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GTN Bestsellers - garden centre sales data every week
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Garden centres who have withdrawn pesticides containing certain neonicitinoids may know next week whether a proposed EU ban is to go ahead. EU sources confirmed this week that amateur garden products would now figure in next week’s discussions by the committee looking into the issue, in response to widely-expressed concerns about declining bee populations. Some had originally expected only professional products to come under the committee’s jurisdiction. Only three garden products containing two specific neonicitinoids are affected – Bayer’s Provado Lawn Grub Killer, which contains imidacloprid, and Westland’s Plant Rescue Bug Killer in concentrate and RTU formulations, both containing thiamethoxam. A number of DIY retailers and garden centres bowed to pressure from a high-profile campaign by Friends of the Earth. They included Scotsdales at Cambridge, who removed the products following an intensive campaign on Facebook at the end of January. B&Q, Wickes and Homebase all said they would withdraw the named products, and were followed by a cluster of garden centre groups, including Blue Diamond, Hilliers, Notcutts and Squires. Meanwhile, manufacturers have been defending the safety of their products. “Bees make a vital contribution as pollinators and so we take the health of the bee population very seriously,” said Alison Mulvaney of Bayer Garden. “Claims that these neonicotinoids under discussion are having a negative impact on the bee population are unproven. The peer reviewed research instead attributes a great deal of the decline to the Varroa mite and other parasitic mites; bacterial, fungal and viral diseases; habitat loss and degredation; and genetic factors. More research is needed to tackle these challenges effectively.” She said Provado Lawn Grub Killer had full UK regulatory approval and if gardeners followed the instructions and mowed the lawn prior to the application they would eliminate the issue of bees foraging in this part of the garden, leaving little, if any, risk that bees would come into contact with the product. Ms Mulvaney added that the neonicotinoid in the vast majority of the Provado range is thiacloprid, “a completely different sub class to those under discussion”. It was considered to have a good profile for bees. At Westland, whose Plant Rescue pesticides are manufactured by Syngenta, a spokesman said the products had full approval and posed no threat to bees if the instructions for use were followed. “If the situation changes, then naturally we will comply,” he added. The HTA have produced an information sheet for members, listing all neonicitinoid products and suggestions on how to answer customer concerns. Friends of the Earth this week circulated a template letter to be used by campaigners to urge garden centres to withdraw the affected products, whether or not a ban is implemented. It said: "Friends of the Earth thinks that following the EFSA (European Food Standards Authority) review of risks to bees from the neonicotinoids, the science concerning the link between bee decline and these chemicals is strong enough to require we take extreme precaution for honey and wild bees.”
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Suttons Seeds and TV presenter James Wong launch 'Homegrown Revolution'
New for 2013 - How to grow incredible edibles, from Electric Daisies to Goji Berries, in any back garden
Suttons Seeds have developed an exciting and exclusive new range in partnership with TV presenter and bestselling author, James Wong, the enthusiastic ethnobotanist renowned for thinking outside the box when it comes to what flowers, fruit and veg are edible...
Suttons Seeds have developed an exciting and exclusive new range in partnership with TV presenter and bestselling author, James Wong, the enthusiastic ethnobotanist renowned for thinking outside the box when it comes to what flowers, fruit and veg are edible.
From edible daisies that ‘electrocute’ your taste buds, to winter greens that will make your mouth literally light up, James reveals there is so much more to ‘growing your own’ than carrots, potatoes and cabbage!
This new range has its own superb slim-line display stand that combines a minimum space requirement with a high impact feature in store, ensuring maximum sell-through and profit!
The dramatic and striking header and informative POS will also promote the cross-selling of James's new book 'Homegrown Revolution' which is out now. - New and exclusive to Suttons Seeds!
- Created in partnership with James Wong
- Supports James’s new book; Homegrown Revolution
- Eye-catching and dramatic POS
- New slim-line display perfect for dual-siting for maximum profit
- Each packet includes information about the history of the variety plus a tasty recipe
- Suttons Superior Germination Guarantee
- All packets RSP only £1.85 each!
Each seed packet includes information of the history of the variety, how it can be used in everyday cooking and even comes complete with a unique recipe, written and tested by James himself! And, with all packets priced at just £1.85, this truly is an essential range to captivate consumers and boost your sales!
James Wong's talks on 'growing your own' are always well attended.
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Sun's Peter Seabrook uses GTN charts to raise peat issue
Gardening columnist Peter Seabrook has raised the controversial peat issue in his Sun column, quoting GTN Bestsellers Charts to back up his argument that it shouldn't be phased out...
Gardening columnist Peter Seabrook has raised the controversial 'peat in compost' issue in his Sun column, quoting Garden Trade News data to back up his argument that it shouldn't be phased out.
"If you think peat shouldn't be used in compost, remember 92% of peat harvested in Ireland is burnt in power stations or as briquettes," wrote Peter.
"Why is compost an issue if you can buy and burn a 25kg bundle of briquettes and no one blinks an eye? The scale of production is vast.
"It only seems to be a UK issue – at last month's IPM trade show no other country was pahsing it out."
Peter said it was good that the top two composts in the GTN Bestsellers chart last week were different pack sizes of Jack's Magic All Purpose Compost.
He added that compost sales were a good indicator of the nation's interest in gardening, and that the signs were good for a successful year for retailers.
Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development at the Growing Media Association, said the UK was committed to phasing out peat completely.
"Peter is right that it is a UK issue because other European countries are not concerned about the issue," Tim told GTN Xtra. "But the UK government is concerned about what happens here in regard to horticulture and gardening.
"A Sustainable Growing Media Task Force was set up last year with the goal of convincing retailers and consumers that peat-free composts can work effectively. The Task Force has drawn up a route map for the implentation of more sustainable growing media."
The UK's targets are for peat-free to be implemented in the public sector by 2015, in the amateur gardening sector by 2020, and in all sectors by 2030.
Defra Minister Richard Benyon is due to meet garden retailers in London on March 12 to outline his views on the way forward.
Do you agree with Peter's comments? Let us know at trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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New range of English Garden bulbs from Simple Pleasures
The new range of English Garden bulbs from Simple Pleasures are impulse driven to create what a customer sees on the pack...
The new range of English Garden bulbs from Simple Pleasures are impulse driven to create what a customer sees on the pack.
Well known for their bigger bulbs, Simple Pleasures can now increase your cash margin without increasing customer prices or by cutting quality.
The Mysterious Tulip from the Inspiration range, giving a mass of colour during a 60 day season.
"Can you afford to keep on repeating last years bulb order and just adding in some new lines! We know we can increase your cash margin, not by taking any short cuts, but by giving your customers quality large grade bulbs at best value price," say Simple Pleasures.
"We believe that the sizes of our bulbs are amongst the largest in the industry and as we all know, bigger bulbs make better blooms."
Simply get the best from your Autumn bulb range, call Tim on 01962 860144 or 07766 517703.
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Growing media sales indicate good season ahead
If as Peter Seabrook wrote in the Sun – growing media sales are the best indicator – then last week’s sales figures point to a good season ahead.
If as Peter Seabrook wrote in the Sun – growing media sales are the best indicator – then last week’s sales figures point to a good season ahead.
The last three weeks of growing media sales are up 46% up on last year and level with 2011 – remember 2011 was a bumper year for this sector of the market.
Gro bags are starting to sell through, and this week’s Growing Media chart sees re-entries from Scotts and Westlands. Garden Radio has recorded promos for centres offering young plant and gro bag deals.
All purpose composts are starting to sell in big volumes with Westland still at No 1.
See the full GTN Growing Media Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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A tray of exotic orchids is available FOC from Javado for centres to make their Garden Re-Leaf Days successful both indoors and out
Chris Campbell, partner in Javado, wanted to see an indoor plant included and so offered to donate trays of their number one selling houseplant orchids – but not just any orchid.
“We chose six different varieties of unusual orchid that customers would not normally see on their garden centres so that it creates a little 'wow' factor," said Chris.
“We are happy for customers to put in Tombolas or Raffles or even to sell for Mothers Day if they like – whatever will help Greenfingers the most."
The Javado orchid offer runs from 25th Feb to 8th March
Bents donates £10,000 to children's hospice
Bents Garden & Home is thanking its customers for their generosity in helping the centre to raise £10,144 for Claire House Children’s Hospice...
Bents Garden & Home is thanking its customers for their generosity in helping the centre to raise £10,144 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.
Angella Rawsthorne, Senior Area Fundraiser from Claire House Children’s Hospice, visited Bents to accept the donation and was joined for the occasion by the Christie Bear and representative Sarah Lee from The Christie, Bents' charity of the year in 2013.
Said Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “We are delighted with our total for 2012, especially during what has been another difficult year.Our customers have been hugely generous in helping us to raise such a fantastic amount.
"Claire House provides vital care for children and young people with complex medical conditions from across Cheshire and the surrounding area and we hope our donation will help support the work they do.
“We are now looking forward to working with The Christie during 2013 and hope to be as similarly successful in our fundraising achievements.”
The Christie is the largest cancer centre in Europeand has been pioneering cancer research breakthroughs for over 100 years. Treating more than 40,000 patients each year it was the first UK centre to be officially accredited as a comprehensive cancer centre.
Bents has set itself a target of £12,500 which would allow The Christie to purchase a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Bed.
Said Sarah Lee from The Christie: “We are delighted to be working with Bents Garden & Home throughout 2013 and believe this will be a great partnership, we want to thank them for choosing to work with us.”
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Bumper week for garden product sales
It has been a bumper week for garden product sales and despite the current cold snap it looks as though gardeners are getting back into the swing of things....
It has been a bumper week for garden product sales and despite the current cold snap it looks as though gardeners are getting back into the swing of things.
Propagation is definitely in full swing with seed trays, windowsill greenhouses and propagators all selling well according to the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart.
Botanico have two products showing up well in the chart. Their Gravel Tray is the highest re-entry at No 12 while their Lets Grow Windowsill Greenhouse has moved up to No 16.
Gardman have also seen good sales of their seed sowing products do well. Their Gravel Seed Tray is a re-entry at No 23 after a 100% increase in sales while the Rigid Seed Tray has moved up 13 places to No 28.
Gardman have also got three new entries – Plant Label Bumper Pack, Seed Tray Insert 24 cell, pack of 5, and Cell Insert 15.
Gardeners are starting to think about their lawns, and Westland’s Lawn Feed Weed and Moss Killer, 165 sq m, is the highest climber, moving up 15 places to No 18. Scotts Evergreen Complete, 360 sq m plus 40 sq m free (pictured) has also moved up the charts, from No 14 to No 6.
Orchid and houseplant care products continue to shine, especially drip feeders and Baby Bio making significant sales this week.
See the full GTN Garden Products Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Rhubarb is the big 'grow your own' seller
Rhubarb plants have started to sell well, and certainly earlier than last year, with Allensmore Rhubarb Timperly Early moving up seven places to No 1 spot in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart...
Rhubarb has come to the fore...one month earlier than last year. Allensmore Rhubarb Timperly Early has moved up seven places to No 1 spot in this week’s Veg-2-Gro chart.
Overall the Top 50 veg sales are down again year on year. Perhaps this will change when the young plants, which sold so well last year, come into stock.
The highest climber in the chart is Suttons Courgette F1 Green Bush, which has moved up 26 places to No 21.
Meanwhile, the highest re-entry is Taylors Seed Potatoes Desiree, 2.5kg, jumping back into the chart at No 23.
Another notable re-entry is Suttons James Wong Homegrown Revolution Cucamelon Seeds (pictured above), after a 50% increase in sales propelled the product to No 32. Does this mean that James Wong is winning the TV celebrity seed battle for Suttons?
Potato and onion sets are still doing well with varieties from Unwins and Taylors dominating sales.
See the full GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Highway Garden and Leisure in Norfolk looks set to change hands next week in a multi-million pound deal following the retirement of founder Joe High...
Roys of Wroxham, the potential new owners of the garden centre and nursery in Framingham Pigot on the A146 Beccles Road, hope to sign the contracts on Monday.
Simon Quinton Smith, from the agents Quinton Edwards, told GTN Xtra: “Joe High has worked at Highway for 50 years and has taken it a long way.
“Hopefully Roys of Wroxham will take it to the next level, both in terms of increasing turnover and profitability. All parties are confident the deal will be finalised next week, hopefully on Monday."
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A £30 million retail outlet centre, including a garden centres, could be built near Tewkesbury, creating 1,000 jobs in the process. See artist's impression above.
Developer Robert Hitchins Ltd wants to transform the 48-acre site, just off junction 9 of the M5, into a retail outlet centre with up 70 shops offering clothing, sports and leisure gear and household items. Alongside it, there would be a garden centre which would be similar to the size of Webbs of Wychbold in Worcestershire. There would be parking spaces for 2,000 cars.
Hitchins' proposals are in the early stages but, if the plans are approved, the centre could be open in just over three years' time.
The company's property and development director, Christopher Haslam, said: "This scheme is very much in its infancy and we're keen to get local feedback before we go as far as submitting an outline planning application.
"The reaction to the scheme so far has been extremely positive. It would bring up to 1,000 much-needed full and part-time jobs to the area, as well as another 175 jobs during the construction phase in a challenging economic climate."
A public exhibition will take place soon on a date to be announced to seek people's views.
David Bloxham, for Tewkesbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "This appears to be an exciting project which promises to bring new business and investment to the area.
"Any permitted development must, however, focus upon the needs of the town and its residents and upon bringing tangible commercial benefits to the High Street, its independent retailers and other established local businesses."
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Love was in the air in Moreton-n-the-Marsh, Gloucestershire, after customers at Fosseway Garden Centre raised £1,000 for charity.The company in Stow Road presented a cheque to Sarah Hampton, regional fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), on Valentine’s Day. The money will go towards the charity’s work in promoting and funding global research into the disease as well as providing support for people affected by it. Fosseway Garden Centre’s charity for this year is Alzheimer’s Research UK and staff hope to raise a similar amount of money for it in 2013.
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