Is Christmas taking the shine off an otherwise brilliant year for garden centre sales? To date the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Sales volume index is tracking 18% down on last year and our all products index has now slipped into a negative position for the first time this year.

It could be that the lack of cold weather is affecting sales volumes more, with wild bird care and winter products sales down considerably. 

But we’re hearing of amazing footfall reports from centres for their Christmas late night openings so the interest is there.

The next two weeks are critical. Will sales be lit up by products such as the Window Lanterns from Smart Garden Products that have gone straight to No 1 this week, or will it be grottos and Christmas catering that provides the impetus? We look forward to finding out as we continue our visits for The Greatest Christmas Awards!

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

• Garden Products – down 6%
• Xmas Products  – down 18%
• Growing Media – down 6%
• All items index – down 16%