Clothing was a big seller at garden centres across the country during Decembe,  according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales were up 9.22% compared to the same month in 2018. Other non-traditional categories that also did well were catering at 6.04% up and gifts 5.48% up.

Iain Wylie (above), GCA Chief Executive explained: “Christmas sales during the month were down -2.46%, but this could be a case of customers getting organised prior to December and already having purchased their decorations and accessories as the previous month’s Christmas sales looked a lot healthier.

“Many other categories across garden centres sell items that make perfect Christmas gifts, in particular clothing and houseplants. Sales in houseplants were up 8.64% for the month.

“Hard landscaping sales were up 11.85%, outdoor plant sales were up 1.06% and pets and aquatics sales were up 9.35%.”

Sales in seeds and bulbs were down -2.36%, garden sundries were up 4.66% and furniture and barbecue sales were down -4.55%. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 3.67%.

Overall sales for the month were up 2.07% with a year to date change of 5.71%.

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.