In This Issue
Garden centre sales increase despite all other retail re-opening
Join the Fun of #FloralFriday and Support Children in Hospices
Anything and everything being purchased for the garden
Royal visit sends garden centre media coverage into the stratosphere
Blue Diamond report £14.4m profit from 42% increased sales of £181.6m
Pots are the key to lockdown gardening
Garden Centres are Top of the Polls for retail visits
Small bags of growing media up by 207%
#FloralFriday To Celebrate Children’s Hospice Week
Sell Online Quickly, Easily and Cost-Effectively with GrowNation
spoga+gafa still pressing ahead for September show
LifestyleGarden® revamps showroom to help retailers maximise sales in 2020 and beyond
The Retail Mutual launches #OpenForBusiness campaign to support independents
Dahlia Sincerity wins FleuroStar Award 2020
Apple Trinity is crowned Best in Show
Apple ‘Trinity’ wins Best in Show at HTA New Plant Awards
Allensmore Nurseries scoops a record number of awards at the HTA Virtual New Plant Awards 2020.
Plant Area General Assistant
Merchandiser/ Area representative
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Fund created for Westland accident victims family
Good plant sales prospects for the summer
Neil Cochrane joins Fallen Fruits
Veg 2 Gro up by 42% since re-opening
Gardenex and PetQuip organise second e-commerce webinar
The best of last week's
Man dies at Westland factory in Dungannon
Marlows , Bury St Edmunds, to close due to Coronavirus trading conditions
Year on year sales deficit halved in four weeks
Fire at Cooks Garden Centre
Socially Distanced plant sales up by 40%
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Virtual Petindex proves to be a success
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Garden centre sales increase despite all other retail re-opening

Top line analysis of the GTN Bestsellers Epos data for the week starting Monday 15th June, the date when all of retail was allowed to re-open, shows an increase in volume sales of 6% on the previous week and an increase of 39% on the same week last year...

 


Top line analysis of the GTN Bestsellers Epos data for the week starting Monday 15th June, the date when all of retail was allowed to re-open, shows an increase in volume sales of 6% on the previous week and an increase of 39% on the same week last year.

 

Garden products were one of the sectors to boom with sales of the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products chart showing an 11% increase week on week and a 48% increase in volumes year on year.

 

Driving a lot of those sales will be new gardeners growing their own veg at home.  Last week, when normally the veg 2 gro season would be starting to dwindle, saw a 256% increase in sales volumes compared to the same week last year.

 

"We've had people come to the centre not realising we've been open since the middle of May," one garden centre told GTN Xtra, "it's as though a lot of people have only now just started thinking about shopping at all."

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

Join the Fun of #FloralFriday and Support Children in Hospices

As this week is Children’s Hospice Week, Greenfingers Charity urges you and your business to take part in #FloralFriday and highlight the work it does in children’s hospices across the UK...


As this week is Children’s Hospice Week, Greenfingers Charity urges you and your business to take part in #FloralFriday and highlight the work it does in children’s hospices across the UK.

 

There is no doubt that we have all felt the benefits of gardening and spending time outside in the fresh air as we navigated through a world in lockdown.  Whilst this additional engagement with gardening can only be good for our industry, going forward, this message will help Greenfingers Charity as it faces a challenging road ahead. 

 

The charity’s work planning and designing gardens for life-limited children and families who spend time in hospices has continued over the last few months. Just as soon as it is safe to do so, the team at Greenfingers is very much looking forward to more gardens in hospioces becoming a reality this year.

 

Please help Greenfingers Charity remain in the hearts and minds of its industry friends and garden lovers by taking part in #FloralFriday.  With your support the charity will be able to continue to make a difference to thousands of life-limited children, their families, and their carers every year.

 

Taking part in #FloralFriday is so easy to do and doesn’t have to cost you a penny…though every penny, or pound does help!! Here’s what you need to do…

  • Post a floral ‘selfie’ or a photo of your garden or favourite Flower on social media
  • Use the hashtags #FloralFriday #HortIndustry
  • Tag @GreenfingersCharity  
  • If you can, make a donation to support the work of Greenfingers Charity by texting FLORALFRIDAY to 70085 to donate £5 or FLORALFRIDAYTEN to 70085 to donate £10.
  • Nominate a friend(s) to do the same

To find out more about Greenfingers gardens in the planning stages and other ways you can help the charity contact Director of Fundraising and Communications Linda Petrons by emailing Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or calling 07908 221240. 

Anything and everything being purchased for the garden

It really does seem that people are buying anything and everything they can to enjoy their garden during the crisis.  Let’s hope suppliers and growers can keep up the great work so that the garden centre shopping experience can continue to be safe and satisfying...

 


Core gardening continues to be the driver for purchases at garden centres since re-opening.  Garden Product sales are 41% up since May 13th, Growing Media sales up by 60% and Veg 2 Gro sales up by 42% in an overall mix of sales that are 13% up on volume.

 

Plant sales volumes since re-opening are only showing an increase of 6% but the variety of plants being purchased is at an all time high, probably due to a lack of bedding plants.  During the second week of June this year, GTN Bestsellers recorded sales of 390 different genus/types of plants, up by 29% on the same week last year.

 

It really does seem that people are buying anything and everything they can to enjoy their garden during the crisis.  Let’s hope suppliers and growers can keep up the great work so that the garden centre shopping experience can continue to be safe and satisfying.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 24

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 45%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 45%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – up 15%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 125%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 24

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 65%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 34%

 

To see the full GTN Bestsellers Charts each week and use them to maximise your sales, buy a subscription for only £145.00 using this link.

Royal visit sends garden centre media coverage into the stratosphere

The Duchess of Cambridge chose her local garden centre, Fakenham Garden Centre, as her first choice for an official visit last week and as a result media coverage of UK garden centres has spread world wide.

 

"We've had phone calls from media outlets as far afield as the USA and Australia since the visit and plenty of enquiries to ask what items were purchased..."


The Duchess of Cambridge chose her local garden centre, Fakenham Garden Centre, as her first choice for an official visit last week and as a result media coverage of UK garden centres has spread world wide.

 

The visit to the centre on Thursday afternoon was planned a few days ahead but the staff were not informed until an hour before.  General Manager Nick Haydon told GTN Xtra: "We were trading normally on a grey day and the sun came out on cue just before 2:00pm."

 

The Duchess, who has shopped at the centre before, spoke with owners Martin and Jenny Turner, some staff members, and then spent some time speaking with customers before doing some shopping for herself and a local hospice.

 

"We've had phone calls from media outlets as far afield as the USA and Australia since the visit and plenty of enquiries to ask what items were purchased." added Nick.

 

"After plenty of bad days during the period when we were closed this was most definitely a good day.  Quite a few of fellow Choice Marketing Group members are very jealous about the amount of media coverage we've had.  There have defiantly been a few more customers in the centre since Friday."

 

Coverage of the Royal Visit, which was embargoed until Friday lunchtime, has been seen in publications as diverse as Harpers Bazaar, Hello!, Regalfille, Dress like a Duchess, many local newspapers from the Central Fife Times to the South Wales Argus and most national newspapers including making the front page of The Sun and The Times.

 

With all the media coverage during closure and then about re-opening, garden centres have certainly been high on the news agenda this year.  Even today the Huff Post is suggesting a visit to the garden centre as one of their "It's A Scorcher! 11 Things To Do In The Sunshine After Work."

 
Blue Diamond report £14.4m profit from 42% increased sales of £181.6m

"Success is delivered by being strategically ahead of your competitors and ensuring that you position yourself through qualitative points of difference to be the first and most loyal choice of your customer. Blue Diamond operates to that standard..."


Blue Diamond Garden Centres have published their Report and Accounts for 2019 with headline numbers of turnover up 42% to £181.6m and profits before tax up by £3.5m to £14.4m.

 

In his managing Directors Report, Alan Roper explains: "Within this figure restaurant sales grew from £22.6m to £34.4m in 2019. Restaurant sales grew 7% on a like-for-like basis. Due to acquisitions restaurant sales have more than doubled over the past two years from £16m in 2017 to £34.4m in 2019.


"In September 2019 we acquired a further seven Wyevale sites, which generated £5.1m sales in the last quarter. These sites, which historically generated £18.5m of turnover, have the potential to reach sales of £30m over the next five years."

 

After the turmoil of the COVID-19 crisis Simon Burke, Chairman of Blue Diamond reported: "It is difficult to provide commentary on our prospects without engaging in guesswork. Many factors, including the future of restaurants, the duration of social distancing measures, the overall state of the economy, and our old acquaintance the outcome of the Brexit process, are all factors which will affect our business but which are impossible to predict.


"However, I do expect the coming months to be challenging for us. We will have much work to do to get the business back on a firm footing, from which it can resume its growth story. Debt reduction and a strong capital base will be our priority, and so cash conservation will be a key theme for some time to come.


"What we have seen, however, is the resilience of the Blue Diamond business in the face of a very severe shock, its ability to draw customers even in a difficult environment, and the energy and enterprise of the team to respond creatively to the challenges they have faced.


"These factors give me confidence that we will weather whatever lies in store for us, and do what it takes to ensure that Blue Diamond will come out the other end strong and prosperous once more."

Alan adds: "We have a pipeline of growth projects stretching over a 3- to 4-year period, which will generate a further £89m turnover. The sixteen former Wyevale sites will generate a further £57m turnover so there is enough existing realisable opportunity for the Group to reach £326m over the years to come.


"Success is delivered by being strategically ahead of your competitors and ensuring that you position yourself through qualitative points of difference to be the first and most loyal choice of your customer. Blue Diamond operates to that standard. I thank my team for choosing to be a part of this successful journey and to whom we owe our success."

 

Read the full report using this link

 

Pots are the key to lockdown gardening

During the second week of June this year sale of pots and pot feet in the GTN Top 50 were 175% higher than last year...


 

While Garden Products are running at 41% up year on year since re-opening the significantly higher increases in sales of Pot and Pot feet illustrate a key shift in the way people are gardening during the crisis.

 

During the second week of June this year sale of pots and pot feet in the GTN Top 50 were 175% higher than last year.  Pots and pot feet lines accounted for 25% of the total Top 50 volume.

  • The Deroma Cotto Garden Sun Azalea Pot 21cm from Apta was the highest new entry for the week at No 10.
  • Woodlodge’s Spang Pot 3 inch re-entered at No 13 after a 116% sales increase.
  • Smart Solar’s Eureka! Firefly Lantern Large climbed 23 places up the chart, perhaps indicating that thoughts and spending are heading towards garden decoration ready for long summer nights.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 

Garden Centres are Top of the Polls for retail visits

Garden Centres are still the stores people say they feel most comfortable returning to, according to results of a YouGov poll...


Garden Centres are still the stores people say they feel most comfortable returning to, according to results of a YouGov poll.

 

In April, economic researchers from the University of Warwick made a case for ending lockdown for young adults, who are less at risk of developing serious cases of COVID-19 and could breathe life back into the economy – however YouGov research shows that in many of the scenarios asked about, the difference in comfort between age brackets is low, and in some cases older Brits are more willing to return than their younger peers.

 

The biggest difference between age groups (not including the workplace) is for restaurants, where 48% of Brits aged 18 to 24 feel comfortable visiting, compared to 38% of those aged over 65 - a 14 percentage point difference.

 

In the case of of garden centres and pub gardens, the larger, open-air nature of these places may explain why older Brits are more comfortable returning to these places than younger generations. These places are also where most Brits think they will be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

 

The majority of Brits think they can keep to rules when visiting garden centres (71%) and pub gardens (60%) however these are the only places where the majority think they can do so. Despite retail workers’ best efforts to prepare stores with plastic shielding, one-way systems and two-metre floor markers, just 48% of Brits think they will be able to keep two metres away from other shoppers in clothes shops.

 

YouGov go on to say: "What this data suggests is that how comfortable people feel returning to these locations is related to how well they think they will be able to socially distance from others while they are there. For example, Brits are twice as likely to feel comfortable returning to pub gardens (53%) than indoor pubs (26%), and are also twice as likely to think they could socially distance in a pub garden (60%) than inside a pub or bar (29%).

 

"Interestingly, the perceived ability to socially distance does not follow the same age-related pattern as we saw in comfortability to visit places – for example 37% of over 65s think they could socially distance at the hairdressers, compared to 29% of 18- to 24-year-old Britons. However, this younger age bracket are then more likely to think they can socially distance in coffee shops (51%) compared to the over 65s (39%)."

 

Following on from this, what other precautions are Britons willing to take to return to the high street? We asked whether Britons would be willing to wear a face mask if required (something Britons have been historically opposed to doing voluntarily), and if they would be willing to have their temperature taken before visiting places.

 

Interestingly, Britons are most willing to take these extra precautions in the places where they say they are least confident at maintaining the two metre social distancing rule. Approaching three quarters (72%) of Brits say they would be willing to both wear and mask and have a temperature check before shopping in clothes shops, and similar numbers say the same (68% and 72%) for barbers and hairdressers.

 

YouGov recently reported that a mere 21% of Brits were donning face masks when they left the house, which makes it unsurprising that in some scenarios (pub gardens, restaurants, and pubs and bars) Brits are more willing to have a temperature check than wear a mask. The biggest disparity is in the restaurant scenario, where Brits are almost twice as likely to be willing to submit to a temperature check (73%) than wear a non-medical facemask (38%).

 

Click on the image below for a link to the complete YouGov research data.

Small bags of growing media up by 207%

This weeks GTN Bestsellers sales analysis shows a high number of “small” bag sales as customers buy whatever growing media they can get their hands on to feed their gardening activity.  In the GTN Bestsellers chart for the second week of June 2020, 51% of the growing media volume sold was in bags of 40 litres or less.  That is a 207% increase compared to the same week last year when only 38% was sold in “small” bags...


Garden centre sales of growing media have been 60% up year on year in the five weeks since re-opening.  That means the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Index for year to date volume sales is now at 25% behind last year having been 50% down in the week before re-opening.

 

This weeks sales analysis shows a high number of “small” bag sales as customers buy whatever growing media they can get their hands on to feed their gardening activity.  In the GTN chart for the second week of June 2020, 51% of the growing media volume sold was in bags of 40 litres or less.  That is a 207% increase compared to the same week last year when only 38% was sold in “small” bags.

  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multi Purpose with John Innes 40 litres jumps 15 places up the GTN Chart to No 1.
  • Bulrush have two new chart entries with their John Innes lines in 25 litre packs at No’s 41 and 50.
  • Bubbling under the Top 50 are several peat free lines from Melcourt.  As they get wider distribution perhaps we will see a significant increase in peat free compost lines during this summer.

 

#FloralFriday To Celebrate Children’s Hospice Week

Supporters of Greenfingers Charity once again spread a little #FloralFriday cheer by sharing photos of beautiful British Flowers or fabulous floral shirts, dresses, and shoes on social media on Friday (19th June)...


Supporters of Greenfingers Charity once again spread a little #FloralFriday cheer by sharing photos of beautiful British Flowers or fabulous floral shirts, dresses, and shoes on social media on Friday (19th June).

 

Leading the way as ever were industry floral fashion icons, Greenfingers Charity Trustee Boyd Douglas Davies and charity Ambassadors Trevor Pfeiffer and Adam Taylor whilst Patron David Domoney, Vitax, Glee, Cassie King, Perrywood Garden Centres, for the first time Tenterden Garden Centre along with many others posted stunning floral photos throughout the day to support the vital work of Greenfingers Charity.

 

 

Speaking about #FloralFriday, Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Charity’s  Director of Fundraising & Communications said: ‘We continue to be grateful to all those who post their photos and and to those who text donate to support our vital work, every Friday or indeed any other day of the week!  Whilst this initiative was launched to be a fun one, there is a serious side.  We still have a list of hospices that need our help, and they need our help more so than ever now.  We are continuing to work closely with our garden designers and hospices, and we are working towards getting back on site and building new gardens in hospices, just as soon as it’s safe for us all to do so. We hope that will be very soon.  Until we do, please keep on joining us on #FloralFriday and help to promote the work we do making a difference to children and families facing insurmountable odds.“

 

As this week is Children’s Hospice Week, Greenfingers Charity is keen to see more people and businesses taking part, even if only for one week, and help to promote the work of the charity and the fantastic support it receives from the horticultural industry.

 

Here is what you need to do…

  • Post a floral ‘selfie’ or a photo of your favourite British Flower on social media
  • Use the hashtags #FloralFriday #HortIndustry
  • Tag @GreenfingersCharity  
  • If you can, make a donation to support the work of Greenfingers Charity by texting FLORALFRIDAY to 70085 to donate £5 or FLORALFRIDAYTEN to 70085 to donate £10.
  • Nominate a friend(s) to do the same

Why support #FloralFriday?

There is no doubt that the benefits of gardening and spending time outside in the fresh air are being felt by children and families more than ever as we continue to navigate through a world in lockdown.  Whilst this additional engagement with gardening can only be good for our industry, this message is also vitally important for Greenfingers Charity as it faces a very challenging road ahead. 

To find out more about Greenfingers gardens in the planning stages and other ways you can help the charity contact Director of Fundraising and Communications Linda Petrons by emailing Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or calling 07908 221240. 

Sell Online Quickly, Easily and Cost-Effectively with GrowNation

GrowNation has announced a new series of service tiers to help garden centres get online with the features and pricing structure that best suits their individual needs...


GrowNation (grownation.co.uk) has announced a new series of service tiers to help garden centres get online with the features and pricing structure that best suits their individual needs.

 

The new Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers allow customers to choose the precise level of customisation, support and features that they need for their online store.

 

Steve Meleka, Managing Director of ConnectNation, (who own the GrowNation brand), said: "Many garden centres now realise the importance of being able to trade online, but lack the time and expertise in-house to get themselves set up.

Our team can simplify the process by completing most of the work required according to each centre's unique specifications. 

 

"Ongoing support from a dedicated account manager will then help them make the most of their new online sales channel.  Done properly, online can significantly increase sales among new and different audiences, sales that would otherwise be lost."

 

Customers can expect different levels of support and rates of commission across the tiers, ranging from basic email support and access to supplier product lists to fully-managed product CSVs, payment processing setup assistance and a dedicated account manager.

 

The team are also preparing for the possibility that Christmas sales volumes will be threatened should social distancing measures still be in force later in the year. A number of new features designed to mitigate this risk - both in-store and online - will be announced over the coming days and weeks.

 

The GrowNation (grownation.co.uk) platform is one of a series of marketplaces from ConnectNation Ltd, a company formed to help address some of the unique business challenges posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

 

ConnectNation was founded by a group of colleagues with specialisms in marketing (including in the horticulture sector), CRM platform design & integration, business analysis, social media management and ecommerce website development.

The company is currently working with the award-winning ecommerce platform and digital marketing company, Visualsoft. Their VSCommerce platform underpins the GrowNation service, making it possible to rapidly deploy websites to allow garden centres to start selling online quickly. See: www.visualsoft.co.uk

spoga+gafa still pressing ahead for September show

The team organising spoga+gafa in Cologne have sent a letter to all exhibitors and potential visitors about their determination for the event to go ahead in September 2020.

 

"Let’s push-start your business together and enable the best possible opportunities for a successful sector restart..."


The team organising spoga+gafa in Cologne have sent a letter to all exhibitors and potential visitors about their determination for the event to go ahead in September 2020.

 

Here is the letter in full:

 

Dear exhibitors, dear visitors,

In this update, we are continuing to extensively involve you, our partners, in the planning process of the upcoming spoga+gafa trade fair. We are making good progress, as demonstrated by the feedback we’ve been getting from the sector. As delighted as we are that most of the comments we’ve been getting from exhibitors and visitors have been confirmatory, we take their concerns very seriously, especially the uncertainty felt by our partners from overseas. However, we’ve held many discussions in which we’ve been able to allay these fears and get us to better understand one another.

 

In summary, the feedback further strengthens us in our determination to hold spoga+gafa 2020 in Cologne from 6 to 8 September 2020. As a result, we are forging ahead with the planning of the world’s largest garden lifestyle fair and working together with the garden sector to prepare ourselves for a new normal in daily life. We are underscoring this shared conviction under the hashtag #gardenbackstronger.

 

Trade fairs are permitted again in Germany

With effect from the target date of 30 May 2020, trade fairs and conventions with protection concepts have once again been permitted in many regions of Germany, including North Rhine-Westphalia, where Cologne is located. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia notified the public of this ruling on 6 May 2020. Whether a trade fair would be permitted to take place or not was, for a time, subject to different regulations not only within Germany but also within Europe. That one European trade fair is taking place, while another is not, is often due to the fact that they are subject to different government regulations and that the respective national or local conditions may differ.

 

At the same time, the reopening of borders within Europe that is scheduled for June will provide the implementation of spoga+gafa 2020 with a further boost. If you take a look at the countries of origin of the visitors of previous years, you will see that more than three quarters of them came from Europe. Ticket sales from all over Europe already show that these visitors are willing and able to travel. If you would like to read the latest decision-maker interviews with some of our visitors, you are welcome to do so at http://www.spogagafa.com/meetourvisitors. Each week, we are adding exciting new ideas from our guests at the upcoming spoga+gafa 2020 to this site.

 

In September 2019 spoga+gafa welcomed over 40,000 visitors, who were distributed across Koelnmesse’s entire 230,000-square-metre exhibition area over a period of three days. We expect fewer visitors to attend the event in 2020. Most of the visitors will come from Europe, because we do not know, for example, what the reality is like for our partners overseas. This will become clearer in the months ahead. We remain optimistic in this respect, but we are also realistic.

Talks with many decision-makers from major exhibitors (e.g. from Japan and Australia) have shown that they are still very much interested in Cologne and want to visit the trade fair in September.

 

The floorplan will be different from previous events

At the beginning of the crisis, we had already rented out significantly more than 90 percent of our hall space, even to exhibitors from overseas. However, we will have to accept the thought that exhibitors from other continents will be unable to make it to Cologne in September unless they have agile representation in Europe. Many of the smaller exhibitors from overseas will be unable to attend due to government travel restrictions, the impossibility of obtaining visas, and quarantine regulations that will, in some cases, be in force until the end of the year. We are very sorry that these partners will be unable to attend, but look forward to welcoming them to Cologne again next year. Because many of the exhibitors from overseas will be unable to attend, Halls 1, 4.2 and 5.1 will not be occupied this year. Exhibitors who would have had their stands in these halls and who will attend this year’s fair will be integrated within other halls. We have therefore decided to plan spoga+gafa in a more compact area that will fill a total of 12 halls.

 

You’ll be in good hands in Cologne: www.spogagafa.com/besafe

Like all other situations in daily life, spoga+gafa 2020 will be subject to a “new normal,” at least for this year. In cooperation with the authorities and the partners that support our trade fairs, we are currently drawing up the criteria and measures that will accompany us in the run-up to this year’s fair. These measures include appropriate hygiene, proper distancing of participants, and regulations for the processes conducted at the entrances, in the halls and at the stands. We’re relying on the professional behaviour of the exhibitors and visitors. Moreover, we will once again fully register the participants and exploit the size and flexibility of our exhibition centre as well as the possibilities of our digital guidance systems to make sure the trade fair runs smoothly under the conditions of the new normal.

 

In connection with the infrastructure needs of spoga+gafa, the Koelnmesse exhibition centre is perfectly suited for holding the event successfully and safely. The exhibition centre enables us to place most of the exhibitor stands at the same locations as in past years. This means that we have not had to change the overall planning. However, we will have to dispense with stand parties and social events and adapt to an altered catering concept in 2020. But everyone should be able to live with that for a single event.

 

What the exhibition centre will be like:

The precise implementation of our hygienic and safety measures will follow the stipulations of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Cologne authorities. Our preparations foresee the following measures:

• 1.5 metre distance between participants
• People must wear protective masks covering the mouth and nose. The only exceptions are if a person is sitting at a proper distance from other people at a table or moving around in our outdoor area while also keeping his or her distance.
• Additional entrances will be provided for exhibitors. This will prevent bottlenecks from occurring in the entrance areas
• As in previous years: full registration of all visitors and exhibitors
• Cloakroom services will be provided free of charge: no waiting times
• Plans call for bag checks to be conducted technologically without any direct contact. We have adapted our catering concept to the new hygiene regulations

 

Although we can only influence our own exhibition centre, talks with the Cologne Tourist Board, the various hotels, and the catering and hotel association Dehoga as well as the statements made by the neighbouring airports and Deutsche Bahn have shown that Cologne and the surrounding region are doing a good job of preparing for the months ahead.

 

Planning reliability and transparency for exhibitors and visitors

Without ever losing sight of the current situation, Koelnmesse is making preparations for a successful spoga+gafa. Should, however, the authorities require the event to be cancelled due to another wave of infection, which currently does not appear likely, Koelnmesse will fully reimburse the payments that exhibitors and visitors have made to it. If the trade fair has to be postponed for the same reason, Koelnmesse shall fully reimburse the payments of the exhibitors who cannot take part in the event on the new date. The trade fair partners will be notified of any trends at an early stage.

 

Even though spoga+gafa provides the sector with good opportunities to do great business, Koelnmesse, as the organizer of spoga+gafa, recognizes the need to give some market players additional support. Please let us know if you require assistance.

 

Dear exhibitors and visitors of spoga+gafa, we can assure you that we will conduct the trade fair in all of our interests and in a manner that takes account of everyone’s health and safety.

 

Let’s push-start your business together and enable the best possible opportunities for a successful sector restart.

 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our spoga+gafa team.

 

We look forward to staying in touch with you.

 

#gardenbackstronger

 

The spoga+gafa team

Catja Caspary
Vice President Trade Fair Management


Stefan Lohrberg
Director spoga+gafa


Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1
50679 Köln / Germany
www.spogagafa.com

LifestyleGarden® revamps showroom to help retailers maximise sales in 2020 and beyond

LifestyleGarden® – one of the UK’s leading outdoor leisure brands– is taking significant steps to ensure that retailers can maximise this sales potential, including a complete revamp of its showroom to help fill the void left by the cancellation of several trade exhibitions...


Whether it’s staycationing or just wanting to spend quality time with friends and family this summer, there is no doubt that sales of garden furniture will continue to flourish. LifestyleGarden® – one of the UK’s leading outdoor leisure brands– is taking significant steps to ensure that retailers can maximise this sales potential, including a complete revamp of its showroom to help fill the void left by the cancellation of several trade exhibitions.

 

Paul Cohen, Sales Director at LifestyleGarden®, said: “Exhibitions have a really important role to play for both suppliers and retailers, from showcasing new product introductions, to networking to form or strengthen professional relationships. The cancellation of such events has meant that these annual touchpoints have been removed and as such we have been forced to look at other ways to communicate with our customers.

 

“Our showroom has always proven to be a vital sales tool, but the current climate is making it more important than ever. As such, we have taken steps to totally revamp it, to ensure that it not only meets the COVID-Secure guidelines, but that it also provides a useful and long-lasting sales showcase.”

 

Open to new and existing customers, access to the redesigned showrooms spread over two floors will be strictly by appointment only from July 14th, supported by a dedicated member of the sales team to help talk buyers through all the product USPs and the incredible stories that shape the LifestyleGarden® ranges. From recycled chairs that are helping to remove deadly plastic from the world’s oceans, to new material innovation that is setting a new standard for sustainability, the ranges on offer will provide retailers with an exciting and unique opportunity, one which will demonstrate to their own customers their desire to support brands that are driven to protect the long-term future of our planet.

 

Showcasing new product ranges ahead of the 2021 season will continue to take centre stage including most notably an expansion of the DuraOcean® range. Made from recycled ocean plastic waste, this industry-first scooped the SOLEX Best New Product award in 2019 and has since garnered legions of fans thanks to its sleek design which does not compromise on its mission to protect the future of marine life. To date, DuraOcean® ranges have helped to remove over 150,000kgs of plastic debris from the oceans.

 

There will also be new introductions to the modular Portals and Panama collections, including design updates that make both ranges even more suitable for contemporary living.

 

For those retailers who aren’t yet ready to make the journey to LifestyleGarden®’s showroom they need not worry, as the company has confirmed that it will also be available for online meetings combined with dedicated video guided tours of the facilities and product profiles. In all cases these can be arranged directly with your Account Manager or directly with salesuk@lifestylegarden.com - however interested parties are advised to secure their meeting quickly as availability is filling up fast.

 

Paul Cohen, Sales Director at LifestyleGarden®, added: “There is no doubt that lockdown has helped to reignite people’s love for outdoor entertaining, and as these measures continue to ease this will become even more apparent as we begin to welcome friends and family back into our garden spaces. From bistro sets to large-scale furniture sets that allow for comfortable social distancing, garden furniture will feature front and centre within many a reunion story and we want to help our garden centre customers to offer the best possible collections both during this season and long into 2021.”

 

If you want to find out more about LifestyleGarden® and the company’s market leading outdoor furniture collections, please visit www.lifestylegarden.com or follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.

The Retail Mutual launches #OpenForBusiness campaign to support independents

The Retail Mutual has launched a social media campaign to support retailers return to business...


The Retail Mutual has launched a social media campaign to support retailers return to business.

 

Specialist cover provider for independent businesses, The Retail Mutual has created the Open for Business campaign to celebrate and support high street retailers and to encourage consumers to shop small. The campaign invites independent retail businesses to share the news of their reopening on social media by taking photos of their social distancing measures and new stock, using the hashtag #OpenForBusiness.

 

This campaign also gives the opportunity to celebrate the businesses that remained open during the lockdown with customers using the hashtag show their thanks and support to their favourite local businesses.

 

Mutual Manager, Kirsty Hampton, said: “Independent retail businesses are at the heart of The Retail Mutual’s existence and we know that this pandemic has taken its toll on our Members, their businesses, their families and their communities. We hope that this campaign will bring the independent retail community together and encourage shoppers to support small businesses.

 

We have been supporting our Members throughout the pandemic by introducing an unoccupied premises waiver to ensure their premises are covered. We also set up a dedicated resource hub for all independents which contains frequently asked questions and useful guides to keeping businesses safe. We are delighted to be launching this campaign to further support independent retail at this time and wish all businesses the best in the future. It’s nice to see you open again.”

 

The Retail Mutual is dedicated to providing business cover and a range of additional products and services that benefit the independent retail community. It exists to help give retailers peace of mind and is passionate about protecting the independent retail businesses on our high streets.

 

The Retail Mutual was established in 1999 and currently supports retailers with thousands of covers across the UK. It is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and bound by its stringent governance and compliance regulations.

 

The Mutual is managed by Regis Mutual Management, a professional management company that specialises in the creation and management of mutuals in the UK and Australia.

Dahlia Sincerity wins FleuroStar Award 2020

Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, is proud to announce that the FleuroStar Award 2020/21 goes to Dahlia Sincerity from Syngenta Flowers...


Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, is proud to announce that the FleuroStar Award 2020/21 goes to Dahlia Sincerity from Syngenta Flowers. Michael Kester, Global Head of Flowers and Ronald Snijder, Dahlia Breeder accepted the prize from Fleuroselect President Karol Pawlak and Secretary-General Sally van der Horst.

 

Dahlia Sincerity from Syngenta Flowers was competing against Digitalis Panther (Takii), Petunia Mystical Midnight Gold (Florensis), Petunia Shock Wave Purple Tie Dye (PanAmerican Seed) and Coleus Main Street Hollywood Boulevard (Dümmen Orange).

The jury stated: "What a beauty! The color and size of the flowers truly takes your breath away. Sincerity is an outstanding centerpiece for larger containers and really catches the eye in borders. Consumers will love the huge blooms that ensure a colour explosion for later summer flowering."

 

Sincerity from Syngenta Flowers is all about giant and dazzling. This new Dahlia’s fully double flowers can reach a diameter of over 20 cm. Sincerity features a multitude of early blooms showcasing large pink and white bi-color flowers with just a touch of yellow at their centre. This newcomer is compact and well-branched, providing a well-shaped backdrop for the showy blooms. Displaying best in mid to late summer and early autumn, this Dahlia is a smart choice for landscaping and large planters, or to fill the first holes in perennial borders. Sincerity is an excellent garden performer with massive colour impact that will convince retail and consumers for many years to come.

 

In line with the current COVID-19 regulations, this year’s FleuroStar winner was announced during a live event which could be viewed online. Two representatives of each participating company were invited to Floralis in Lisse for a ceremony with respect for social distancing. Over 100 persons followed the show via the live stream on the Fleuroselect website and Facebook. The recording of the show can be reviewed via both channels.

 

The new FleuroStar winner will receive considerable marketing back-up to turn its go-to-market strategy into a success. Contest organiser Fleuroselect will conduct a promotion campaign with international trade and social media and promote the new winner at trade fairs and industry events.

 

Also other industry players are offering support to FleuroStar. Waterdrinker, major Dutch wholesaler selling to international garden centers and florists, will offer premium product placement during 3-4 weeks at its Green Trade Center next season. Stokvis, the production house behind various Dutch gardening television programmes, will feature the new winner extensively in its star television show 'de Grote Tuinverbouwing'. Pull Position, a marketing agency specialised in retail promotion, offers a tailor made marketing project whereas DeschPlantpak dedicates a lifestyle photo shoot and matching pot layout, made by their design studio, to the new winner.

 

In total, over 30 professionals in breeding, production, trade and retail evaluate each entry on point of sale attractiveness and commercial potential. Each jury member has seen the physical plants, either in person at the plant line-up at Takii or via one of the dedicated Zoom sessions.

 

Heike Gronemann, Chairman of FleuroStar Jury: "We are very proud of the fact that high-level players in the market such as Obi, Intratuin, Jardiland, Waterdrinker, Royal Lemkes, Van Dijk Flora and Royal FloraHolland are willing to assess our candidates. We are particularly honored that Tim Clapp from Kingfisher/B&Q and Eike Jöddicke from Hagebau have agreed to join our panel this year. FleuroStar's success and credibility is due to the diversity and expertise of our jury."

About FleuroStar


The FleuroStar Contest is held annually during the FlowerTrials week in June in the Netherlands and Germany. Fleuroselect members can enter their top breeding breakthrough of the season to become the new 'Winner with the Wow Factor'. Due to the cancellation of the FlowerTrials, the Contest was held in a digital format this year.

 
Apple Trinity is crowned Best in Show

 

 

Apple ‘Trinity’ from Frank P Matthews has been crowned Best in Show at the HTA New Plant Awards 2020...


Apple ‘Trinity’ from Frank P Matthews has been crowned Best in Show at the HTA New Plant Awards 2020.

 

The 2020 judging panel included Matthew Biggs (gardener, writer and broadcaster); Tamsin Westhorpe (Co-chair of The Garden Media Guild); Lesley Watson (Director of New Hopetoun Gardens & RHS Show Garden Judge); Jonathan Savage (General Manager for Scotsdales Garden Centres) and Ian Hodgson (Editor at Large for Garden News Magazine, garden writer & broadcaster) with the HTA’s Director of Membership, Martin Simmons, and Horticulture Manager, Pippa Greenwood, overseeing.

 

Winner of the Virtual Visitor Vote, with an astonishing 306 votes (33% of the total) was Anemone FP007 ‘Frilly Knickers’ from Fairweather’s Nursery.

 

Head Judge, Matthew Biggs, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to our call for entries to the New Plant Awards this year, especially when the industry is facing such difficulties. It is testament to the hard work and resilience of our UK growers that they have stepped up to the challenge and presented some wonderful new plants for us all to enjoy. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Frank P Matthews and Fairweather’s Nursery for producing the overall winners, and our heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered.”

 

HTA President, Boyd Douglas-Davis said: “The Virtual New Plant Awards have been a huge success. We made a relatively late decision to run the Awards as a virtual event and weren’t at all sure what level of interest we would get, but we could not be more thrilled with the response we’ve had. We hope the event provides a much-needed boost for our growers and earns them some well deserved publicity for their plants and businesses.”

 

The full list of winners is as follows:

 

Herbaceous Perennials

 

GOLD and Best in Category

Penstemon ‘Pristine Lila Purple’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

 

SILVER

Anemone FP007 ‘Frilly Knickers’ – Fairweather’s Nursery

 

BRONZE

Limonium ‘Dazzle Rocks’ - Suttons Consumer Products

Sedum ‘Sunsparkler Wildfire’ - Newey

Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ - Fairweather’s Nursery

Delphinium ’Paramo Black Velvet’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Mangave Mad about Mangave ‘Pineapple Express’ - Javado Plant

Salvia ‘Mirage Rose Bicolor’ - Ball Colegrave Ltd

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Verbena ‘Margaret’s Memory’ - Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Agapanthus ‘Blue Thunder’ - Fairweather’s Nursery

Dahlia ‘Melody Lemon’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Dahlia ‘Melody White’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Dahlia ‘Dahlegria Sunrise’ - Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

 

Annuals

 

GOLD and Best In Category

Impatiens ‘Wild Romance Blush Pink’ – Newey

 

SILVER

Salvia ‘Rockin’ Blue Suede Shoes’ – Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Osteospermum ‘Serenity Sunshine Beauty’ – Ball Colegrave Ltd

 

BRONZE

Nemesia ‘Mareto Burgundy & White’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Dahlia ‘Midnight Sultry Scarlet’ – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Petunia ‘Sweetunia Sweet Fantastic’ - Newey

Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Doublette Love Swept’ - Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Helianthus ‘Sunblast’ - Syngenta Flowers

Evolvulus ‘Blue my Mind’ – Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Dahlia ‘Midnight Georgia Peach’ - Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Dahlia ‘Midnight Lively Lavender’ - Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

 

Houseplants

 

BRONZE

Mangave ‘Mad about Mangave Lavender Lady’ – Javado Plant

 

Shrubs & Climbers

 

GOLD & Best in Category

Raspberry ‘Groovy’ – Darby Nursery Stock Ltd

 

SILVER

Potentilla ‘Creamissima Minjau06’ – Darby Nursery Stock Ltd

Buddleja ‘High Five Purple’ - Newey

Philadelphus ‘Fragrant Falls’ – Whetman Plants International

Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Coppertop’ - Newey

 

BRONZE

Jacaranda ‘Bonsai Blue’ – Suttons Consumer Products Ltd

Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Star of Milano’ - Newey

Clematis ‘Olympia Boulevard’ Evipo099(N) – New Leaf Plants Ltd

Clematis ‘Tsukiko Garland’ Evipo110(N) – New Leaf Plants

Coprosma ‘City Knights’ - Seiont Nurseries Ltd

 

Trees/Conifers

 

GOLD and Best in Category

Apple ‘Trinity’ – Frank P Matthews

 

SILVER

Malus ‘Scarlet Brandywine’ – Frank P Matthews

 

BRONZE

Cercis ‘Golden Falls’ – Frank P Matthews

Apple ‘Trinity’ wins Best in Show at HTA New Plant Awards

A new variety of apple, launched this summer by Frank P Matthews, has won Best in Show at the HTA Virtual New Plant Awards...


A new variety of apple, launched this summer by Frank P Matthews, has won Best in Show at the HTA Virtual New Plant Awards.

 

Trinity is a delicious, dark red-skinned and red-fleshed early cooking apple with pretty pink blossom and attractive glossy leaves. It makes excellent pies and sauces that need little added sugar and does not need peeling due to its thin skin.

 

Trinity ripens in August, a few weeks before most other apples, and is very high in vitamin C, antioxidants, tannins and anthocyanins. It is also great for juicing.

 

This special apple was bred by Jerzy Bartoszewicz, a Polish war veteran, in his back garden in Twickenham. Jerzy came to the UK as a refugee in 1947 and was a keen gardener and amateur plant breeder. His daughter, Alex Turner, contacted Frank P Matthews tree nursery about the variety and it was identified as very much worth propagating.

 

A team of expert judges voted Trinity the Best in Show and it also came in the top three of the Online Visitors’ Vote.

 

Frank P Matthews also won Silver and Bronze awards in the Trees and Conifers category with new varieties Malus Scarlet Brandywine and Cercis Golden Falls.

 

Trees will be available to purchase from garden centres and online stockists from mid August 2020 onwards.

 

https://www.frankpmatthews.com/news/HTANewPlantAwards2020

 

https://www.frankpmatthews.com/catalogue/apple/12261

Allensmore Nurseries scoops a record number of awards at the HTA Virtual New Plant Awards 2020.

Allensmore Nurseries, has achieved a record number of ten awards at this year’s HTA Virtual New Plant Awards, including Gold & Best in Category for Penstemon Pristine Lila Purple...

 


Allensmore Nurseries, has achieved a record number of ten awards at this year’s HTA Virtual New Plant Awards, including Gold & Best in Category for Penstemon Pristine Lila Purple.

 

Stacey Gibson, Trial’s Coordinator for Allensmore, commented “We were over the moon when the HTA announced it would continue with the New Plant Awards this year. It was wonderful to be able to bring 12 fantastic new plants to the virtual stage and public eye. We can’t thank the HTA, Joy of Plants and judges enough for their time and hard work organising the event. Here at Allensmore we hold introducing new, as well as improved, quality plants into the retail market as an important part of what we do. We also can’t thank our suppliers and breeders enough for their continued support.”

 

Mark Taylor, Managing Director for Allensmore, continued “It is wonderful news and helps put us right up there as one of the most innovative growers for the retail market. We recognise new product development is a key part of our business and strive to keep ahead of the curve and lead market trends.”

 

The Herefordshire based nursery was delighted to be able to represent no less than 12 new entries into this year awards; Dahlia Midnight Georgia Peach, Dahlia Midnight Sultry Scarlet, Dahlia Midnight Lively Lavender (all supplied by Botanics International), Dahlia Melody Lemon, Dahlia Melody White, Dahlia Melody Rose, Dahlia Melody Soft Pink, Dahlia Dahlegria Sunrise (all supplied by Syngenta), Nemesia Mareto® Burgundy & White (supplied by Volmary), Salvia nemorosa Perfect Profusion, Delphinium Paramo Black Velvet (all supplied by Walter Blom) and Penstemon Pristine Lilac Purple (supplied by Newey/Dummen Orange).

 

 

 

 
Plant Area General Assistant
£18k - £20k, Bristol

With a rich history spanning nearly 80 years, Almondsbury Garden Centre is Bristol’s largest independent garden centre. Based five minutes from Cribbs Causeway, we are passionate about plants and helping our customers to achieve their gardening goals, whether that’s an ambitious outdoor project or adding some luscious greenery to their indoor space.

 

We’re one of the best-stocked garden centres in the South West and are proud of our reputation for finding the perfect plant or flower for any gardening project.

We are now looking for a Plant Area General Assistant to join our dedicated team and assist with the sales of our vast plant range.

 

The Benefits

- Salary of £18,000 - £20,000 per annum DOE
- 28 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays
- Staff discount scheme
- Subsidised social events
- Benefits package commensurate with a progressive company

 

If you have a real passion for plants of all kinds and experience of working in a garden centre or department, this is a fantastic opportunity to transform your enthusiasm into a flourishing career.

 

Joining a friendly team of experts, you will be provided with the ideal environment in which to develop and thrive.

 

We believe that plants bring joy, beauty and wellbeing to the world. If you share these values and are looking to join a forward-thinking company that will support your growth, we’d love to hear from you.

 

The Role

As a Plant Area General Assistant, you will deliver an exceptional service to customers and maximise plant sales.

 

You will use your outstanding knowledge to advise customers on plant care and encourage purchases.

 

About You

To join us as a Plant Area General Assistant, you will need:

 

- Experience of working in a garden centre or garden department within a larger retail store
- Have a passion and strong understanding of bedding plants and house plants
- Fantastic communication skills

 

Ideally, you will have a qualification in a horticultural-related subject, but this is not essential. Due to our location, a full and valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle would also be beneficial.

Other organisations may call this role Plant Area Assistant, Garden Department Assistant, Garden Centre Assistant, Retail Assistant, Plant Shop Assistant, or Plant Department Assistant.

 

Applications, please to: richard.truscott@almondsbury.co.uk

 
Merchandiser/ Area representative
M4 Corridor Oxford/Buckinghamshire/Berkshire, Full-time, £21k pa

We are currently seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to merchandise our dedicated In-store TV display stands. Previous merchandising experience is preferable, as is some experience of customer service, although full training will be given.

 

You will be responsible for approximately 60 customers who will need visiting every 4-6 weeks. These customers are a mixture of garden centres, High Street retailers and out of town retailers.

 

The work can be physical.

 

This vacancy would suit a person with experience of FMCG.

 

Sales or merchandising experience in the Garden Centre retail sector a distinct advantage.

 

You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships.

 

The candidate should hold a full clean driving licence. Some overnight stays will be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks.

 

Company van, telephone and laptop provided. Company Pension Scheme also offered.

 

Starting salary in the region of £21,000 with a potential increase after completion of successful 3-month trial period.

 

Apply in the first instance along with your CV to Sally Ginever Sally.Ginever@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

 

 
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Fund created for Westland accident victims family

Ayrshire garden centre owner, Michael Hayes of Hayes Garden Land in Symington has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the family of Philip Moore who died after a tragic accident at Westlands Dungannon factory last week...


Ayrshire garden centre owner, Michael Hayes of Hayes Garden Land in Symington has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the family of Philip Moore who died after a tragic accident at Westlands Dungannon factory last week.

 

"Weʼre raising £1,000 to help the wife & young child of a man accidently killed in our Garden Centre industry and show we care," writes Micheal on the JustGiving page.  "An Irish man recently lost his life whilst working to supply our industry. He leaves a wife and young Child and although no amount of money will heal their loss, we are honoured to show our appreciation of his endeavours. The Growers and Retailers of the Garden Centre Industry of the UK and Eire thank you."

 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westland-tragedy

 
Good plant sales prospects for the summer

Weekly plant sales volumes continue to run ahead of 2019 levels, and for the past three weeks have been ahead of weekly levels in 2018.  That is a good indicator that provided there is availability of plants looking good customers will continue to buy them through the summer...


Weekly plant sales volumes continue to run ahead of 2019 levels, and for the past three weeks have been ahead of weekly levels in 2018.  That is a good indicator that provided there is availability of plants looking good customers will continue to buy them through the summer.

  • Pelargonium sales jumped by 140% to move up 21 places in the GTN Plants chart.
  • Zonal Geraniums remain the most popular plant in the UK for summer gardening.
  • Cosmos were the highest re-entry at No 27.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Neil Cochrane joins Fallen Fruits

Neil Cochrane has joined the Fallen Fruits team as the new sales agent for Scotland...


Fallen Fruits are pleased to say, Neil Cochrane has joined the team as the new sales agent for Scotland

 

The team at Fallen Fruits are really pleased to welcome Neil and know that he’ll be a great addition to the company. With the new catalogue, samples and new products Neil is looking forward to meeting new and existing customers with our beautifully designed, gorgeous quality and innovative products


Please contact Neil Cochrane on 07971889896 to arrange an appointment or The Fallen Fruits Sales Office 01584 873377

 

 
Veg 2 Gro up by 42% since re-opening

Since re-opening, Veg 2 Gro sales, as monitored by the GTN Bestsellers Epos analysis, are 42% up year on year...


 

Since re-opening, Veg 2 Gro sales, as monitored by the GTN Bestsellers Epos analysis, are 42% up year on year.  However due to closures during the key sales time for Veg 2 Gro year to date sales are still 42% down on last year.

 

With all this enthusiasm to grow veg and many new gardeners missing out on being able to plant seed potatoes in the spring there could be a bumper demand for Christmas Spuds which will be coming on sale at the start of July.  Have you got your orders in and displays planned?

  • Cucumbers were the Top of the Veg last week.  Cucumber F1 was the No 1 Bestseller, Cucumber Mini 8cm was at No 3 and Cucumber Ridge 8cm at No 4.
  • The Top 10 also included two Courgette lines: Quantil Courgette 8cm at No 2 and Courgette Golden 8cm at No 7.
  • Farplants Strawberry Royal Red Hanging Pot 25cm was the highest new entry into the GTN Chart at No 23.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Gardenex and PetQuip organise second e-commerce webinar

The second in a series of e-commerce webinars organised by Gardenex and PetQuip in conjunction with the Department for International Trade plus Salesupply and Infinity Blue is being held on Wednesday 1 July from 10.00am to 11.00am...


The second in a series of e-commerce webinars organised by Gardenex and PetQuip in conjunction with the Department for International Trade plus Salesupply and Infinity Blue is being held on Wednesday 1 July from 10.00am to 11.00am.

 

The title of the webinar is: Set-up and sell successfully on marketplaces – an introduction for B2C and B2B.

 

Online marketplaces offer great opportunities for brands and manufacturers to grow their global revenue. However, where exactly are these opportunities for you, what are the challenges, real and perceived, and how could you meet and overcome these?

 

This webinar is designed for companies that are considering launching on marketplaces, or have just started on this journey. In addressing some key questions, it will allow you to make better informed decisions on strategy and day-to-day operations, including where to go for help. 

 

Topics covered include:

  1. Are marketplaces suitable for you and if so which one to choose?
  2. What capabilities do you need?
  3. Putting together your own strategy
  4. What about channel conflict, ‘race to the bottom’ etc?
  5. A few words on B2B marketplaces

 

The webinar is a second in a series designed by Gardenex and PetQuip to provide valuable insights and practical support for members in expanding their international sales online in a profitable manner.

 

The presenters:

  • Frank van den Berg is the CEO of InfinityBlue Marketplaces, a company that takes a highly practical and profit-focussed approach to supporting brands and manufacturers setting up and optimising their performance on Amazon, Tmall and 10 other platforms.
  • Jatin Bhurabhai from the E-Exporting Programme Team within the Department of International Trade will be presenting an outline of the services available for UK exporters under the programme.
  • Charlie Parker is the Commercial Manager of Gardenex and PetQuip, the trade associations whose comprehensive services and benefits help member companies increase their business success.  

 

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, says: “If you are a manufacturer or brand owner in the gardening, pet, outdoor and leisure industries, and considering selling directly to customers online, then this webinar is for you.”

 

Companies interesting in attending can contact charlie@gardenex.com or charlie@petquip.com to ensure that you receive full details and the registration link. If you cannot make the event on 1 July, you will still be able to access the presentation at a later date – if you register in advance.

 

Please contact Gardenex and PetQuip if you would like to benefit from membership of the association or require any further advice and assistance on: 

Email: info@gardenex.com; info@petquip.com

Websites: www.gardenex.com; www.petquip.com

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Man dies at Westland factory in Dungannon

A tragic accident has happened at Westland's Dungannon factory resulting in a mans death...


A tragic accident has happened at Westland's Dungannon factory resulting in a mans death.

 

Westland have issued the following statement:

 

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of an employee following a tragic accident at our Dungannon site yesterday.

 

"We will be offering support to the family and to our colleagues in the immediate aftermath.

 

"Westland is investigating this incident and is assisting the HSENI with its enquiries.

 

"At this early stage, we have no further details other than what has already been reported.

 

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this devastating time."

 

The Ulster Herald names the man as Phillip Moore and on the Clogher Valley RFC facebook page the following was posted: "It is with deep regret we have been informed that our friend and playing colleague Phillip Moore passed away this morning after an accident at work. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ruth, daughter Lilly and the family."

 

On the BBC News website First Minister and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster described Mr Moore as a "real gentleman who loved his family immensely and was a wonderful friend".

 

"He will be missed by his colleagues and I know within Clogher Valley Rugby Club who held him in such high regard."

 

She added: "This news has been a huge shock to Westland Horticulture, where he worked and indeed the entire Clogher Valley area. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family."

 

See the full BBC News story here

 

Photo from Ulster Herald

 
Marlows , Bury St Edmunds, to close due to Coronavirus trading conditions

After re-opening on May 20th with a 40 minute appointment only shopping system, Marlows Home and Garden in Bury St Edmunds announced on June 9th that it will be closing down...


After re-opening on May 20th with a 40 minute appointment only shopping system, Marlows Home and Garden in Bury St Edmunds announced on June 9th that it will be closing down.

 

"Due to poor trading conditions caused by Coronavirus, Marlows Home and Garden will be closing down. We expect the closure to be complete by the Autumn 2020.


"We would like to thank all of our amazing customers for the support shown during these difficult times."

 

Marlows completed the first phase of a £1m redevelopment and refurbishment at its 3.5-acre site in 2016 and were winners of The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre in the GCA North Thames region in 2017.

 

See our gallery of pictures from Marlows at Christmas 2018 below:

 
Year on year sales deficit halved in four weeks

The wetter and cooler weather at the start of June took some of the heat out of overall garden centre sales, not quite setting a new record for the first week of June.  Garden Product volume sales were up by 43% on the same week last year and that means on a year to date basis the garden product deficit has halved from 52% just before re-opening to 26% after the first week of June...


The wetter and cooler weather at the start of June took some of the heat out of overall garden centre sales, not quite setting a new record for the first week of June.  Garden product volume sales were up by 43% on the same week last year and with more furniture, BBQ and pot sales included in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data there’s no doubt that turnover will have been much higher.

 

That means on a year to date basis the garden products deficit has halved from 52% just before re-opening to 26% after the first week of June.

 

All eyes will be on the next few weeks of Bestsellers data to see if the warmer weather improved sales last week and what the impact on all shops re-opening will be after this week.  Watch this space.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 23

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 43%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 87%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – up 12%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 166%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 23

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 41%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 35%

 
Fire at Cooks Garden Centre

Award winning Cooks Garden Centre in Stourbridge is open as normal following a fire at their Bewdley Road Nursery on June 5th.


Award winning Cooks Garden Centre in Stourbridge is open as normal following a fire at their Bewdley Road Nursery on June 5th.

 

"As you may be aware there has been a fire at the Bewdley Road Nursery today," said Cooks on their facebook page.

 


"We would like to personally thank the fire service for their super quick response which kept damage and stock loss very minimal.  More importantly nobody got hurt!


"Thank you for everyone’s concern and messages but we’re all ok."

 
Socially Distanced plant sales up by 40%

Plant sales were up by 40% compared to the same week last year for the start of June.  That’s great news considering the weather wasn’t so good and that stocks of bedding plants were running out.  Instead gardeners appear to have bought other plants, especially veg plants and plants to grow in pots and containers including herbs...


Plant sales were up by 40% compared to the same week last year for the start of June.  That’s great news considering the weather wasn’t so good and that stocks of bedding plants were running out.  Instead gardeners appear to have bought other plants, especially veg plants and plants to grow in pots and containers including herbs.

  • Strawberry plants were the highest re-entry to the GTN Plants Top 50, back in at No 35.
  • Canna Lily sales grew by over 150% to re-enter at No 46.
  • Primula sales doubled as they climbed 22 places up the chart to No 14.

Here's the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Plants Chart for the first week of June.  Track this chart every week, generated from garden centre Epos data with a subscription to GTN Bestsellers.  Buy your subscription for £145.00 using this link

 

 

 

 
 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...


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 newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 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 Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Products chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro 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.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

Virtual Petindex proves to be a success

Hundreds of visitors logged on to the UK’s first virtual trade show, Virtual Petindex, over its two live days from 14-15 June...


Hundreds of visitors logged on to the UK’s first virtual trade show, Virtual Petindex, over its two live days from 14-15 June. The online event, organised by the Pet Industry Federation, was the first of its kind for the UK pet industry and was sponsored by eBay UK Ltd.

 

Visitors had the opportunity to browse over 60 stands from the UK and overseas, from countries such as Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland; and to watch webinars in the ‘auditorium’, which was packed throughout the live show days with talks, panel discussions and grooming demonstrations.

 

Visitors can continue to access the Virtual Petindex platform to browse stands and watch the webinars for the next 30 days. Exhibitors will therefore continue to benefit from being on the platform even though the live show has ended.

In addition, each exhibitor has also received a detailed breakdown of the visitors who visited their stand over the course of the live event; and will receive a full report and visitor analysis tailored to their stand, once the platform closes completely on 15 July.

 

Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, said: ‘We have been really pleased with the success of Virtual Petindex and the support shown to the event by exhibitors who threw their weight behind this inaugural trade show. The experience has been a huge learning curve for us, as well as the exhibitors, and although it was not without some teething issues, the cost-effectiveness of this type of show, and the detailed information gained from visitors to the show will ensure that the virtual trade show has a strong future.

 

There are clear differences between a virtual trade show and a traditional one, and whilst a virtual trade show can’t replace many of the networking and social opportunities that a traditional show does, we do believe that a virtual show can offer a new type of marketing opportunity, with an excellent return on investment. Many exhibitors believe this too and have already confirmed that they would like to take part in another event.’

 

Peter Roy, Natures Menu said: ‘Obviously we were disappointed to not have a face conference, but given the circumstances I thought the event went well, it was my first virtual conference, but probably not my last. We had over 350 requests for information, many from new customers. We are going through the opportunities now, and already opened up 8 new stores and over 20 freezer deals so far with more to follow I am sure.’

 

Mark Hirschel, HOWND said: ‘Two thumbs up to the team at PIF for successfully creating the UK's first virtual pet trade event.  It can't be easy being the first ones to jump into something so new and there's no doubt that the world of virtual shows is here to stay and will only get better.  We really had no idea what to expect so was great to hear that we were the third most visited stand over the two days. The chat function worked well and although the video option wasn't used, I can see how it will become more commonplace going forward. We are now following up with all our stand visitors and feel positive that we were able to achieve our initial goals of creating sales and raising brand visibility. 

 

David Alton, Little Big Paw – ‘Virtual Petindex proved to be a really interesting, novel and valuable experience. The information we have received about visitors to our stand has been really detailed and we can use it to follow up on with individuals and generate new business. We had more visitors to our virtual stand than we would have at any other show, so the return on investment is likely to be excellent therefore, and we look forward to taking part in a future event.’

 

The next Virtual Petindex event will be held on 11-12 October 2020, with great rates on offer for businesses who sign up early. To secure your place and find out more, please email Daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk

 

To visit the existing show platform, browse the stands or watch webinars, please visit https://vpetindex.vfairs.com