New gardeners are keeping garden centre sales volumes significantly ahead of normal for the summer. GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis shows the first weekend of August was over 20% up on any of the previous four years with no sign of the sales increase abating.
In the August issue of GTN, out next week and on-line here, HTA chairman James Barnes is quoted as saying that the association believes there are at least one million new gardeners as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and all of the publicity gardening has received.
One million new gardeners are a huge opportunity for the industry but we will have to adapt normal practices to keep them as long term customers.
For sure they will be more influenced by the Internet and social media, so garden centres will need to up their game and change their voice to make sure they are heard.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 31
Garden Products Top 50 – up 17%
Growing Media Top 50 – up 110%
Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 21%
Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 101%
GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 31
