• Garden Products - down 17%
• Veg-2-Gro - down 25%
• Growing Media - down 37%
• All Items Index - down 9%

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

Outback chief executive Mark Osborne has been appointed Chariman of LOFA, following the decision by Paul Bevington to step down for personal reasons. Pravin Patel, a director of Premier decorations has been made Vice-Chairman.

A statement from LOFA said:

"It is with regret that LOFA has to announce that Chairman Paul Bevington has decided to step down from LOFA Council, for personal reasons; Paul remains closely linked to the Association as the representative for Kettler GB.  He served for many years on Council and for the past three years as Chairman, and it is hoped that with his huge experience he will return to the board at some time in the future."

"It's a great honour to become chairman of LOFA in its 50^th year, and particularly when our membership faces such challenges as Brexit and a falling pound – issues which I am confident will encourage more companies in the garden furniture and outdoor leisure industries to seek the benefits of the Association. I continue to be impressed by the dedication, passion and sheer resilience of the suppliers and customers in our industry, and look forward to welcoming existing and new members, and retailers, to our annual showpiece shop window, the SOLEX exhibition at the NEC from July 11-13", he said.

He has served on the LOFA Council since 2014 where he oversees the financial and legal affairs of the association.

“At a challenging time generally for business, LOFA and SOLEX need to utilise all the considerable wealth of experience and continued efforts of Members and Council together to ensure that the members and association can continue to thrive successfully.”

• The highest climber was Growth Technology Orchid Pot Clear 15cm, jumping 23 places to No 11.
• Fito Drip Feeder for All Plants 28ml was the highest re-entry at No 15.
• Smart Solar Smiling Sun Stake Light was the highest new entry at No 17.

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

• Taylors Onion Sets Sturon was the highest re-entry at No 4.
• Taylors Shallots Golden Gourmet was another line returning to the chart.
• Kapiteyn Onion Set Stuttgarter Giant  was the highest new entry at No 19.
• Thompson & Morgan Leek Musselburgh Improved was the highest climber, jumping 19 places to No 16.

• Scotts Levington Original Gro-bag was the highest climber, jumping 20 places to No 28.
• Westland Landscape Bark 100 litres was the highest re-entry at No 4.
• Westland Gro-Sure Perlite Pouch 10 litres was the highest new entry at No 34.

• Primula plants are the first No 1 selling plant of the year.
• Hedging plants are being bought in volume.
• Bluebells in the green – Hyacinthoides – make their first sighting in the GTN Chart at No 48.

Westland will invest over £2m in a TV and digital advertising campaign in 2017 to promote Westland SafeLawn, a new product encouraging more consumers to feed their lawn.

Westland SafeLawn taps into a £10m opportunity as it appeals to households who have a lawn, but are put off using chemicals due to concerns about children and pets.

Over 16m consumers will see the TV advert over 5 times during April and May. Of these viewers, over 60% of parents walking into garden retailers will be interested in the product and 4m will be actively seeking pet and child-safe alternatives*.

The TV advert will create impact by using CGI technology to introduce ‘LawnMan’ a big friendly character made entirely from lawn. He puts up with a lot. Kids, pets, the passing seasons and harsh weather conditions. In the advert he is worn and tired. He longs to be loved. To be brought to life and to be part of the family again.

Enter Westland SafeLawn. After just one application, he comes to life, revived and ready to play! LawnMan will show parents and pet owners that they can get a thick, green lawn that’s 100% natural and safe for children and pets.

Westland Safe Lawn is an organic fertiliser with added lawn seed, made with only natural ingredients. It nourishes lawns, greening them up within a week and then continues to feed as it naturally breaks down. It helps grass grow and outcompete moss and weeds and also contains special naturally-occurring bacteria which converts dead moss and thatch to nutrients to feed the grass. Its formula guarantees results, a green, lush and thick lawn, with healthy grass from root to tip!

Daniela Constantine, Brand Manager for Westland Horticulture, said: “We know that only 16% of households actually feed their lawn, so this represents a massive opportunity for the lawncare category, an opportunity that is worth a potential £10m*.

“This TV advert is designed to delight and educate both children and their parents about the neglect their lawn puts up with throughout the year. By feeding with Westland SafeLawn, they really can bring their lawn to life!

“Stock up now to get involved and see your lawncare sales soar in 2017.

*YouGov independent research, September 2016

Plantarea Department Head Hardy Plants | Essex (ref:DS9005)

Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Hardy Plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.

About the centre:

This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.

This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Hardy Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied. You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.

About you:

The ideal candidate will:

• have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
• have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
• have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
• be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
• be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel;
• and have an ability to manage and develop a team.

To apply for this role click here

Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants | Essex (ref:DS9011)

Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Seasonal Plants, such as bedding and patio plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.

About the centre:

This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.

This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Seasonal Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied.
You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.

About you:

The ideal candidates will:

• have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
• have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
• have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
• be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
• be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel;
• and have an ability to manage and develop a team.

To apply for this role click here

• Staff Management - Responsible for leading, organising and managing a team of sales, admin staff and horticultural staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, guidance and discipline.
• Sales growth & development - Develop new sales channels, products and customers within the B2B category.
• Seeking out major clients and forming working relationships with the premier buyers in the industry.
• Identifying valuable emerging markets.
• Accurately forecasting future sales and forming sales plans to adapt to constant shifts in the marketplace.
• Serve as a business representative at major industry events, conferences, trade shows, and expositions.
• Maximising company profit
• Foreseeing and avoiding stagnation in the marketplace.
• Forming sales strategies to keep the company competitive and innovative.
• Client management - Manage clients/customers including negotiation, contract administration, and performance of any associated products and services as per contract.
• Stakeholder management - Responsible and accountable for communications with business stakeholders, including regular reporting on sales achievements, emerging markets and opportunities.

• Strong horticultural sales and marketing background is desirable.
• Previous senior management experience with the ability to influence results through appropriate leadership, staffing, budgetary management and maximisation of available resources.
• Experience of presenting at Board /Executive level
• Interpersonal / Communication /Management skills
• Business planning expertise, producing year on year growth.
• History of development of new markets and product/range launches.
• Analytical problem-solving skills, practical numbers-orientated thinking in hand with using people skills to keep large multi-dimensional teams working together in the most efficient ways possible.
• Ability to motivate team.
• Initiative, drive and enthusiasm

Plantarea Staff / East Sussex (ref:DS8982)

Location: East Sussex
Salary: Competitive
Date: 12 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


This Plant focused independent garden centre are looking for horticulturally trained staff of all levels from management to assistant level for their East Sussex based Centre. With the busy season on its way they are looking for passionate and trained individuals who are keen to work in a friendly independent centre that prides itself of its superb customer service.

The successful candidate will have a real eye for customer service and take huge pride for their work, with a real, can-do, enthusiastic attitude.

• A willingness to learn to develop is key.
• They are looking for some who is not afraid to get involved and create a great customer experience.
• Assisting in managing the daily operations, enabling everyone to inspire, educate and equip customers.
• To be part of a team that drive performance maximising commercial potential.
• To be part of a team that promotes staff ownership & accountability to create a positive & enjoyable working environment.
• Experience and formal training in the Horticultural industry is preferable, with an excellent knowledge of plants and retail sales.

To apply for this role click here

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 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £195.00 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 Veg-2-Gro 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.