the third successive year the Dick Allen Scholarship Fund, as part of the Trust, has supported this initiative. It has proved to be such a valuable part of helping young staff members within GCA garden centres to broaden their horizons, make new like-minded friends on an international level and help them to gain confidence and to express their opinions within discussion groups.”

 

Next year the IGCA Congress will be based in Windsor from September 1-6.

 

Visits are already planned to some of the leading garden centres in the London and South East areas and it is hoped that up to 230 delegates will attend.

 

“Guests will be offered trips to a combination of amazing historical and tourist venues too including: the Bombay Sapphire Gin distillery and a boat trip on the Thames through London with a stop off at the London Eye. To add to this, we will host a medieval banquet and private tour of Hatfield House.

 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best garden centres and venues in the world, which we have in this country, as well as network and learn from colleagues from many different nations.”

 

For those who wish to enter for next year’s award, there will be an announcement at the GCA Conference in January 2019 inviting applications.

 

Sue added: “If anyone wishes to make a donation to ensure the future of this exciting and successful initiative, they should contact Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA on 01244 952170 or visit www.gca.org.uk for more details.”

 

A promotional video about the 2019 IGCA Congress can be viewed here https://youtu.be/Wb6f9wpxxnI.

 

 

 
Product Merchandiser
Very attractive salary, bonus, company vehicle.

The Company:

 

Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade, under its own brand and iconic UK brands, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Laura Ashley.

 

The company has achieved very considerable growth and now wishes to strengthen its merchandising team with the recruitment of a motivated and ambitious Product Merchandiser.

 

Job title: Product Merchandiser

 

Area: Gloucestershire and surrounding areas

             

Salary: Very attractive salary, bonus, company vehicle.

 

Progression: There will be opportunities to progress within the company

 

 

The Role of Product Merchandiser:

 

Building upon strong partnerships with existing customers

Working with the sales team and head office to ensure that customer experience is always exceptional.

Planning and working to an effective journey plan, maximising customer contact.

 

The person for this Product Merchandiser opportunity:


We are looking for a fit and healthy additional member to join our team of merchandisers. The main duties will involve setting up display benches and  displaying our products within garden centres in your allocated area, mainly covering Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Wales and surrounding areas. The ideal applicant will live central to these areas ideally in Gloucestershire. Other locations within reasonable proximity will be considered.

This is an outdoor job involving heavy lifting and only applicants whom are fit, healthy and willing to work long hours during our main season should apply. A company vehicle is provided for all work duties along with a fuel card and mobile phone.

 

A full clean driving licence is required and applicants need to be 23 + years of age.


This is a full time salaried position (£23,000+ after training) with immediate start.



Applications should be sent by email with your CV and covering letter to Brian Cobb, Merchandising Manager, brian.cobb@apta.co.uk or telephone 07968 153418 for any other details.

 
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Lechuza self-watering planters open up new sales opportunities

Lechuza self-watering planters are perfect for those without the time to tend their plants, as they can be left unattended for up to 12 weeks...


Lechuza self-watering planters are perfect for those without the time to tend their plants. They can be left unattended for up to 12 weeks.

 

Crocus.co.uk, Waitrose & Partners Garden website and RHS Plants Online are the latest online stockists.

 

Lechuza’s key account manager Ian Riggs the brand is experiencing significant growth in both the garden centre and online channels. “The Lechuza profile with all retailers is certainly rising and we have many new merchandising and POS packages launching soon to support garden centres, delivering Lechuza as a premier brand.”

 

The planters are designed to take the guesswork out of plant care - something that puts many people off. Lechuza’s innovative and stylish self-watering planter system, which features an internal reservoir that delivers precisely the correct amount of water and nutrients to growing plants, ensures optimum growth, strong roots and good overall health.

 

With a vast collection of products and plans to extend the range in 2019, Lechuza creates new opportunities for retailers to meet the needs of today’s time-pressed gardeners.

 

For more information visit the website,

 
Cold enough for gifts at last?

With temperatures dropping to seasonal norms at last, Crest's Kent & Stowe brand has the ideal range as gift sales get going again...


The 2018 gardening season has certainly been one to remember. At the start of the year the question on everyone’s mind was ‘When is it going to stop raining’.

 

Then it did stop and summer arrived but the worry was how long the good weather was going to last. However, the sun just keeps on shining and here we are at the beginning of November and the leaves are still on the trees.

 

There were predictions of an early Autumn, but summer just wouldn’t let go, so garden centres are ready for Christmas with consumers still enjoying lovely warm days. Things are now about to change with temperatures dropping to more seasonal norms and Autumn and Christmas ready for lift off.

 

The Kent & Stowe ‘Dig for Victory’ Christmas & Gift range has really caught the imagination. In liaison with Imperial War Museums the range has been selected to appeal to customers looking for high quality, desirable home and garden items at affordable prices. There are 10 gifts in the collection, with each one containing authentic wartime recipes and a host of garden tips plus images and history of ‘Dig for victory’ activity. This range is perfect for gardening outlets and the eye-catching packaging and POS is ideal for the Christmas gift market. 

 

The ‘Garden Life’ range has created a new category that appeals to gardeners of all ages and abilities who prefer tools that are fit for purpose without being heavy or cumbersome. Up to 40% lighter, the tools cover digging, raking, cutting and planting.

Kent & Stowe also have a range of Spring promotions available to order now from your Crest Garden sales contact.

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


Westland scoop Gardman Wild Bird Care to gain 90% market share
Week on week UP 0.5% Year to Date vs 2017 DOWN 20.5%

Westlands purchase of Gardman last week means they now hold 90% of Wild Bird Care sales as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Wild Bird Care Top 50...


Westlands purchase of Gardman last week means they now hold 90% of Wild Bird Care sales as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Wild Bird Care Top 50.  Two years ago, for the same week, Gardman themselves held 90% of Top 50 sales volumes.  This time last year, Gardmans share had dropped to 80% with Westland holding 4%.  Now, after recovering from the fire and the ensuing stock distrubution and availability issues Gardman Wild Bird Care lines account for 81% of the GTN Top 50 and Westland Peckish is up to 9%, giving a total market share for Westland of 90%.

  • Mealworm sales jumped last week.  Gardman Mealworm Pouches 800g were the highest re-entry at No 10, just one place below the 1.25kg + 25% Free Mealworm packs.
  • Westland Peckish Complete 2kg + 50% Free was the only new entry of the week, in at No 42.
  • Gardman’s Poppy Feeder With Stem moved up one place to No 2.  Will the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day drive sales up to No 1 as they were in 2016?

The UK Garden Centre Bestsellers Wild Bird Care Products Chart

 
       

Week Ending Sunday 14th October 2018

 
       

This week

Last week

Product description

Volume Sales Change

1

1

Gardman Fat Snax, tub of 50 - 5024160659958

Increase

2

3

Gardman Poppy Feeder With Stem - 5024160013699

 +50% Increase

3

10

Gardman Peanuts 1kg - 5024160781505

 +50% Increase

4

2

Gardman Seed Mix 2kg + 25% Extra Free - 5024160868657

 

5

7

Gardman Suet Feast Value Pack, pack of 10 - 5024160617095

Increase

6

18

Gardman Seed Mix 12.7kg - 5024160782168

Increase

7

19

Westland Peckish Complete Energy Balls, 6+6 free - 5060235442421

Increase

8

4

Gardman Seed Mix 2kg - 5024160782106

 

9

13

Gardman Mealworm 1.25kg + 25% Free - 5024160832887

Increase

10

Re-entry

Gardman Mealworm Pouch 800g - 5024160832733

Highest Re-entry

11

20

Tom Chambers Sunflower Hearts 2.5kg - 5022506023951

Increase

12

24

Gardman No Grow Seed Mix 12.75kg - 5024160844903

Increase

13

9

Gardman Supreme Fat Snax 6 Pack - 5024160897992

 

14

27

Gardman No Mess Mix 12.75kg - 5024160832160

Increase

15

8

Gardman Filled Flip Top Seed Feeder No Grow - 5024160865052

 

16

30

Westland Peckish Natural Balance 12.75kg - 5060235440137

Increase

17

21

Gardman Seed Supreme 12.75kg - 5024160643728

 

18

Re-entry

Gardman Seed Mix 14.75kg + 2kg Extra - 5024160868671

 +100% Increase

19

Re-entry

Gardman Sunflower Hearts 2kg + 25% Extra - 5024160868695

 +100% Increase

20

12

Gardman Bird Feeder Mealworm Filler Flip Top - 5024160876430

 

21

14

Gardman No Mess Seed Mix 12.75kg + 2kg Extra Free - 5024160884954

 

22

17

Gardman Supreme Fat Snax, pack of 50 - 5024160897862

 

23

33

Gardman Co-Co Fat Feeder Pack of 4 - 5024160009081

Increase

24

36

Gardman Mealworm Pouch 100g - 5024160832795

Increase

25

11

Gardman Filled Flip Top Peanut Feeder - 5024160865090

 

26

29

Gardman Peanuts 2kg + 25% Extra - 5024160868718

 

27

Re-entry

Westland Peckish Complete 12.75kg - 5060235441820

 +100% Increase

28

44

Gardman Hedgehog Bites 650g - 5024160917201

Increase

29

50

Gardman Peanuts 2kg - 5024160781529

Highest Climber

30

25

Tom Chambers Nice Nuts 2.5kg - 25% extra free - 5022506007104

 

31

23

Gardman Large Black Steel Seed Feeder - 5024160782946

 

32

35

Gardman Sunflower Hearts 1kg - 5024160846259

 

33

26

Gardman Nyger Seed 1.8kg - 5024160845863

 

34

46

Gardman Seed Mix Tub with Scoop 3kg - 5024160916594

Increase

35

43

Gardman No Mess Seed 2kg + 25% Free - 5024160850263

Increase

36

6

Tom Chambers Luxury Fat Balls-6 Pack No Nets - 5022506024262

 

37

16

Gardman Mealworm Pouch 400g - 5024160832757

 

38

47

Gardman Seed & Insect Suet Treats - 5024160622952

 

39

Re-entry

Gardman Peanuts 4kg - 5024160781543

Increase

40

28

Gardman Mealworm Pouch 200g - 5024160832771

 

41

49

Tom Chambers Suet Treats Triple Pack - 5022506011774

 

42

New

Westland Peckish Complete 2kg + 50% Free - 5060235444869

Increase

43

39

Tom Chambers Classic Seed Blend 3.75kg - 5022506004066

 

44

Re-entry

Jacobi Jayne Rowena's Hedgehog Mix 500g - 5030500042632

 

45

15

Gardman No Nets Fat Snax 6 Pack - 5024160822130

 

46

Re-entry

Gardman Seed Mix 4kg - 5024160782120

Increase

47

48

Gardman No Net Fax Snax Bag, 25 plus 20% Extra Free - 5024160868633

 

48

Re-entry

Westland Peckish Coconut Shell Treat - 5060235440861

Increase

49

Re-entry

Tom Chambers Insect Suet Treat - 5022506011767

Increase

50

Re-entry

Gardman No Mess Seed Mix 2kg - 5024160845702

 +100% Increase

 

To see the full GTN Bestsellers Wild Bird Care Chart every week subscribe here

 
SOLEX organiser Phil Gibbs leaves LOFA

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association has announced that SOLEX organiser Phil Gibbs has left his position as Secretary of the Association after seven years. His final day was on Friday...


The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association has announced that SOLEX organiser Phil Gibbs has left his position as Secretary of the Association after seven years. His final day was on Friday.

 

Mark Osborne, LOFA’s Chairman, said:“We would like to thank Phil for all his endeavours during his time with us and we wish him every success for the future.”

 

With a new look board of Directors, LOFA is exploring new opportunities to enhance the benefits to its members and the UK furniture and outdoor market.

 

Having already successfully launched the LOFAssured initiative, other current activities are being reviewed and further details will be revealed in due course.

 

For further information on the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, call 02392 258844 or visit https://www.lofa.co.uk and https://www.lofassured.co.uk.

 
Get ready for a half-term sales spree, says GTN Bestsellers

Overall garden centre sales for the second week of October were down on last year, according to GTN Bestsellers, but above the average for the past six years, so all is set fair for a busy half term week...


 

Overall garden centre sales for the second week of October were down on last year, according to GTN Bestsellers, but above the average for the past six years, so all is set fair for a busy half term week.

 

With Halloween parties, pumpkin carving and ghoulish treasure hunts being staged at many centres the welcome boost of footfall is sure to drive higher sales.

 

Within this issue of GTN Xtra you'll find all of the GTN Bestsellers charts for week ending 14th October 2018 in full.  If you'd like to receive the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week you should subscribe here

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 41 

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 4%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 11%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 16%
  • Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – up 4%
  • Christmas Products Top 50 – down 7%
  • All Plants index – down 3%
  • All Items index – down 5%

Or to subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Tong Garden Centre doubles toy area ahead of Christmas

Tong, the award-winning Yorkshire garden centre, has doubled the size of its toy department after joining a specialist buying group...


 

Tong, the award-winning Yorkshire garden centre, has doubled the size of its toy department after joining a specialist buying group.

 

The centre has teamed up with Birmingham buying group AIS (Associated Independent Stores) to offer an increased range of quality toys, including leading brands like Lego and Playmobil.

 

Commercial Director Sharon McNair is delighted with the partnership: "Membership of AIS gives us access to brands like Lego that are difficult for garden centres to get hold of and represents future opportunities to expand the cook shop with access to prestige brands like Le Creuset.

 

"Families come from all over Yorkshire to experience the wonder of Tong's Christmas Grotto and now they will also be able to pick up some traditional board games and toys when they visit."

 

In addition to Lego and Playmobil, the extended toy shop will stock a range of TY and Jellycat soft toys, Play Doh and Depeche brand, Top Model products.

 
Anchorfast gets the Kelkay treatment

It’s less than three months since Kelkay formally acquired Anchorfast but it’s clear that the teams have been working together for many months. At Glee they unveiled the exciting new WOODSHAW brand of high quality, durable timber garden furniture and decorative structures...


 

It’s less than three months since Kelkay formally acquired Anchorfast but it’s clear that the teams have been working together for many months. At Glee they unveiled the exciting new WOODSHAW brand of high quality, durable timber garden furniture and decorative structures.

 

The products, the merchandising and the commercial approach for this significant new opportunity have all been given the unique Kelkay treatment. From January 1st, garden centres will be able to combine their aggregate, paving, water feature and wooden outdoor product orders into one – simplifying the supply chain and deliveries.

 

New bespoke merchandising and display solutions are promised to help drive category growth and the new WOODSHAW brand has been developed to reflect the hand crafted quality of this British-made product. The range extends to swing seats and arbours, table sets and seating, gazebos, arches and planters.

 

 

Group Marketing Director Sarah Winn said: “True to the Kelkay approach, the Woodshaw brand has been crafted to offer the wooden garden product category a sophisticated new look and in turn, retailers and consumer a greater depth of choice. We’re excited about the fantastic early response we’ve received from existing and new customers – so watch this space for further developments.”

 
Up to 20% OFF* Retail Staging Display Range
Call the M&M Timber team on 0333 003 5133

M&M Timber are leading manufacturers of market leading round timber products and retail merchandising units. The business has over 30 years’ experience in timber manufacturing through automation and technical expertise and is a key UK supplier to the Agricultural, Landscaping, Play, Retail and Commercial sectors....


 

M&M Timber are leading manufacturers of market leading round timber products and retail merchandising units. The business has over 30 years’ experience in timber manufacturing through automation and technical expertise and is a key UK supplier to the Agricultural, Landscaping, Play, Retail and Commercial sectors.

 

Manufacturing takes place in Worcestershire where sustainable sources of timber from well managed forests are used.  Timbers are kiln dried and pressure treated with Tanalith E preservative to enhance durability and lifetime.

 

 

Up to 20% OFF* Retail Staging Display Range

Call the M&M Timber team on 0333 003 5133

The Retail Staging range features timber merchandising tables and structures providing the ideal solution for displaying fresh plants, trees, shrubs and other seasonal products.  The units are designed for both internal and external use ideal for garden centres, DIY businesses, nurseries, department stores and other retail businesses.

 

 

Table Displays
For ground level displays of plants and associated products the table displays can be standalone or interconnected and enhanced with a range of display accessories creating height and segmentation of products. Tables are available as compact short and tall, classic or half octagonal.

 

Square & Hexagonal Displays

To create an innovative combination of display features these timber structures offer flexibility to create tiered displays of interlocked equal heights or varying heights where space is at a premium.

 

Tiered Displays
The wooden three and four tier displays enable products to be displayed without using up floor space, creating height and merchandising of a wider product range.

Accessories

To complement the timber display units accessories include pot holders, trellis and feature boxes.

 

The M&M Timber retail plant staging tables and structures can be delivered flat packed within 48hrs of order or if required they can assembled prior to despatch.  Tailored sizes are also available for volume enquiries manufactured at our Worcestershire sawmill.

 

 

Download the brochure or call the M&M Timber team on 0800 333 5133 or click here to email

 

*Terms: up to 20% off for orders placed before 31 Dec 2018. Minimum order value £250 ex VAT, delivery charges may apply. Offer and prices are correct at the time of print. All products are subject to availability. M&M Timber reserves the right to change prices. E&OE.

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...


Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2016 as well as 2017 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products chart for this week are here

 

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.