Catering and gardening categories were the standout successes in February, according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales in catering were up 15.8% compared to the same month in 2022. Outdoor plant sales were up 6.58%, seed and bulbs up 8.76% and garden sundries 6.31%.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks explains: “It was great to see customers out in good numbers and spending well in cafés and restaurants in February. It shows the value of having these sort of additional attractions to keep customers visiting all year round. Food hall and farm shop sales were also up 5.21%.

“February was a very dry month for the time of year, which could explain the positive sales in more traditional categories as gardeners made the most of the weather and made a start on their gardening jobs for the season.

“Furniture was one of the worst performing categories of the month with sales down -28.04%. Lots of centres had furniture marked down in January sales, so customers were able to pick up bargains then and sales have since slowed down, however, we haven’t had any weather to encourage sitting out in the garden yet, which is of course needed to prompt outdoor furniture sales.

“All in all, it has been an encouraging start to the year, given the general economic concerns everyone is facing.”

Pets and aquatics sales were down -8.81%, gift sales were down -2.99% and hard landscaping sales were down -21.26%.

Clothing sales were down -6.65% and houseplant sales were down -8.88%.

Overall sales for the month were up 1.29% with a year-to-date variance of -1.02%.

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.