The first week of the Easter period 2014 didn’t quite match up to the previous high recorded by GTN Bestsellers in 2011 but anecdotal feedback about Easter Monday being VERY busy across the country means we could still be on for a record period.

The warmer weather of this week and children going back to school could be the deciding factors.

Certainly, any possible upheaval following the Scotts – Solus deal falling through appears to be unfounded as centres have been able to keep shelves and compost areas well stocked to keep up with demand.

The big unkown now is whether the momentum of good sales will continue through to May Day and beyond. From the garden centre messages being recorded by Garden Radio for May broadcasting in store there are plenty of great events being planned to keep footfall as high as possible – for example, BBQ days, machinery demos, children’s activities for half-term, hanging basket workshops, outdoor living weekends and strawberry events.

What events have you got planned to make the most of May? Let us know, we’d love to cover them in the GTN Xtra e-newsletter. Email trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

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

• Garden Products – up 19%
• Veg-2-Gro – up 3%
• Growing Media – up 11%
• All items index – up 6%

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