Johnsons Lawn Seed this week launched a ‘campaign for quality’ after accusing some grass seed suppliers of cutting corners and undermining the market.

They suggested that more price pressure and lack of consumer knowledge meant that substandard seed products were being sold.

“Consumers deserve quality and lawn seed should not be exempt from this,” Guy Jenkins from DLF Trifolium said. “Some suppliers however are taking advantage of pricing sensitivities and the fact that many consumers do not necessarily understand the differences between lawn seed types and their characteristics. As a result we have heard of several cases of agricultural grasses, including annual ryegrass, being used in domestic blends. This will not only result in poor quality lawn but can lead to long-term lack of consumer confidence in lawn seed products.  There is no doubt that this can have a negative impact on all suppliers, no matter the quality they offer.” 

Johnsons say every grain of lawn seed they produce has been rigorously tested and is the result of millions of pounds and years of research and development by parent company DLF Trifolium.

Jenkins added: “Quality is key to our business, and is a driving force behind everything we do.  We believe in offering consistent quality year after year.  Reliable quality leads to brand loyalty amongst customers, giving retailers the opportunity to tap into repeat business and confidence with their suppliers.”

Ensuring that consumers were armed with as much information as possible was key, Jenkins said, and Johnsons offered comprehensive information on lawn creation, combating disease and weeds and ongoing maintenance – information easily obtained from the website, in-store merchandising support and packaging.

“We are calling for all suppliers to consider the long-term impact that bulking out lawn seed mixes with low grade seed can have on the long-term success of their business, as well as the wider market,” he said. “It is our responsibility to ensure the future of our industry, and we will be doing everything in our power to ensure that our offering is consistent and of the highest possible quality both now and into the future.”

Last week we asked how many more garden lights could be sold – and the answer is masses more!  

In this week's GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart outdoor lighting products amount to 61% of the total Top 50 sales volumes. That’s because sales are up 46% on last week and 300% up on the same week last year.

The mix of warm summer evenings, new products, good merchandising and attractive price points mean that garden lighting is providing all of this summer’s growth in garden product sales.  If we take garden lighting products out, “traditional” garden products sales are static year on year.

With the evenings drawing in and more warm weather forecast this week’s chart volumes may not even be the garden lighting peak. With battery operated garden lights now becoming available that work just like the bestselling outdoor Christmas lights this product category is destined to be a bestseller all year round!

What other solar powered or candle-lit garden decorative products will be the new bestsellers for 2015? 

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

• Garden Products – up 68%
• Veg 2 Gro – down 17%
• Growing Media – up 7%
• All items index – up 5.3%

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

“If any of our customers want to buy a plant at whatever time of year then they can use our click-and-collect service and we can get it for them.

“We’re in the business of selling people success so I’d much rather stock top quality and fresh plants in February and March, rather than try to sell a shrub that’s been on the outdoor benches for the best part of nine months.

“Independent garden centres have to ask themselves: do we want cash tied up in stock through the winter and risk financial loss if we get the freezing conditions of two and three years ago? If we do have a mild winter like last year it’s quite easy to respond quickly.”

Will Armitage, of Armitage’s Home & Garden, said: “We actively reduce our plant stock for winter with discount voucher offers to our more regular customers.  

“The purpose of this is not to make space for Christmas but to mitigate against stock losses from the cold weather. We do not de-stock – the idea is to hold as much stock as we can protect from the cold winter weather without losing the garden centre look or feel.”

Westland Horticulture is driving forward an Autumn Revolution, with the launch of a new Aftercut Autumn All-in-One range and an in-store point of sale campaign to maximise Autumn for garden centres.

Named ‘Your Garden Needs YOU This Autumn!’ Westland will educate new consumers on the benefits of spending a little time in the garden in the autumn to reap massive benefits the following spring.

The new Autumn range includes the launch of a bespoke Aftercut Autumn All in One, a lawn feed and moss killer which is specially formulated to keep your lawn healthy and strong over the winter months and in the best possible condition for the following spring. Available in an 80m2 and 150m2 box, a 400m2 bag and of course, the award-winning Even Flo spreader, this product promises perfect results every time.

The campaign will be supported by an extensive range of autumn themed point of sale providing hints and tips, along with FREE educational guides for gardeners of all levels on how to get in the most from their Autumn garden

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director at Westland Horticulture said: “With over £35.3 million of sales generated over the autumn months, this is a huge opportunity not to be missed that can help deliver real growth and stretch out the gardening season.

“This range of products with associated point of sale and our new Aftercut Autumn All in One range encourage more consumers to wake up to the benefits of spending time in their gardens in the autumn to reap massive results in their gardens the following year.”

For further information on the campaign, contact your Westland sales representative.

* Source: GFK, Panel market excluding ironmongers. Great Britain, Lawn care, Lawn seed, Weedkiller, Compost, Bark, Slug. Sep-Nov 2012. Sales Value.

Glee’s newest feature – The Green Heart –is filling up fast, says show organisers i2i, who are urging nurseries who want to take part to act quickly to secure space.

 ‘The Green Heart of Glee’, in the Atrium outside the entrances to Glee’s new location in NEC halls 17 – 20, will be home to more than 40 UK growers exhibiting their 2015 ranges and offering show-only deals. It’s believed to be the biggest greenhouse space in the UK.

Neil Gow, Glee’s special project manager, says the response to the ‘Green Heart’ project has far exceeded expectations. “We are down to our last few remaining benches,” he said. “I urge any interested parties to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure that they secure their presence within what is set to be an exciting showcase of plants at Glee.”

David Higginson, sales manager at UK grower Newleaf Plants, said it was a “no-brainer” to be able to get plants in front of key buyers at minimal cost. “We booked our plot straight away,” he added. 

Helen Boers, sales director at Gardeners Kitchen Nurseries, said: “We have always found Glee one of the most successful shows we do because we can get to speak to the business owners and senior managers as well as the plant buyers from right across the country. The Green Heart concept seems just brilliant to us and being able to show off our production in good light conditions to so many key retailers means we did not need to do too much thinking before we booked up. The low cost, with so much done for us by way of benches and signage, will make this a very cost effective event for us.”

Other names confirmed for the ‘Green Heart’ include Kilworth Conifers, Gedney Bulbs, Golden Grove Nurseries, John Woods Nurseries, Lovania Nurseries, Hawkesmill Nurseries, Garden Centre Fresh, Chapel Cottage Plants, Chamberlin Nurseries, Viking Nurseries, Morley Nurseries, Beaver Plants, Whartons Roses and Darby Nurseries.

Peter Burks, general manager of Trelawney Garden Leisure, said plants were a key requirement for the industry’s biggest trade show. “Whilst I also believe it is quite right that each sector has its own show, e.g. plants, furniture, pets etc, the overriding need for all is one major show covering everything. So I think pulling a good selection of growers back to Glee is a great move and it will certainly make it a much more enjoyable show for me as a result.”

i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager, said: “Plants are the cornerstone of the garden retail industry, and we want to recognise this by creating an area where UK growers and nurseries can showcase their 2015 ranges, whilst also giving plants unrivalled visibility at the heart of the show.”

After a record breaking 2,000 entries and 20,000 public votes, the Allotment Roof Shed from London has been crowned winner of the 2014 Shed of the Year competition sponsored by Cuprinol.

Revealed for the first time by George Clarke on Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year special, the competition came to a close with Allotment Roof Shed owner Joel Bird, 39, taking the title along with £1,000, £100 of Cuprinol products, a winner’s plaque and a giant crown for this shed (see picture)

After winning the eco category, the Allotment Roof Shed went head-to-head with the winners of the other categories including the Appleton Arms shed winner of the pub category, The Little Thatch garden office winner, My Caribbean Retreat cabin/summerhouse category winner, Reelwood cinema shed winner of the unique category, Disco shed winner of the normal shed category, Stencil Shed winner of the workshop/studio category and The Mini Doctor’s Tardis, winner of the tardis category.

The judging panel comprised the founder of the competition Uncle Wilco (Andrew Wilcox), last year’s overall winner Alex Holland, and Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year presenter George Clarke and his team of craftsmen, William Hardie, architect Laura Clark and industrial designer Max McMurdo.

Built from scratch using recycled materials, the Allotment Roof shed is used to grow an array of vegetables. Eco-friendly lights, powered by a solar panel, are used to light the inside where Joel spends hours painting and making music in his specially designed studio. When winter sets in, a wood burner keeps the fire alive and heats the shed without the need of a gas supply or radiator.

Joel said: “Sheds are no longer just places for men to escape to, they are transforming the way people live their lives and subsequently how they see themselves. It’s an incredible honour for my shed to be crowned ‘2014 Shed of the Year’ and I’m hoping to use the award to promote the benefits of a more sustainable life.”

George Clarke said: “The nation’s love for transforming their garden shed to an extension of the home is really trending right now. The TV show highlighted some of the most creative, beautiful and unusual sheds in the country, as well as allowing me to meet incredible people - like Joel - who are so enthusiastic about what they do.”

Brand Manager for Cuprinol, Kay Bartlett said: “The three-part Channel 4 series brought some of the best sheds into the homes of millions and will hopefully inspire the nation to get creative with their own gardens.”

Staff from Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre are celebrating this week after winning a gold medal and ‘Best in Show’ for the third year running at the Taunton Flower Show – with special guest Toby Buckland in attendance.

The garden centre won for its memorial garden commemorating those who lost their lives during the First World War.

Andrew Pitman, Plant and Duty Manager at the family-run garden centre, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. The garden is a tribute to war heroes and features a memorial obelisk, donated by Redwood Stone, as well as traditional planting using hardy perennials, shrubs, bedding and David Austin roses.”

A ‘Peace’ rose giveaway was also featured. Visitors could put down the names of loved ones lost in conflict to receive one of 500 roses being given away. The names collected would then be added to a memorial page on the garden centre’s website.

Mr Fothergill's played host to a group of students from the Homebase Garden Academy, which aims to provide a grounding for young people interested in a career in horticulture. 

They were given a tour by technical manager Tracy Collacott of the Suffolk seedsman's trial grounds, where potential new introductions and existing varieties are assessed by the company's experts, and its seed testing laboratory, where levels of germination and purity are determined. 

Production director Jeremy Sharp showed the group round the seed packeting area and discussed quality assurance procedures, while logistics manager James Nutt gave an insight into the despatch area, revealing that in the past 12 months his team has used 8,000 cartons, 60,000 staples and 8km of parcel tape in sending out retail orders. The company's commercial director Tim Jeffries gave the students a presentation on marketing.

The Homebase Garden Academy is a 12-month scheme which gives those interested in horticulture the opportunity to work full-time in a Homebase store whilst receiving hands-on training and encouragement. 

It is run in partnership with multiple award-winning gardener, landscaper and garden designer Adam Frost. 

Successful students attain the Royal Horticultural Society's Level One award in practical horticulture and a City and Guilds-accredited garden licence.

Mr Fothergill's welcomes visits from staff of its retailers who wish to gain a greater understanding of the garden seed trade.     

Barton Grange chose the anniversary of the start of WW1 as the theme for their annual School Growing Competition.

To coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the start of the First World War, they provided local schools with wild poppy seeds to sow and grow in their school grounds. Barton Grange also provided the schools with a giant 3D poppy and sunflower to decorate. Cutomers have been voting for their favourites from the entries displayed in the garden centre.


At Bicester Avenue Wyevale Garden Centre, David Crabbe, local Royal British Legion Branch Secretary, had 100 days of growth (one day for every year since the start of WW1) ceremonially removed in public at the WW1 Centenary Commemoration event.  

David had been growing his head and facial hair as a sponsored event in support of the RBL Poppy Appeal 2013/14.  The final day of his torture was Saturday 2 August 2014.

Skylark Garden Centre in Cambridgeshire, annually have a Maize Maze, this year the design is will based around the First World War and they have also sowed Poppies in a giant Poppy design, which may be a world record.

This year the profit that they make from the sale of the map of the Maze will be donated to the Royal British Legion.  See more pictures in the itv news website: 

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2014-08-08/is-this-the-worlds-largest-poppy/ 



At Thurrock Garden Centre a special commemorative entrance display was created with the Royal British Legion Standard Flag displayed in the shop and people with collecting tins, collecting money on behalf of the Royal British Legion. 

Customers were also treated to a restaurant special for the day with Ham, Egg and Chips for only £3.99.

See more photos from Thurrock Garden Centre below.

I am currently working on an opportunity with a successful independent garden centre who are looking to take their business to the next level.

I am looking for a good all round retailer with excellent garden centre manager experience to lead a family owned business through a period of redefinition and growth. This is a full time period and will have the potential to grow with the applicant including a linked bonus scheme.

Candidates must have garden centre management experience and will preferably have run a multimillion turnover site before.

You will be a confident man manager and will be excellent with analysis.

This role will require an innovative manager who is looking for a challenge and has a record of success in  developing sales.

Please call Brad Peck on 01780 480530, or apply with your CV quoting reference #6529 to info@morepeople.co.uk

Floors Castle is owned by the Duke of Roxburghe and is part of the Roxburghe Estates, Kelso.  The Estate is a diverse land and property based business with interests comprising hospitality, leisure, tourism, sporting, agriculture, forestry and renewable energy. 

Floors Castle Plant Centre is a recently established venture for the Estate opened in 2011 and located within the historic walled garden at Floors Castle.  

The position of Plant Centre Manager offers an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to further his or her career in Plant and Garden Centre Management.

The salary level is in the region of £25k depending on qualifications and experience.

It is also possible that an estate house could be included as part of the remuneration package for this post.

The candidate

• First and foremost you will be a plant enthusiast, you will eat, live, sleep and dream plants, and you will have an insatiable desire to communicate your passion with customers.
• You will have a solid background in plant retail and a real passion for delivering exceptional customer service.  You should have a suitable horticultural qualification.
• You will be expected to manage the Plant Centre with responsibility for meeting agreed targets and deadlines as well as managing a small team of part-time staff.
• You will also have responsibility for purchasing plants for sale and for growing on some perennials under the “Castle grown” label.  Other stock will be the responsibility of a specialist merchandise buyer. 
• You will be dynamic and driven by the desire to build Floors Castle Plant Centre into one of the finest places for plants in Scotland with an outstanding reputation for range and quality. 

Further details

Please apply in writing with CV to:

R E Jackson FRICS

Roxburghe Estates Office

Kelso

TD5 7SF

Email: rjackson@floorscastle.com

For more information about Floors Castle visit: http://www.roxburghe.net/plant-centre 

Norfolk Leisure is a successful garden & leisure supplier highly focused on our brand development.

We are seeking an additional sales executive to maximise our team’s coverage of the UK market.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Sales Executive to sell the company’s full range of garden furniture and leisure products to targeted independent garden centres, buying and marketing groups and leisure product retailers.

The successful candidate will work on his or her initiative as part of a growing friendly team whose objective is rapid but profitable growth. Reporting to a Sales Manager. Good sales experience combined with first class communication and organisational skills are essential.

The preferred area to be covered would be the Northern Territory but this is flexible for the right candidate.

An above average salary, bonus and car is available to the right candidate who can demonstrate the required skills and experience.

For a full Job Profile, please contact Debbie Waudby, Director at Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Limited

Apply in writing with a full CV to Debbie Waudby,
Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Limited, Garage Lane,
Setchey, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0BE

Tel: 01553 811717 Fax: 01553 811818
Email: debbie@norfolkleisure.co.uk

Our client is an award winning mailorder / e-commerce business who have a high and longstanding reputation of providing the amateur gardener with outstanding varieties of fruit and vegetables. They are currently seeking a top buyer who can buy, range plan and category manage. Someone who is retail commercial aware and can build on their current success and continue to stimulate growth in the 'Grow your own' sector. 

The ideal candidate will have considerable experience within the e-commerce and or retail buying. Have experience within the live plants and horticultural sector and preferable at chain or supermarket level. Must be a superb team leader who can lead from the front.

Please call Dianne Saunders on 07929 013910 or apply with your CV quoting reference 6536 to info@morepeople.co.uk

My client is a large independent garden centre with an excellent reputation in the industry.

They are currently looking for a talented horticulturist with good retail experience to join there team.

You will be responsible for leading a team in the shrub area of the plantarea and will be responsible for maintaining quality of both the customer service and the plants.

The planteria supervisor must have excellent plant knowledge and would be able to potentially cover other areas outside of shrubs. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen at our Birchencliffe garden centre for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Restaurant Manager for our established café within our family-run garden centre.

The successful candidate will be a confident and committed individual with excellent people management and communications skills. You will have a proven record of achieving growth in both sales and profit targets, and able to positively lead and develop your food services team to ensure a consistently high level of customer service.

Key experience

· Previous managerial experience in a catering environment is essential

· Demonstrate planned career progression within quality food and beverage environments

· NVQ level 3 / 4 or equivalent

· Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations of the kitchen and front-of-house

· Responsible for the direction and supervision of all catering staff

· Ordering food, costing and planning menus

· Responsible for maintaining high standards of hygiene, health and safety

· 40hrs/week, daytime working and alternate weekends, occasional late nights

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter detailing your experience, evidence of your capability to fulfil the role and why you should be considered for the position to recruitment@armitages.com

Closing date Friday 8th August 2014

Our client is an award winning mailorder / e-commerce business who have a high and longstanding reputation of providing the amateur gardener with outstanding varieties of fruit and vegetables.

They are currently seeking a Junior Buyer to form part of their buying team. Ideally someone from a good horticultural background who is keen and driven and can work within this fast paced business that buys seeds, onion sets, live-plants and garden sundries for a catalogue driven market. 

The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years post college experience within a retail or commercial horticultural business. Experience of buying is desirable but not essential. Good IT and communication skills.

Please call Dianne Saunders on 07929 013910 or apply with your CV quoting reference 6537 to info@morepeople.co.uk

Gardeners’ charity Perennial has launched a ‘Go Green’ campaign as part of its annual HortAid fundraising campaign.

“We hope the 'go green' theme will inspire people from across the industry and all those who love gardens and green spaces to get involved and raise money for Perennial,” a spokmesman said.

Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping all horticulturists in crisis, is calling on the horticultural industry and the garden-loving public to help it raise funds for its 175th anniversary appeal. It is on track to raise £175,000 during 2014

Anita Bates, the charity’s director of marketing and development, says it’s a chance for anyone who works in horticulture and all those who love gardening to get involved.

A team of four gardeners, led by Sarah Walsh, will trek the Saints Way Challenge, a coast to coast walk across Cornwall, next week. (11–13 August)

Dale Connelly, one half of the Skinny Jeans Gardeners, will ride a 100km Crafted Classique sponsored cycle on 30 August.

Perennial will be at the SALTEX trade show from 2 – 4 September with a ‘Kickathon’ fundraising challenge. In addition to telling visitors and exhibitors about the work of the charity, everyone visiting the stand will be encouraged to enter the football speed challenge. A leaderboard will announce the fastest kick at the end of each day.

Helmsley Walled Garden is donating half the gate takings from its open day on 7 September 2014.

A ‘Feng Shui in your garden’ event is being held at Moss Wood garden in Cheshire on 10 September. Voluntary donations will be collected for Perennial on the day.

A special event at Windsor Castle will raise funds for HortAid on 10 September. A Military Knight’s Tale is a new and unique tour giving a personal insight into the ancient and noble institution of the Military Knights of Windsor. Tickets are £40.

Perennial will once again be Show Charity at the Harrogate Autumn Show from 12 – 14 September.

And Perennial is hoping the intrepid team of Grubby Gardeners – who appeared naked on national television for Perennial earlier this year – will be using the Go Green theme to make another appearance during HortAid 2014.

Click here to find out how to get involved.

Whitehall Garden Centres have secured a £400,000 funding package for investment in green energy systems at their Lacock, Wilts, and Whitchurch, Bristol, outlets.

The package was provided by Barclays and will see the centres install three new biomass energy cabins capable of serving the 65,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft stores and help reduce running costs by up to 70 per cent.

MD Peter Self (left) said the significant investment was part of the wealth of improvements made in recent years.

"The age of the premises means the heating and water system installed decades ago has become outdated. This is a great opportunity to modernise our energy supply and in doing so ensuring we continue to operate as cleanly and greenly as possible."

Thompson & Morgan and Suttons have both made large gains in the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart, with the former having 17 entries and the latter 11.

• T&M’s Spinach Oriento F1 Hybrid is the highest new entry. Lettuce Lettony, Herb Rocket, and Turnip Golden Ball are also newcomers to the Top 50.
• Suttons have a new entry in Vroccoli Stromboli and Green Manure Winter Mix.
• Quantil have the highest climber in Curly Kale and the highest re-entry in Carrot Baby Round.

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

• Overall shop prices reported deflation for the fifteenth consecutive month, accelerating to 1.9% in July.
• This is the deepest level of deflation since the series began in December 2006.
• Food inflation fell to 0.3% in July – the lowest ever recorded.
• Non-food reported deceleration in deflation of 3.3% in June from 3.4% in June.

Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium Director General, said: “Shop price deflation deepened still further in July and marked fifteen consecutive month of falling shop prices for consumers.  This is great news for households who are benefitting from fierce competition within the industry at a time when disposable incomes remain under pressure.

“The lowest ever recorded food inflation will be particularly welcomed by the lowest income households who typically spend around a third of their expenditure on food.  Deep and widespread discounting across the grocery sector is intensifying with prices falling almost one per cent month-on-month – another record jump. After accounting for the use of multi-buys and vouchers, food prices are falling.

“Against a backdrop of stable commodity markets, the stronger sterling making imports cheaper and wavering retail spending, current levels of deflation are expected to continue.  While this is great news for consumers, trading conditions across the industry remain challenging. Structural changes in retail are challenging existing business models which in many cases are squeezing margins while other costs, such as business rates, continue to rise.   

“While we know retailers will be working hard to sustain low prices, continued support from Government will be key to maintaining a sustained recovery in the economy.”

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, Nielsen, said: “There is very little food inflation at the moment and this looks set to continue over the summer. Many supermarkets are reducing prices across ambient and seasonal fresh foods, which is helping shoppers make further savings on household bills. And on the non-food high street, retailers are maintaining the level and depth of price cuts and promotions to help drive footfall over the holiday period.”

Overview

The BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index (SPI) reported annual deflation of 1.9% from 1.8% in July, accelerating deeper than the twelve month average rate of 1.1%. This is the deepest rate of deflation since the series began in December 2006. Food inflation is also at a record low falling to 0.3% in July, while non-food deflation accelerated to 3.3% from 3.4% in June.

BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index


Source: BRC

Food inflation is at its lowest level since the inception of the Monitor in December 2006. Fresh food inflation fell to 0.3%, below the twelve and three month average of 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively. The rate of inflation within the Ambient food category fell from 0.7% to 0.2% in July, the lowest rate since the series began. Overall food inflation has averaged just 1.5% over the last twelve months and 0.6% in the last three months.

The prices of the majority of the agricultural commodities that we follow closely fell over the second half of 2014, with the main exception being cattle. The price of coffee has fallen back since its surge earlier this year as fears about damage to Brazil’s coffee crop receded once the harvest there began. However, the price of sugar has remained near its recent high. The price of cocoa also spiked at the beginning of the year, although it has raised slightly again recently. This rise in the price of cocoa has been mainly driven by poor weather, pests and disease in West Africa, especially in the Ivory Coast which produces around 40% of the world’s crop. What’s more, there are signs of strong growth in demand as global economic growth picks up. Oil prices remained stable over most of the second quarter of this year. The global outlook for rising commodity prices remains modest.

Source: FT. *Prices as of July 11 to match reporting period
                 * Oil fell by 1% both y-o-y and over last 3 months

The Thomson Reuters/CoreCommodity CRB Index, a weighted commodities benchmark, was down 4.0 per cent in the 3 months to the end of our Survey period (July 11). Most of its downward movement was due to good weather and ample supplies in the US which pulled down the prices of the major grains and soybeans.

Thomson Reuters/CoreCommodity CRB Index

The official measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 1.9% in June, up from 1.5% in May. Upward pressure came from the transport services costs category, notably air fares, particularly European routes. Price changes in clothing and footwear also contributed to the upward pressure rising by 0.6% between May and June this year compared with a fall of 1.9% a year ago. Food price inflation also picked up in June and contributed close to 0.1 percentage points to the rise in the headline inflation rate. But a further significant rise in food inflation from June’s 0% rate seems unlikely, given that global agricultural commodity prices have fallen in recent months and the price competition between supermarkets is building. It is the belief of some city analysts that CPI inflation could ease to as low as 1% by the end of this year and will remain comfortably below the 2% target in 2015. This would support the recovery in real consumer spending and strengthen the case for keeping official interest rates on hold until the second half of next year.

On the consumer front, recent announcements from key grocery players suggests that fierce competition on prices and promotions, particularly on essential items, is set to continue, ensuring shop price inflation remains at low levels in the coming months. The latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor reported a fall in sales of 0.8% on a like-for-like basis but up 0.6% on a total basis.  Excluding Easter distortions, this is the lowest total growth recorded since May 2011. However, the three-month average is in line with the twelve-month average of 2.5%
Despite media controversy about the number of price cuts versus price increases on grocery lines, the figures show that the more affordable products have generated greater volumes than the others, creating some overall downwards price pressure. Non-Food reported growth in line with the twelve-month average of 3.7% over the last four months – which irons out Easter distortions.

The cost of living has eased marginally for families in the UK as the average household had £171 a week of discretionary income <http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/uk-cost-living-eases-family-spending-power-continues-rise-says-asda-1449751> in June 2014, up £1 a week year-on-year. Discretionary incomes rose year-on-year for the ninth consecutive month, but at a slower rate than previous months. Brighter prospects for the UK economy have helped contribute to the strengthening of sterling which has in-turn made imports cheaper.  British retailers are passing on these benefits to their consumer with new lower prices. With the backdrop of stable commodity markets, strengthening of sterling and benign pressures in the supply chain, low inflation looks set to continue in the medium term bar any supply chain shocks.  The producer price index (inflation faced by retailers) remains very low, with output prices felling by a monthly 0.2% in June and were just 0.2% higher than a year ago.

 
Shop Price Inflation Annual % Change, Food and Non-food Contribution

Food

In July, food inflation fell to 0.3% from 0.6% in June, falling below its twelve month average of 1.5%. Food inflation remains at its lowest since the series began in December 2006.
 
On a month-on-month basis, prices fell by 0.7%, after being flat the previous month.
 

Fresh Food

Fresh food inflation fell in July to 0.3%, below the twelve month average of 1.5%. Upward pressures came from the oils & fats, milk, cheese and eggs and fish all reporting inflation above the overall fresh food category. Downward pressure came from the meat, fruit, convenience food and vegetables categories.
On a month-on-month basis prices fell by 0.7% after a 0.1% fall in June.
 

Ambient Food

Ambient food inflation slowed to 0.2% from 0.7% in June, which is the lowest level of inflation since the series began. Downward pressure came from the non-alcoholic beverage, the sugar, jam, honey and syrup, bread and cereals categories, all reporting deflation in July. Inflation in alcoholic beverages was above the category average.
 
On a month-on-month basis prices fell by 0.6% from a 0.2% rise in June.

Non-food

Non-food deflation decelerated to 3.3% from 3.4% in June. Downward pressure was exerted by four sub-categories, all of which reported annual deflation in July. Furniture & Floorcovering, Electricals and DIY, Gardening and Hardware experience accelerated deflation, while Clothing and Footwear experienced decelerated deflation. The year-on-year price changes in Books, Stationary and Home Entertainment was flat this month while Health & Beauty and Other Non-Food were the only categories to experience inflation but at a decelerated rate.

On a month-on-month basis prices fell by 0.8% from a 0.6% fall in June.

Year-on-year changes in non-food by sector

 
Clothing & Footwear

June experienced a fall in the level of deflation in the Clothing and Footwear category reaching 11.2% from 13.7% in June. All sub-categories experienced deflation in July with children’s and men’s clothing more deflationary than the category average. Footwear, other clothing and baby clothing and women’s clothing all experienced a lower deflation rate than the category average. The Clothing and Footwear category has a three and twelve month average of 12.1% and 10.9% respectively.

On a month-on-month basis prices fell 1.0% after a 3.3% fall in June.

Furniture & Floorcovering

In July, deflation in the Furniture and Floorcoverings category accelerated to 2.7% from 1.5% in June, above both the twelve and three month averages of 1.9% and 1.7% respectively. The house textiles experienced decelerated deflation, while the furniture, furnishing and carpet category experienced accelerated deflation in July. Gross mortgage lending was £17.5bn in June, up 4.3% on May’s figures and up 17.3% compared to June 2013. In the year to July, prices rose by 10.6%, the fourth month of double-digit growth this year although slowing slightly from June’s rate. Once again, the figures hide a sharp contrast between London and the rest of the UK.

Prices fell 2.4% on a month-on-month basis from a 0.2% rise in June.

Electricals

Deflation in the Electricals category accelerated to 5.0% in July from 4.0% in June. Both the household appliances and the audio and visual equipment category reported acceleration in its deflation rates. The GfK ‘climate for major purchases’ index fell one point in July to -3, but still considerably higher than last year. Consumer credit increased by £0.7 billion in May, up 5.4% on the previous year.

On a month-on-month basis, prices fell 1.3% from a 0.6% fall in June.

DIY, Gardening and Hardware

The DIY, gardening and hardware category remained in deflationary territory in July, with a 1.2% fall in prices over the year, below its three month average of 0.6%. The tools and equipment for the house was the driver in the deflation rate, glass, tableware and household utensils entered deflationary territory in July.

On a month-on-month basis prices fell 0.2% in June after a 0.2% fall in June.  

Books, Stationery and Home Entertainment

Inflation in the Books, Stationery and Home Entertainment category was flat this month, above the twelve and three month average which reported deflation of 0.4% and 0.2% respectively. Home entertainment and the stationery category reported deflation while books and newspapers entered the inflationary category.
 
On a month-on-month basis prices rose 0.2% after a 0.2% fall in June.

Health & Beauty

The Health and Beauty category reported annual inflation of 0.7% in July from 1.0% in June. Personal care contributed to the downward pressure on the overall inflation rate, while toiletries & cosmetics experienced deceleration in its inflation rate.

On a month-on-month basis, prices fell 0.6% after rising 0.8% in June.

Other non-food

The Other Non-Food category reported annual inflation of 0.7%, down from 1.0% in May.

On a month-on-month basis price changes in June were flat.


Methodology

The SPI is administered by Nielsen, who collate and analyse the data on behalf of the BRC.
 
The index provides an indicator of the direction of price changes in retail outlets. The BRC launched the Shop Price Index to give an accurate picture of the inflation rate of 500 of the most commonly bought high street products in stores.
 
As the Index is designed to reflect changes in shop prices, the sampling points chosen are five large urban areas, spread nationally.  Not all sample stores are in city centres; they have been selected to reflect local shopping habits.  Therefore, the sample includes superstores on out-of-town sites, town centre department stores, local parade stores, and shopping centres. In each location, Nielsen collect and process the data for the BRC, visit stores of differing types, e.g. grocery, confectionery, DIY, department stores - including small and large multiples and independents. Data collection is monthly and always in the same stores to maintain consistency.
 
The items for which prices are collected reflect standard consumer purchasing patterns in terms of branded/own label split and price distribution.  The Index is constructed of seven main sectors of purchase: food, DIY, gardening and hardware, furniture, books, stationery and home entertainment, electrical, clothing and footwear, and other non-food. In total there are 500 items representing the seven main sectors, there are around 6,500-7,000 price points collected each period. Each product class category has an individual weighting based on the “All households” expenditure measured in the Family Expenditure Survey.  This data is also used to weight the Office for National Statistics Retail Price Index (RPI).
 
Although it is a proxy measure of inflation, the Shop Price Index is more focused than the Retail Price Index, and demonstrates the extent to which retailers contribute to inflation through their pricing of a range of commonly bought goods.

Sales of growing media are slightly up on last week, and noticeably higher than the same period in 2012 and 2013, according GTN Bestsellers data.

• Arthur Bowers Premium Top Soil (30 litres) is the highlight of the week, becoming the highest new entry in the GTN Bestsellers Grwoing Media chart.
• Arthur Bowers also have the highest climber with Grow Bag.
• Westland Gro-Sure Peat Free All Purpose Compost with 4 month feed re-enters the chart.

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

CastClear will make its debut at Four Oaks next month (Stand A55) and is an indication of the growth in the potential for this leading garden retail product.

CastClear is an organic non-pesticide control solution available to domestic lawn owners to deter the worms from casting. This unique liquid combination was exhibited at Glee last year where a new 'Mixed case' option was launched.  For the growing number of Cast Clearstockists, this has increased sales by providing mixed cases of 4 bottles of each size of this product.

On booking this stand at Four Oaks, MD Mike Seaton said: "We have been at Glee for three years and we felt that it was time to change our strategy and see what potential Four Oaks has to offer. It is important that we can connect with existing stockists so we hope that they will come and see us in person but we also need to reach out to others who may not attend other events, but be potential stockists of this great new product." 

Mixed Case option boosts sales!

CastClear is an organic non-pesticide control solution available to domestic lawn owners to deter the worms from casting. A new 'Mixed case' option was launched last autumn. For the growing number of CastClear stockists, this has increased sales by providing mixed cases of 4 bottles of each size of this product.

Attractively packaged

The sizes of 250ml, 500ml and 1000ml are displayed as an attractive mix and have boosted sales to consumers. Point of Sale has become even more critical in recent years and this attractively packaged product really stands out on the shelves!  Over 130 new stockists signed up at Glee last year and many placed an initial order of the 'mixed case' which boosted sales and has lead to a high level of repeat orders in 2014.

Peak selling period

The peak selling period for CastClear is August to April but it does sell all year round on the product shelves. CastClear will really compliment and enhance any lawn care display and increase your sales so why not stock CastClear now? 188 existing stockists are already enjoying the benefits of having CastClear on their shelves. There is no direct competitive lawn worm cast treatment in garden retail, so what are you waiting for? The minimum order is one outer of 12 units (any size) with carriage paid (UK only).

 
For more information call 0871 234 3480, email sales@CastClear.co.uk or visit www.CastClear.co.uk

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 printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2012 as well as 2013 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 upto 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 Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers 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.