In This Issue
Exclusive pictures from Bunnings' biggest store yet
Bunnings targets 20 stores by the end of the year
Record June temperatures take toll on garden centre sales
Service of celebration of Alistair Lorimer's life
Glee Buyers Power List 2017 – nominations now open
UK Government urged to re-examine support for bee killing pesticides
Brian Taylor rewarded for contribution to UK bulb industry
Weather divides north and south in May
Tong celebrates White Rose shortlist success
Klondyke presents its main Christmas 2017 themes
New Devon garden centre in the planning
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Eureka! Solar lighting sales shine bright
Strawberry plant sales rise in anticipation of Wimbledon
Growing media sales slip back
Hot spell dries up plant sales
Wyevale Nurseries management trainee off to European conference
Koi Carp Show at Squire’s Garden Centre
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Weather divides north and south in May


Results of the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade show that the weather was a big factor in sales during May and divided the country.

Compared to the same month last year (2016) sales in the southern part of the country were between 9% to 13% down, whereas the north fared better with sales down by between 2% and 6%.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explained: “The weather played a big factor in our member garden centres’ May sales figures, with, contrary to the norm, the north having better weather than the south. However all of our member garden centres had a tough job trying to top the figures from May 2016, which was the highlight of last spring.

“Clothing sales were up 35.18% compared to the same month in 2016. Catering sales were also up 7.4% and houseplants at 2.95%.”

Outdoor plant sales were -7.5%, seeds and bulbs -16.37% and garden sundries -7.32%.

Furniture and barbecue sales were -12.47%, gifts up 1.22% and hard landscaping -14.39%. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 0.23%.



Martin Cowell, Director at Cowell’s Garden Centre, said: “After a buoyant start in May, which included a bumper Bank Holiday weekend, the second week in May was a disaster. The daily average temperatures were between 12 and 14 degrees, which certainly hampered sales, however the last two weeks saw the weather improve and sales were flying again.

“We ended May -1% down on 2016, which considering the weather, and record sales the previous year, we were very pleased with. It could have been much, much worse. Our top five performing departments in May were bedding at +6%, perennials +12%, shrubs +6%, garden lighting +88% and irrigation up +24%.”

Member garden centre sales showed an average overall decrease for the month of 4.64% and an average overall Year to Date increase of 6.4%.

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.


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