Furniture and barbecue sales remained positive throughout August according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales in the outdoor entertainment department were up 26.93% compared to the same month last year (2022), despite other areas flagging in the heat.

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, explains: “After the heatwave in July, we continued to see good weather in August, which meant people spent more time in their gardens, hosting get togethers and generally enjoying the sunshine. Furniture was discounted early in the season to help clear stock, meaning many customers took the opportunity to get a great deal.

“Unfortunately, the extreme heat during the month had a detrimental effect on more traditional categories, which meant sales were down for most.”

Clothing sales were up 1.9%. Catering was down -0.8% and food hall and farm shop sales were also down -6.47%.

Sales in traditional categories such as outdoor plants were down -24.69%, seed and bulb sales were down -6.67% and houseplants sales were down -15.89%.

Garden sundries sales were down -17.25%, pets and aquatics sales were down -15.12% and gift sales were down -17.52%. Hard landscaping sales were also down -25.37%.

Overall sales for the month were down -8.89% with a year-to-date variance of -1.46%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.