The heatwave of the first May bank holiday delivered Wyevale Garden Centres' highest ever trading weekend – up 61% on the same weekend in 2017 – followed by a record week of sales, up 39% on the prior year. It's good news for the 145-centre group, which has been put up for sale by owner Terra Firma...
The heatwave of the first May bank holiday delivered Wyevale Garden Centres' highest ever trading weekend – up 61% on the same weekend in 2017 – followed by a record week of sales, up 39% on the prior year. It's good news for the 145-centre group, which has been put up for sale by owner Terra Firma.
The garden centre retailer has sold over 11 million plants this year to date – enough to wrap around the 117-miles of the M25 more than 2.5 times when placed side-by-side.
Compost proved a strong-selling category for the month, with over 800,000 bags sold; enough to fill the London Olympic swimming pool over 11 times. Pot bedding plants experienced their biggest-selling month to date, up 30% on last year with over £1.2 million plants sold. In anticipation of the hotter temperatures, watering sales soared 22% YOY in May, with over 4,000 hoses, 20,000 accessories and 12,000 watering cans sold.
Roger McLaughlan, CEO of Wyevale Garden Centres, commented: “The later spring has brought with it high demand from gardeners as they make up for lost time. We’ve seen a spectacular lift throughout May and are confident this appetite will continue into the season ahead.”
Wyevale Garden Centres, which has an annual footfall of over 45 million, is attributing its phenomenal sales growth to the late arrival of spring and the instantaneous change from winter temperatures to high summer heat. Pent-up gardeners who had been waiting to get out and enjoy their green spaces have used the unseasonal May temperatures to get planting and investing in their gardens.
The dramatic change in the weather has also heavily influenced the types of plants being purchased by customers, either to replace those damaged by the frosts or to make the most of the later flowering season.
Traditional bedding plants such as Osteospermums, Dahliettas and Marguerites were among the best-sellers, while Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heathers, vegetable seeds, tomato plants and summer flowering bulbs saw large growth as the natural seasons continue to run 2-3 weeks later.
Shrubs also performed strongly in May with plants such as Lavenders, Hydrangeas and Acers up on last year as customers replace plants in their garden following the exceptionally cold spring.
The trends of Chelsea Flower Show filtered through to Wyevale Garden Centres, with new best-sellers including Salvias, Geums, Lupins and Hostas as the company promoted its Chelsea favourites.
Over the past year, Wyevale Garden Centres has significantly grown many of its product ranges outside of its core horticultural offering, including interiors, décor, food and beverage, and gifting.
The extensive retail proposition is complemented by an events series tailored to key holidays on the calendar, such as school half-terms, Easter and Christmas, which are said to be fundamental in growing the business.
McLaughlan added: “The traditional garden centre is changing and becoming much more of a destination where people come to learn, shop, dine and play. Our expert team of buyers and retail staff are continually broadening our offer to keep abreast of these new demands, introducing new product categories and ways to engage with the customer on and off-line.”
With over 10 million visits to the website per year, and a fast-growing social media following of over 140,000, Wyevale Garden Centres’ digital platforms have become instrumental to offering added support, advice and inspiration for curious shoppers and gardening enthusiasts.
New and engaging initiatives such as gardening ‘jobs of the month’ and DIY projects are being championed across digital channels and in-centre, helping to encourage new and existing audiences to pick up their tools and get gardening.
“Our recent studies showed that gardening is often seen to be complicated and confusing, with 69% of under-45s believing they have fewer gardening skills than their parents. In order to demystify gardening, we’ve focused our efforts on our communications, both digital and in-centre, to offer simple, effective solutions and inspiration for gardeners at all skill levels.” said McLaughlan.
GTN's June issue includes a 3 page feature about the Wyevale "Sale of the Century" and our "State of the Nation" chart of the Top 10 garden centre groups. The issue is mailed to readers this week. In the meantime see the on-line reader version here:
After last years successful regional trade shows Westland and Crest are touring again with 3 UK dates and 1 in ROI. There will be cracking show offers, dramatic merchandising solutions, full details of our comms plans, technical experts, plus an exclusive preview of our 2019 New Product Development...
After last years successful regional trade shows. Westland and Crest are touring again with 3 UK dates and 1 in ROI where you can come and view some of their exciting developments for 2019 covering brand new ranges from Peckish Wildbird Care, Unwins Seed, Aftercut Autumn Lawncare, Deadfast Rodent Control, Flo-Pro & Kent and Stowe.
There will be cracking show offers, dramatic merchandising solutions, full details of our comms plans, technical experts, plus an exclusive preview of our 2019 garden New Product Development.
After the volatility of the past few months, the late May Bank Holiday weekend was a week where garden centre trading dropped back to normality...
After the volatility of the past few months, the late May Bank Holiday weekend was a week where garden centre trading dropped back to normality.
Total volume sales were on a par with the same week in five of the past seven years, and plant sales were only 4% up on last year, giving growers a chance to catch up with demand.
The GTN Bestsellers data doesn’t include Bank Holiday Monday though, so we need to wait until next week to report on the last potential peak of the season.
The thing most likely to lower the peak is the availability of plants. “Apologies for lacking availability, we and our growers have been decimated,” one nursery supplioer told a customer earleir this week. Watch this space…
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 21)
LOFA is raising awareness of fire safety standards/regulations for garden furniture cushions in its 'LOFAssured' campaign, and already 17 members are certified. with a further 21 in progress...
LOFA is raising awareness of fire safety standards/regulations for garden furniture cushions in its 'LOFAssured' campaign, and already 17 members are certified. with a further 21 in progress..
One of the conditions of LOFA membership is that members must adhere to a code of conduct, part of which is compliance with all current legislation; it is this culture of propriety that the retailer and customer buy into when they source product from LOFA members.
LOFAssured is a distinguishing factor setting LOFA products apart from other non-compliant suppliers. LOFA appointed FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and entered into a Primary Authority Partnership with HertfordshireTrading Standards to aid the members in their quest for full compliance.
For further information on the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, call 02392 258844 or visit www.lofa.co.uk and www.lofassured.co.uk.
Garden and bird care brand Gardman landed on UK TV this week with a sponsorship on ITV’s Good Morning Britain...
Garden and bird care brand Gardman landed on UK TV this week with a sponsorship on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
They were sponsors of a new Garden Hacks segment on the breakfast show where viewers were given simple tips to get their gardens summer ready. Across the week commencing May 28th the sponsorship saw two 10” idents. The sponsorship marks the debut of the well-known brand on TV as it promotes its speciality brands of wild bird care.
Marketing Director Will Hemmings said: “This was a great chance to put Gardman on the map. We supply more than 1,500 garden centres across the UK but we need to get the brand and our speciality of wild bird care more front and centre with consumers who are increasingly loving the idea of attracting birds to their gardens.”
The idents show a home garden scene with domesticated birds bringing the area to life by popping in to feed. The strapline is ‘Bringing your garden to live with Good Morning Britain’s Garden Hacks, sponsored by Gardman.’
Said Will: “We worked with a bird handler who had worked with the owls on the Harry Potter films so we’re in very good company.”
With sales from the late May Bank Holiday Monday still to report, plant sales volumes are now 8.0% up year on year, so no wonder some growers are struggling to keep up with demand...
With sales from the late May Bank Holiday Monday still to report, plant sales volumes are now 8.0% up year on year, so no wonder some growers are struggling to keep up with demand.
Several nurseries have been telling garden centres: “The planting delays of spring have hit at the same time as the unprecedented surge in demand over the last few weeks.”
Lupins moved up another 16 places to No 20 after all of the Chelsea Flower Show coverage.
Channel 4 news presenter Cathy Newman will be hosting Cultivating Retail, the new one-day event for retailers, suppliers and growers which takes place on Tuesday 13 November 2018 at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham...
Channel 4 news presenter Cathy Newman will be hosting Cultivating Retail, the new one-day event for retailers, suppliers and growers which takes place on Tuesday 13 November 2018 at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.
The new conference and dinner, jointly hosted by HTA and GIMA, promises to be the must attend event of the year for the garden retail supply chain – tackling key issues and opportunities that the industry faces.
The conference themes throughout the day cover four key areas, all aimed to help inspire and grow your business.
Know your Customer – the latest updates on consumer behaviour, shopping psychology and understanding your customer
Business Inspiration – ideas and innovation from inside and outside the industry
Optimising the retailer/supplier relationship - is your supply chain millennial ready? Learnings from other industries, and the Head to Head panel, chaired by Cathy Newman – identifying challenges and opportunities from both the retail and supply side.
Selling Yourself – innovative and experiential retail, the art of visual merchandising and the difference it makes, future technology – mobile advertising and brand strategy.
An industry panel consisting of representatives from grower, retailer and supplier businesses is shaping the programme. This steering group includes Boyd Douglas-Davies (Hillview Group), Neil Grant (Ferndale Garden Centre), Caroline Owen (Scotsdales Garden Centre), Brett Avery (Farplants), Richard Pyrah (Kelkay), Mark Butler (Vitax), Chris Ramsden (Hozelock) along with HTA and GIMA representatives.
The last steering group meeting was hosted by Alan Roper, MD of Blue Diamond Group at the new East Bridgford Garden Centre near Nottingham. Alan will be speaking at Cultivating Retail about his latest ventures and how his approach to experiential retailing is helping to bring the customers in, and also taking part in a retailer/supplier panel session.
Futurist Simon Gosling from Unruly will be speaking about future technology trends including mobile advertising. Advertising was once one-way storytelling, which we observed. With recent tech trends, it has become two-way story-sharing and immersive. Is your Brand Strategy aligned to this next wave of marketing and the behavioural changes of your consumers?
This ‘must attend’ event of the year will be packed full of compelling content, inspiration and networking opportunities, bringing together retailers, suppliers and growers from across the industry. With journalist and news presenter Cathy Newman hosting the day it is sure to be full of debate and interest.
Cultivating Retail takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre set within the beautifully landscaped parkland of Nottingham University’s campus. This purpose built venue, complete with auditorium, is adjacent to the Orchard Hotel. Built in 2012 this eco-friendly hotel has been awarded a BREEAM rating of excellent and using the latest technology to reduce carbon emissions benefits from plenty of daylight.
Bents Garden & Home has been awarded a Gold Award from Anthem Engagement, becoming only the second company in the UK to achieve this recognition, based on colleague feedback and communication...
Bents Garden & Home has been awarded a Gold Award from Anthem Engagement, becoming only the second company in the UK to achieve this recognition, based on colleague feedback and communication.
Bents has run regular in-house colleague questionnaires over the past few years, but the work with Anthem Engagement was the Centre’s first official survey, designed to measure colleague engagement and satisfaction within the business.
With a 92% response rate, Bents recorded an impressive 73.7% overall engagement score; a figure which is 13.9% above the national average and achieving the highest possible award from the survey specialists who work with brands including John Lewis, Regatta and Sofology.
Steve Smith, managing director of survey experts Anthem Engagement was delighted to present the leadership team at Bents with a Gold Accreditation for outstanding engagement results.
He said: ‘Only a handful of companies receive our Gold Accreditation each year, and Bents have demonstrated that they are a highly engaged business who truly care for their people. The leaders at Bents understand that the success of their business is in the hands of their people, and that highly engaged people serve customers better and provide a superior service. These results show that Bents has a great working culture and it is a great place to work.”
As the current holder of the Garden Centre Association’s title of Best Destination Garden Centre in the UK Bents believes much of its success is thanks to the hard work and commitment of its colleagues and understands the importance of recognition and communication.
Said Matthew Bent, managing director at Bents Garden & Home: “We know how important our colleagues are so we want to make sure their experience of working here at Bents is of the highest standard.
“These results are not only a fantastic recognition of our colleague engagement but they also allow us to benchmark against other companies and identify opportunities and areas for improvement to make Bents an even better place to work.”
Stand out results from the survey included an 82% emotional engagement level with colleagues feeling that Bents was a great place to work where they are inspired to do their best. This commitment to the family business can be demonstrated by attendees at the recent Bents 10+ Club Annual Dinner with the Centre’s restaurant catering for 77 out of the 93 club current members; a true celebration of colleague loyalty and longevity.
Pictured (from left to right): Tamzin Bates, Head of Dining; Kate Ganley, HR Manager; Steve Smith, MD of Anthem Engagement; Matthew Bent, MD at Bents; Katherine Bent, Head of HR; Heather Hiley, Head of Retail and Emma Kelly, Head of Buying.
Representatives from Greenfingers Charity and Kew Green Hotels gathered at Marriott Grosvenor Square in London for a glitzy evening after their partnership was shortlisted as a finalist for the Business Charity Awards...
Representatives from Greenfingers Charity and Kew Green Hotels gathered at Marriott Grosvenor Square in London for a glitzy evening after their partnership was shortlisted as a finalist for the Business Charity Awards.
The partnership has gone from strength to strength with staff from their 57 hotels across the country organising their own FUNdraising events which ranged from sleepathons to cake sales, comedy nights to endurance events since Greenfingers Charity was chosen as the company’s Charity of the Year in 2016.
Although the partnership did not win on the night, both Kew Green and Greenfingers Charity were honoured and humbled to be shortlisted.
Kew Green, Managing Director, Neil Sewell (pictured) said: “It was a privilege to represent the partnership of Kew Green Hotels and Greenfingers at the recent Business Charity Awards 2018. To be a finalist, on our first entry is testimony to the commitment, creativity and initiatives taken by everyone in Kew Green Hotels. 17 months into our journey and it’s clear that we have achieved incredible things at the total amount of £158,000.00 and we’re just getting started.”
John Ashley, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity said: “Kew Green Hotels has gone from strength to strength in the first part of 2018. Hard working and tireless staff have been putting the FUN into FUNdraising with many events being held at their hotels across the country.
"Kew Green teams have been busy helping to raise awareness of the partnership to raise money to create magical hospice gardens for life limited children. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of money they have raised through the dedication and enthusiasm of their staff.
"Kew Green were worthy and outstanding finalists and through the eyes of Greenfingers Charity and the children and families we support you are all winners!”
Borough Market, Franchi Seeds and the Eden Project are joining forces to create an abundant kitchen garden for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower show in July...
Borough Market, Franchi Seeds and the Eden Project are joining forces to create an abundant kitchen garden for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower show in July.
The Kitchen Garden is a collaboration between Borough Market, Britain’s most renowned food market; Franchi Seeds of Italy, the oldest family seed company in the world and the iconic Eden Project based in Cornwall, home of the world renowned rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes.
The three partners aim to inspire and educate visitors to RHS Hampton Court; highlighting the importance of seasonality, diversity and provenance of the fruit and vegetables that we eat. Designed to replicate a traditional Borough market stall, but with all of the plants, herbs and flowers planted, the Borough Market Kitchen Garden will take visitors on a tour from seed to plate.
The innovative display will showcase the range of fresh produce that can be grown from seed at home, whether on a small urban balcony, window box or a larger plot.The garden is Borough Market’s first RHS display, and represents London’s oldest market’s commitment to raising awareness of food provenance, and connecting consumers to the process of growing produce.The garden is being designed by a team of horticulturalists from Eden, lead by multi-award winning designers Emma Gunn and Paul Stone. Situated in the ‘Dig In’ Marquee, DG397, the small garden is set against the backdrop of red brickwork and filigree columns synonymous with Borough Market.
The Borough Market Kitchen Garden will include plants grown by award winning nurseries from the range of seeds developed by Franchi for the Eden Project. These traditional regional varieties were inspired by plants grown in Eden’s Mediterranean Biome, and range from herbs to vegetables and edible flowers – bursting with colour and an abundance of living plants. Captivating to both adults and children alike, plant varieties on show will include Alpine Spinach from Asti, traditionally used to make Cannelloni Piemontesi, Neapolitan ‘Friarielli’ broccoletti which locally would be eaten on pizze and in pasta, Chickpeas from Tuscany, and Borlotto beans from Saluggia which are indispensable in stews, minestrone and risottos. Most of the plants will be available from seed at our stand.
Paolo Arrigo of Seeds of Italy, which imports the Franchi brand, said: “As a producer of regional heirloom seed varieties with provenance, we’re so excited to be featuring plants from our Eden Project range at Hampton Court. We hope to inspire people to create their own Kitchen Garden at home, and be adventurous with their planting – for example try growing chickpeas from Tuscany which grow so easily (most people have never eaten a fresh chickpea). The Kitchen Garden is a real homage to the varieties found seasonally to buy at Borough Market but which can also be grown at home.”
Ann Ball, Trustee, Borough Market said: “Fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables are integral to what we offer at Borough Market, and there’s nothing fresher than harvesting your own crop, direct from your garden. We are passionate about reconnecting people with produce, and have worked for many years with primary school children through our Young Marketeers programme.
This garden marks a logical next step for us and shows that all of us can have that connection with our food through a kitchen garden, however limited our outdoor space.”Dr Mike Maunder, Eden’s Director of Life Sciences said: “This is a wonderful chance to work with two of our favourite partners, Borough Market and Franchi Seeds. We all share a commitment to quality food that is sustainable and pioneering. Good food should be available to all whether bought from a wonderful market or grown in your garden.
Come and see our garden at RHS Hampton Court on stand DG397 next to the cookery demo stage and the Borough Market cooking demo with Ursula Ferrigno at 1130 on Tuesday members day, with Franchi seed's Paolo Arrigo as compere.
Colin Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, received his OBE from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on Friday 18 May. He was given the award in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the horticultural industry and to charity...
Colin Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, received his OBE from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on Friday 18 May. He was given the award in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the horticultural industry and to charity.
Colin Squire said: “It was a very special day, and lovely to share it with my two daughters Sarah and Elizabeth and their families. I felt immensely honoured. I have been very fortunate to work in this wonderful industry and to have enjoyed the support and friendship of so many inspirational people over the years.”
Squire’s, a family business with 15 garden centres across the South-East, was founded by Colin’s father D.J. Squire as a nursery and landscape business over 80 years ago. Colin (81) formally joined the business in the late 1950’s and developed the garden centres.
Colin’s daughter Sarah Squire, the group’s deputy chairman, said: “It was an absolute privilege to celebrate my father’s achievements, both in horticulture and in his charity and community work. It is my father’s character, values and judgment that permeate the business, and his enthusiasm, ready smile and commitment are reflected throughout the organisation. We are all so proud of him.”
Bord na Móna Growise will continue its support of the Myeloma UK charity, as its show garden from Chelsea moves to a new home at the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted...
Bord na Móna Growise was a proud sponsor of The Myeloma UK Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Irish growing media supplier providing high-quality, peat-reduced compost and composted bark for the garden; ensuring the plants were well-nourished and the flowers were blooming bright throughout the week.
Bord na Móna Growise will continue its support of the Myeloma UK charity, as the garden moves to its new home at the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.
The garden was conceptualised by award-winning designers John Everiss and Francesca Murrell, and received a Silver Gilt medal for its innovative design.
Visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show were inspired by the giant sculpture at the heart of the garden, which stood at 12 feet high, constructed from layers of transparent Artic blue Perspex® acrylic.
The sculpture and bespoke planting brought to life two central themes of hope and care, helping to raise awareness of myeloma, a form of blood cancer originating in the bone marrow – a cure which has not yet been found.
Over 60 different types of plants and trees featured in the garden, with statement species surrounded by more delicate flowers to create a meadow feel. Bord na Móna Growise donated its award-winning peat-reduced compost as a key ingredient to the garden’s make up, providing the essential trace elements for the plants to feed on and flourish.
Garden designer John Everiss commented, “We used the premium Bord na Móna Growise composted bark, which is rich in nutrients and ensured the plants and garden looked their best from the beginning of the week right through to the end.”
Francesca Murrell added, “We chose to use Bord na Móna Growise as it is such good value, high quality compost, helping to improve the soil and provide extra nutrients immediately to the plants – which is just what we needed for the week of Chelsea Flower Show.”
Following the esteemed event, The Myeloma UK Garden will be given a permanent home at the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted from this September, with Bord na Móna Growise supplying the compost. The garden will bring both hope and inspiration to the hospice users as well as to those who work there – including the many dedicated volunteers – with the garden set to bloom bright long after Chelsea.
Horticultural nursery Johnsons of Whixley has joined forces with TV’s ‘off-grid’ gardener Chris Myers to create a garden for the upcoming Chatsworth Flower Show, while rallying support for a Yorkshire Dales preservation charity...
Horticultural nursery Johnsons of Whixley has joined forces with TV’s ‘off-grid’ gardener to create a garden for the upcoming Chatsworth Flower Show, while rallying support for a Yorkshire Dales preservation charity.
Johnsons of Whixley has donated £2,000 worth of plants to award-winning garden designer, Chris Myers, to create his show garden, which is inspired by the Dales.
The garden, named ‘Hay time in the Dales’, will feature a cottage, a meadow of wildflowers, broadleaved trees and herbaceous perennials.
The project aims to raise awareness of the work undertaken by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, a charity that supports the well-being of the Yorkshire Dales and encourages sustainable work and economic development in and around the area.
Myers, who lives ‘off the grid’ in the Dales, presented Channel 4’s ‘Wild Things’ and is a rising star in the world of landscape design. He is also an established customer of Johnsons.
The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show runs from the 6th to the 10th June.
Johnsons of Whixley’s Ellie Richardson said: “We are very excited to be able to help Chris with his show garden. The Chatsworth Show is still in its infancy, so it’s great to help Chris put it on the map.
“Being a part of Chris’s project allows us the opportunity to showcase our brand and connect with people within the industry, while raising the profile of an important local cause.”
Chris Myers said: ‘'The highlight of any flower show has to be the show gardens and I am so chuffed to be producing one at Chatsworth.
“The gardens at Chatsworth are set to be as good as those seen at Chelsea, so I’m delighted to have the help and support of Johnsons of Whixley. The donation of plants I have received will really raise the standard and hopefully help me produce a garden that will do Yorkshire proud.”
Johnsons of Whixley is a family business established over 50 years and one of the largest commercial nurseries in Europe.
What should we read into a report that tells us 47% of gardeners would like to spend less time weeding their gardens and 28% of people want to spend less time weeding their driveways...?
A report reaching us from the Common Sense Gardening Group – a UK-based affiliation of five ferts and chems suppliers keen to point up the safety of garden chemicals when properly deployed – tells us that “a huge” 47% of gardeners would like to spend less time weeding their gardens and 28% of people want to spend less time weeding their driveways.
So where does that leave the other 53% and 72% respectively. Could one conclude that they either:
would like to spend MORE time weeding their gardens/driveways?
OR could not spend less time on the chore because they don’t do any anyway?
As is often the case with surveys of this kind (in this case conducted by Yolo Communication amongst 1204 people in April and early May), we shouldn’t reads too much into the figures, wrapped as they are in a blanket of partisanship.
However, the figure we might actually take seriously is this:
39% of people questioned agreed that garden care products are safe to use when used as directed on the label.
So that’s more than 6 in 10 people who don’t agree…
Sorry chaps, but the propaganda does not appear to be working. Clearly, there’s still a lot of work to be done to convince a sceptical public in this age of increasing environmental awarenesss.
DLF, parent company of Johnsons Lawn Seed, is the chosen lawn seed supplier for eight out of 12 stadiums for this year’s World Cup in Russia...
DLF, parent company of Johnsons Lawn Seed, is the chosen lawn seed supplier for eight out of 12 stadiums for this year’s World Cup in Russia (14 June–15 July).
Set to be one of the most visually spectacular World Cups yet, with tens of billions of dollars having already been spent on upgrading stadiums and host cities, Johnsons Lawn Seed is now looking to help its retail partners make the most of premium lawn care sales this summer.
The Russian climate presents a string of performance challenges for turf grasses, and each stadium, located within completely different areas of the country, has had to take this into account when choosing its tournament grass. What works in one stadium may not work so well in another; however, the tetraploid perennial ryegrass variety included in both DLF professional turf mixes and Johnsons Lawn Seed’s latest consumer blends are exactly the same – both offering high tolerance to stress, a deeper root system, and a deep green colour.
Garden retail vs football
Grass is also expected to take centre stage in consumers’ minds this summer – which Johnsons Lawn Seed hopes will boost sales of grass seed, particularly when merchandised with sprinkler systems, rollers, aerators, edging shears, rakes and mowers.
DLF/Johnsons lawn seed consumer manager Guy Jenkins says: “Although we will of course see an abundance of immaculate grass playing surfaces on our television screens this summer, it’s not necessarily going to make people jump up and buy lawn seed. However, it does give garden centres an ideal opportunity to prompt customers into stocking up on products that will help them achieve the ideal lawn for their gardens.”
What to recommend
“Those with football mad families will be searching for solutions to key summer lawn problems, particularly patches in high traffic areas, and will need recommendations on hardwearing grass seed for quickly and efficiently filling in the gaps. For this particular issue, I recommend Tuffgrass (fine leaved Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass and Creeping Red Fescue) as it does what it says on the packet and is especially easy to merchandise in relation to summer sports with its package featuring afootball theme.
“But for the fastest and most advanced solution we have available I have to recommend our latest green lawn technology breakthrough; Lawn Thickener. An especially resilient product containing tetraploid perennial ryegrass with a unique dual coating of fast and slow release fertiliser, it’s safe to use around children and pets - but will deter birds from pecking at freshly sown areas.”
An expert guide to use for reference is available at johnsonslawnseed.com/repairing-patches.
More key sales opportunities
Wimbledon starts half way through Russia 2018, from the 2-15 July, and the new Premier League football season starts up again on the 11 August, prolonging summer/autumn lawn seed promotions and displays.
With all the e-mails floating around regarding GDPR, at GTN Xtra, we would like to assure you that our Data Processing policies remain the same in that we actively mange the security of data we hold and that we never share data with any third party unless prior permission has been granted...
With all the e-mails floating around regarding GDPR, at GTN Xtra, we would like to assure you that our Data Processing policies remain the same in that we actively mange the security of data we hold and that we never share data with any third party unless prior permission has been granted.
GTN Xtra sends useful information about the garden retailing market to our reader database and the last thing we want to be doing is adding to the volume of e-mails landing with people at the moment and also we do not want to get confused with SPAM, which is of course what the GDPR regulations are all about, plus data security too.
Instead of sending bulk e-mail requests, over the next few months we will contact each of our readers individually to check that the data we hold is correct and ask about communication preferences.
In the meantime, we hope you keep enjoying and benefitting from the e-mail newsletter service we deliver.
If of course you wish to stop receiving GTN Xtra you can do so by clicking the unsubscribe link which appears in each issue of the e-mail newsletter and here.
Potting Shed Press Ltd, the publishers of GTN Xtra are registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration reference: ZA248717
Deco-Pak says sales of its Chelsea Garden range showed a year-to-date increase of 15% in the week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Deco-Pak says sales of its Chelsea Garden range showed a year-to-date increase of 15% in the week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Deco-Pak Director Rod Slater said Chelsea week and the post-show period always saw a dramatic sales rise for the range. “Chelsea is a name synonymous with horticultural excellence, exactly the results we promise customers will see using our horticultural grits and sands,” he said. “The repeat sales are proof that the product’s price point is working too.”
Deco-Pak recently announced its highest delivery capability in supplying. The company says it is currently turning around some deliveries in as little as 24 hours.
The Chelsea range now includes a traditional top soil and peat-based balanced multi-purpose compost.
The warmer and moist conditions have resulted in an increase in ant activitiy and as a result the highest climber in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Product chart is Vitax Nippon Ant Powder (300g plus 33% Free), jumping 33 places to No 17...
The warmer and moist conditions have resulted in an increase in ant activitiy and as a result the highest climber in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Product chart is Vitax Nippon Ant Powder (300g plus 33% Free), jumping 33 places to No 17.
The slugs are on the move as well with SBM Solabiol Slug Killer 700g entering the Top 50 for the first time.
Other highlights this week were:
Smart Solar Marvello Solar Lantern was the highest new entry at No 22.
Apta RHS Lead Pot Feet were the highest re-entry at No 31.
Scotts Levington Tomorite 1L + 30% Free retained the top spot.
With the recent appointment of Andy Dyer who joins as Account Manager for the South and South West and Lawrence Smith, who joined as Sales Executive in August 2017, Floramedia UK continues to strengthen its sales team...
With the recent appointment of Andy Dyer who joins as Account Manager for the South and South West and Lawrence Smith, who joined as Sales Executive in August 2017, Floramedia UK continues to strengthen its sales team.
Andy joins from Glendale Horticulture, where he performed the role of National Account Manager, servicing a major DIY chain and large group of garden centres amongst several other retail groups, working with buyers and a strong team to build product ranges and set up growing plans.
Prior to Glendale Andy spent nearly three years with Homebase as a merchandiser, responsible for a wide range of products. He particularly enjoyed working with the GYO category and larger architectural plants.
“What was really interesting in this role was not only how I could affect the number myself, but I got to see the final result of the hard work buyers and growers put in to deliver these products to the consumer. I really got to understand how and why decisions are made and how critical timing is to the entire chain," says Andy.
Andy also spent just over two years with Landgard/Verde before transferring to Butters when the two companies merged as a buyer for green products.
He adds: “I have a genuine understanding and empathy with each sector. In my experience each grower and retailer is very different, with different challenges, characteristics and demands.
The values I have always stuck to are to be honest and genuine, competent and positive. It is good to now be able to apply the experience I have gained over the years to this role. We have a really strong team here and everyone has been very supportive in welcoming me into the company, as have my existing customers."
Andy also has a degree is in marketing, which he looks forwards to using to help benefit clients at Floramedia.
Lawrence’s background is in print and product creation, having most recently worked for a board game company. He brings five years’ experience in print, product development and manufacture, including concept development and large scale manufacturing overseas in the Far East.
Having recently moved into his first home with a garden he is looking forward to enjoying his new found space. Lawrence has been following the work Floramedia continues to do with its FloraECo range of alternative materials and is keen to see environmentally friendly products become more mainstream in future years.
“Both my wife and I were very moved by the Blue Planet programme and we have taken steps to reduce our plastic use at home. I’m trying to bring the traits I’ve learnt at home into the workplace and do my little bit. I’m really interested in the FloraECO programme that Floramedia has been developing for over five years and to learn about the capabilities of each material so I can help customers to consider alternatives,” says Lawrence.
Andy and Lawrence join Jo Davey and Andy Wroe who have over 50 years’ experience working in the industry between them, including retail, commercial and production.
The Floramedia UK team will be on stand 179/180 at the HTA National Plant Show.
Garden owners in Scotland helped raise an incredible £42,000 for Perennial in 2017 through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme...
Garden owners in Scotland helped raise an incredible £42,000 for Perennial in 2017 through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
The donation will cover over 50% of Perennial’s annual costs in Scotland, including keeping Perennial’s caseworker in Scotland on the road throughout 2018.
Perennial and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme are back at Gardening Scotland (1 – 3 June), celebrating their ongoing partnership, which began in 1970.
Perennial provides a lifeline to people during their most vulnerable and challenging times; people like Catherine who is now 62 and who has worked in horticulture for most of her life. In recent years she has suffered from severe and debilitating anxiety linked to a traumatic experience in her past. It has resulted in her total withdrawal from the medical profession and she finds it difficult to trust or be around anyone she doesn’t know. Catherine is unable to work and is receiving some statutory benefits. She is using her hard-earned savings, to supplement this income but is very worried about how long these will last.
Perennial is supporting Catherine by looking at re-housing options, giving her a range of financial planning advice, sorting out day to day problems that contribute to her anxiety and helping her access the internet. Progress is slow but steady and with regular visits Perennial is aiding her recovery, restoring routine and being there as a trusted friend.
Over 500 gardens are opening with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme in 2018, from country estates to cottage gardens, wildlife havens and gardens with a recycling ethos, to kitchen gardens and community allotments. There is something for everyone and every visit helps support Perennial’s work in Scotland.
Gardens are great places to unwind or to find inspiration for your own green space. Garden owners love to talk about their gardens so do take along your questions and enjoy meeting new friends. 2018 is a particularly special year for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme as it celebrates VisitScotland’s Year of Young People, with over 80 gardens hosting children’s activities. This will be reflected in this year’s stand at Gardening Scotland.
Beechgrove Garden presenter and Perennial Trustee, Carole Baxter, who will be at the show on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June, says: “The ongoing support we receive from all those who visit gardens open through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is crucial to safeguarding the support Perennial offers gardeners, tree surgeons, growers, groundsmen, greenkeepers and all horticulturists in Scotland. But in addition to the financial contribution, we rely on all those who love gardens in Scotland to continue to help us spread the word that Perennial is here for people should they ever need additional support.”
Terrill Dobson, National Organiser of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, says: “Our charity was established to raise funds for worthwhile causes by encouraging people to visit Scotland’s beautiful and diverse gardens. We’re delighted to continue helping Perennial as it offers fantastic grass roots support for horticultural professionals in real need.”
A new addition to the popular Microgreens range of seeds and kits, Johnsons has introduced its Microgreens Kitchen Seed Sprouter (RRP £11.99) - a convenient and economical way to produce fresh and tasty sprouts and microgreens all year round...
A new addition to the popular Microgreens range of seeds and kits, Johnsons has introduced its Microgreens Kitchen Seed Sprouter (RRP £11.99) - a convenient and economical way to produce fresh and tasty sprouts and microgreens all year round.
Each reusable and highly durable kit contains four clear trays with drainage holes for sprouting seeds or growing microgreens and one coloured base tray to collect the water after it has filtered through the clear trays.
Helen Clayton, Johnsons Brand Manager, comments “Our Microgreens range has been a big hit with customers and we believe the kitchen sprouter kit is an ideal add-on to the collection. Modern and easy to use, it couldn’t be simpler to add vibrant colour, taste and crunch to just about any dish.”
Sprouts are ready in as little as 3-5 days and Microgreens from 7 days.
Customers can choose which seeds to grow from the Johnsons range of Microgreens or sprouting seeds, including best-selling Microgreens Beetroot (RRP £2.75), Alfalfa and Mung Bean sprouting seeds (RRP £2.29 and £2.75).
To find out more about the Johnsons Microgreens range, log on at www.johnsons-trade.com or telephone 01638 554111.
Many people are concerned about the safety of their children or pets when they use garden care products such as pesticides, plant food or cleaners. However, the ecofective® range from Sipcam, one of the world’s leading plant technology companies, offers unrivalled peace of mind, thanks to its new series of ‘Child and Pet Safe’ products...
Many people are concerned about the safety of their children or pets when they use garden care products such as pesticides, plant food or cleaners. However, the ecofective® range from Sipcam, one of the world’s leading plant technology companies, offers unrivalled peace of mind, thanks to its new series of ‘Child and Pet Safe’ products.
Made in Britain for the ethically conscious gardener, the range does not rely on conventional chemical pesticides or biocides but instead uses natural ingredients with favourable eco-toxicological credentials. This means the range is inherently safer for both user and the environment, so children, pets and wildlife do not need to be kept away from the treated areas as Matt Jones of Sipcam UK explains:
“Since 2009, the CLP Regulation requires chemicals to be classified for hazards and the packaging to be labelled accordingly. Hazard pictograms have to be firmly affixed to common consumer household products such as washing-up liquid, laundry detergents, shampoos and even antibacterial gels and soaps, highlighting warnings such as “Can cause serious eye irritation, Keep out of reach of children, Harmful to aquatic life etc.”
“ecofective’s Child and Pet Safe products (currently eight) use effective formulations based on ‘green chemistry’ and need no such labels. To say our products are safer for children and pets than Fairy Liquid to the trade and consumer is a powerful and bold statement to be able to make.
“There is a common misconception that all pesticides and fertilisers in garden care products are harmful, however ecofective use naturally derived ingredients which leave no residual effect on the environment, making the treated area instantly safe for all the family, aquatic life and wildlife too!
Now more than ever the nation is being educated about the importance of protecting the world we live in, with a specific focus on bee safety. Rest assured ecofective’s Child and Pet Safe range is also safe to use around bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects too.”
This specific sub-category offers garden retailers an attractive and highly visible product offer, fully supported by a compact FSDU and 1 metre shelf header boards to help merchandise the range. We encourage retailers to tap in to the increasing consumer demand and growth for child and pet safe products and stock up for the upcoming gardening season.”
Available through exclusive wholesaler Decco or contact ecofective direct on 01763 212100 or email sales@ecofective.uk.com
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Christie & Co, the agents handling the sale of 145 Wyevale Garden Centres have told GTN Xtra the deadline for first round bids is 26th June 2018...
Christie & Co, the agents handling the sale of 145 Wyevale Garden Centres have told GTN Xtra the deadline for first round bids is 26th June 2018.
A spokesperson for Christie & Co explained that full details of all the centres can be accessed via a website: www.wyevalegardencentres.christie.com. By registering on the site and completing a Non Disclosure Agreement interested parties will have all the relevant information about the sites so that offers can be placed by the end of the first round process on June 26th.
Offers are being sought for multiple site purchases and also individual sites. "This is a very open process," Christie & Co explained. "Once we have all of the offers at the end of the first round we will invite the selected bidders for each site to conduct more detailed legal due diligence and confirm or adjust initial offer."
John Colley of the Warwick Business School in Australia said at the weekend: "This is one of the great all time disasters in the M&A world and it is against some very stiff competition. Both the strategy and the execution were disasters...”
John Colley of the Warwick Business School in Australia said at the weekend: "This is one of the great all time disasters in the M&A world and it is against some very stiff competition. Both the strategy and the execution were disasters.”
Writing on thehrdirector.com he added: “Entering a shrinking market through a weak third position was always going to be problematic and increasingly UK households now get someone else to do their DIY, who buy materials through traditional builders merchants.
“Assuming what works in the Australian DIY market will work in the UK with its different climate was a great leap in faith. Wesfarmers underestimated the costs of conversion to the Bunnings format, which does not seem to work.
“Then they fired the top 160 managers who knew anything about the UK market and replaced them with their own limited knowledge. Finally they delisted the top selling lines.
Here is the statement from Wesfarmers issued on 25 May 2018:
Agreement to divest Homebase
Wesfarmers today announced it has agreed to divest the Homebase business in the United Kingdom and Ireland to a company associated with Hilco Capital.
Under the terms of the agreement, the buyer will acquire all Homebase assets, including the Homebase brand, its store network, freehold property, property leases and inventory for a nominal amount. The 24 Bunnings pilot stores will convert to the Homebase brand promptly following completion.
Wesfarmers will participate in a value share mechanism whereby it would be entitled to 20 per cent of any equity distributions from the business. This obligation is not limited by time, allowing Wesfarmers to participate in any profitable divestment of the business in the long-term.
Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said the agreement follows a comprehensive review of the Bunnings United Kingdom and Ireland (BUKI) business which considered a range of options to improve shareholder returns. “A divestment under the agreed terms is in the best interests of Wesfarmers’ shareholders and will support the ongoing reset and repositioning of the Homebase business,” Mr Scott said.
“While the review confirmed the business is capable of returning to profitability over time, further capital investment is necessary to support the turnaround. The materiality of the opportunity and risks associated with turnaround are not considered to justify the additional capital and management attention required from Bunnings and Wesfarmers.
“Homebase was acquired by Wesfarmers in 2016. The investment has been disappointing, with the problems arising from poor execution post-acquisition being compounded by a deterioration in the macro environment and retail sector in the UK. While it is important that we learn from this experience, this should not discourage our team from being bold and diligent in pursuing opportunities to create shareholder value.
“We acknowledge the past six months have been particularly challenging for the BUKI management and our team members in the UK and Ireland and we thank them sincerely for their hard work and commitment.
The operating performance of the business has improved in recent months under the new management team led by Damian McGloughlin and he will continue to lead Homebase in delivering management’s turnaround plan.
“We wish Damian and the team well during the transition and as they take the business into its next chapter under a new owner with a track record of retail turnaround in the UK.”
With the conclusion of the review, Wesfarmers advises that it expects to record a loss on disposal of £200 million to £230 million in the Group’s 2018 full-year financial results, subject to completion and review by Ernst & Young.
The divestment is expected to be completed by 30 June 2018.
Stanstead Park Garden Centre, formerley part of the Home & Garden Group, has been acquired by Paul Richards and Tim Mason and will be run under the Your Local Garden Centre brand, as a sister centre to Mappleborough Green Garden Centre...
Stanstead Park Garden Centre, formerley part of the Home & Garden Group, has been acquired by Paul Richards and Tim Mason and will be run under the Your Local Garden Centre brand, as a sister centre to Mappleborough Green Garden Centre.
Stansted Park sits on the Hampshire/Sussex border between Chichester and Portsmouth overlooking the coast. Its many attractions offer a great day out for the family, in a heritage setting.
Employment of the existing 32 staff is secure and exciting new plans are in place to redevelop the centre to create a premium garden centre to match the outstanding setting of Stansted Park. In 1983 the 10th Earl of Bessborough gifted the house and grounds to the nation and it is now run by a charitable trust, The Stansted Park Foundation.
The garden centre is a central part of the visitor experience and the business has now been acquired by Paul Richards and Tim Mason. Between them Paul and Tim have over 60 years’ experience in the garden centre industry. Paul owned the Golden Acres garden centre group until selling the business to Wyevale in 2015. Since then he has gone on to develop Mappleborough Green Garden Centre using garden centre business consultancy Sea Pop Ltd. owned by Tim, to help manage the project.
Stansted Park Garden Centre will be run under the Your Local Garden Centre brand, as a sister centre to Mappleborough Green Garden Centre which has become one of the leading garden centres in the Midlands.
Both the Foundation and its new garden centre tenant are investing in the garden centre and wider estate to ensure Stansted Park continues to grow as a major tourist and horticultural destination.
Other attractions at Stansted Park include:
Stunning House and Servants’ Quarters Victorian Walled Gardens Children’s Outdoor Play Areas Pavilion Tea Room The Stansted Park Farm Shop Magnificent Maze Miniature Railway Sawmill and timber products Woodland walks
As B&Q announced sales down by 9% for the first quarter, and Wesfarmers sell off Homebase for £1 after dreadful sales performances, garden centres across the UK are faring much better because of their core product line – plants...
As B&Q announced sales down by 9% for the first quarter, and Wesfarmers sell off Homebase for £1 after dreadful sales performances, garden centres across the UK are faring much better because of their core product line – plants.
A second bumper week of plant sales, up 34% on the same week last year means the GTN Bestsellers Plant Sales Index has risen not only to parity year on year but to an incredible 3.1% up on 2017 for the year to date.
And that is driving a fast recovery for all garden centre sales. Our index now sits at minus 4.4% and several garden centre owners and managers are speculating about being level year on year by the end of May.
If Wyevale Garden Centres are seeing the same increases no wonder Guy Hands is looking for the good life and selling all 145 centres to close his investment fund.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 20
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 2016 as well as 2017 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.
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 £120m.
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.
Adande’s Aircell open front, integral refrigerated Grab & Go cabinet has won first place in the Energy Efficiency category at the 2018 Footprint Awards 2018. For good measure, the product was also awarded second place in the Sustainable Catering Equipment Manufacturer category. Adande was the only company to receive a first and second place at this year’s awards...
Adande’s Aircell open front, integral refrigerated Grab & Go cabinet has won first place in the Energy Efficiency category at the 2018 Footprint Awards 2018. For good measure, the product was also awarded second place in the Sustainable Catering Equipment Manufacturer category. Adande was the only company to receive a first and second place at this year’s awards.
This accolade comes just weeks after the company’s Aircell® Sarma cabinet won the Packaging & Equipment category at the British Sandwich Association’s Sammies Awards and follows the success of the Aircell® Grab & Go product at the 2018 Food & Hotel Asia SCI Equipment Awards in Singapore and the 2017 FCSI UK & Ireland Sustainable Catering Equipment Awards.
The Footprint Awards recognise and honour the achievements of companies and their products in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and responsible business practice in the out-of-home sector and its supply chain. This year’s award scheme attracted entries from the broad spectrum of the hospitality and foodservice sectors, which were judged by senior industry specialists.
Adande’s Chairman, Nigel Bell, received the trophy at the Footprint Awards’ annual dinner held at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, on 24 May. He stated:
“The receipt of the prestigious Footprint Award, following on from previous competition successes, further endorses the credentials of Aircell open front cabinet technology and highlights the tangible benefits for the display of chilled food to go in foodservice and convenience retailing operations.
"Aircell is a unique and disruptive technology, which saves energy, increases sales, maintains product quality and improves the shopping experience.”
In its award entry submissions, Adande demonstrated that its Aircell Grab & Go display case represents innovation and a commitment to sustainability. The Aircell system works by dividing the cabinet’s merchandising envelope into separate air flow managed cells with small, low pressure air columns. Each cell has its own air curtain, which is more efficient than a full height canopy-to-base air curtain on a conventional multi deck case. The net result is less pressure on the inside of the air curtain of each cell and a substantial reduction in cold air spillage. The technology is particularly suited to harsh environments, often found in food to go outlets and convenience stores, where cross draughts can exacerbate cold air spillage.
Aircell provides significant food to go focused features for the retailer. The significant reduction in cold air spillage means that there is less duty on the refrigeration system, creating energy savings. During in-store trials, the energy consumption of a prototype Aircell cabinet was measured as 53.6% less than the store’s existing open front multi deck, representing an annual saving in electricity costs of £660.65 for a 1250 mm unit.
Because chilled air doesn’t fall from the cabinet, the temperature bandwidth is much tighter, keeping food products fresher for longer and reducing waste. During an in-store trial, air temperature within an Aircell Grab & Go cabinet was measured to a bandwidth of 3°C, compared with an average range of 13°C in the store’s existing open front multi deck.
Aircell cabinets also provide benefits for the shopper. The tight cabinet temperature bandwidth ensures that food is held at the optimum temperature for freshness, quality and appearance, improving the eating experience. The chilly store conditions created by cold air spillage is eliminated, creating a warmer shopping environment for the customer, promoting browsing and increased sales. The open front nature of the Aircell® cabinet also provides unfettered access to merchandise, which is a prerequisite for food to go operations.
Pictured: Adande’s Chairman, Nigel Bell (right), is pictured receiving the award from Bryn Sutton of London Linen.
Representatives from Greenfingers Charity and Kew Green Hotels gathered at Marriott Grosvenor Square in London for a glitzy evening after their partnership was shortlisted as a finalist for the Business Charity Awards.
The garden, named ‘Hay time in the Dales’, will feature a cottage, a meadow of wildflowers, broadleaved trees and herbaceous perennials.
DLF, parent company of Johnsons Lawn Seed, is the chosen lawn seed supplier for eight out of 12 stadiums for this year’s World Cup in Russia...
