The Garden Centre Association’s barometer of trade shows that sales in September were 1% down on last year
Of the 75 garden centres contributing to the survey, 34 reported that sales were higher than 2018, while 41 had seen a fall.
Sales of seeds and bulbs were7% down on last year, while plant sales were 6% lower and garden sundries fell 5%.
Gift sales fell by 1.5% and the increase of 5% growth in catering sales was lower than in the previous few months, suggesting lower-than-average footfall in what was a wet September. Houseplants, though, showed 12% growth.
GCA garden centres are running about 6% up overall this year so far.
The HTA’s market update figures also reflected September’s wetter conditions, which they say saw sales of hardy plants and outdoor living ranges remaining flat compared to the same month in 2018.
Houseplants and garden care products performed well, with houseplants seeing an increase of 13% compared to September last year, and garden care increasing by 9% in month-to-month comparisons.
All categories reported remain up on 2018 for year to date comparisons.
HTA Director of Membership Martin Simmons comments “Despite losing ground in September, year on year comparisons show that garden centre sales have maintained strong growth. Rolling year to September 2019, compared to 2018 show that sales are up 9%.”
September saw a mixture of weathers, including sunshine hours 15% higher and mean temperatures 0.5⁰C higher than the long-term average. By contrast, rainfall was 25% higher than average for the month of September, bringing the most rain in its month since 2000.
This issue of Market Update looks at garden centre sales and overall market performance. The topical feature in this issue looks at HTA member business confidence. HTA members are generally feeling positive about the outlook of their business over the next three and twelve months, with over eight in 10 leaning towards the positive end of the scale. Over half are looking to introduce new products or services, and a quarter are say they will engage in further training for their staff and businesses.
