According to various news sources, Hilco, the new owners of Homebase, will launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) this week which will enable the business to close as many as 60 of the poorest performing Homebase stores.

There are also reports circulating that as many as 80 stores may be closed but this number may include those stores already closing or announced to be closing which includes the first ever Homebase store at Purley Way, Croydon.

A full report on Insight DIY gives more background http://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/homebase-owner-to-close-up-to-60-stores-in-cva/6361.htm 

While the stores that are closing may not be the best performing DIY stores they will create a gap for gardening sales as Homebase had developed a strong horticultural side to the business including their Gardening Academy lead by Adam Frost and featuring at Chelsea Flower Shows.

Is there an opportunity for garden centres to grab some sales back from the DIY sector or will the discounters such as B&M or The Range fill the gap?

As the list of stores to close becomes available we will keep you all posted.  In the meantime please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk with your view on how the Homebase/Bunnings situation can be turned into a positive for both retailers and suppliers.

It's that time of year again as Bathgate Horticulture prepare to showcase their product range at this year’s Four Oaks and Glee Trade Shows. Come and visit us at our stands, and we'll enter your details into our fabulous free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a brand new Apple iPad!*

At Bathgate Horticulture, we provide an extensive range of quality products for professional growers, landscapers, garden retailers and dedicated horticultural enthusiasts. Whatever your requirements, you can be assured that we only use the finest ingredients to produce consistent, high quality products every time.

We've recently introduced a new Champions Blend product... a premium quality, peat free, Organic Soil Association Approved compost. This unique high performance growing medium was developed after extensive research and in conjunction with a leading professional grower. It includes Envii Foundation, REMIN Volcanic Rock Dust and Oceans Bounty Natural Seaweed Extract.

Our Champions Blend peat free compost can be used for a wide range of seasonal plants and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It’s ideal for plug plants, bedding and pot plants, hanging baskets, shrubs, and fruit and vegetable plants.

To find out more, visit us at this year’s Four Oaks and Glee Trade Shows or contact us on the details below.

*Prize Draw Terms & Conditions apply. The Apple iPad model may vary from the one illustrated below.

Gardman's efforts to fully replenish stocks following from the fire that destroyed their Daventry warehouse in March have been delayed due to production capacity constraints of a limited number of their suppliers.  CEO Pete Utting released the following press statement on Friday:

Following the devastating fire on the 12^th March that destroyed almost all our inventory, we have been working hard to quickly rebuild stock cover and service to our customers.

Once we had established we could operate from our previous site at Kings Lynn we ordered our second half product range from the Far East in April for delivery into the UK during July.

Unfortunately, due to production capacity constraints of a limited number of our suppliers they have not been able to meet these delivery dates, with the consequence that some products are being delayed by 2 to 6 weeks. This will mean limited availability on a number of lines during August. (Please speak to your agent for specific detail.)

We wish to reassure you that this is very much a timing issue, and we fully anticipate availability to dramatically improve from late August onwards. The Gardman warehouse in Kings Lynn will have 3 months stock cover by the end of August and four months stock cover by the end of September. Dependent upon category, an average of four months stock cover is our target to meet the service standards our customers demand.

In specific relation to Doormats, the strike action in India affecting availability of the Coir industry is now over, with deliveries expected into the UK towards the end of August.

Furthermore, regarding 2019 we have already placed orders for our Gardening Catalogue and these will begin to arrive in our UK warehouse during November and December 2018 in readiness for the 2019 season.

We wish to thank all our customers for their patience whilst we continue to build our optimum inventory to provide the great service on which Gardman has built its reputation.

We look forward to seeing everyone at GLEE.

Pete Utting

CEO

In a landmark USA law case, Monsanto have been ordered to pay $289m (£226m) damages to groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson who claimed herbicides containing glyphosate had caused his cancer.

The Californian jury found that Monsanto knew its Roundup and RangerPro weedkillers were dangerous and failed to warn consumers.

Monsanto denies that glyphosate causes cancer and says it intends to appeal against the ruling.

See the full story on the BBC News website at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45152546

The heat continued to take its toll on garden centre sales last week. We’ve now had five consecutive weeks of sales volumes down on last year. And even plant sales dropped below last year’s volumes for the first time since mid-April.

Hopefully the rain and cooler weather this week will re-ignite gardening activity and most importantly make it more appealling for people to eat and drink in garden centre restauarants.

In all the years we’ve been reporting on garden centre sales this is the first time we’ve had consitent reports to say that catering has been down. 

Perhaps air conditioning will move up the list of priorities when it comes to re-vamping and increasing coffee shop and restauarnt seating areas. 

But then again we’ll have all forgotten about the heatwave by the time Christmas is in full swing during October!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 31

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 1%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 2%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 41%
• Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – down 44%
• All Plants index – down 1%
• All Items index – down 9%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Pudsey and Chelsea Pensioners were the guests of honour at the annual Mr Fothergills Press Day that this year celebrated 40 years of business.

On the 17th August 1978 the company was created by Brian Carey and Jeff Fothergill. Jeff's surname was chosen for the company's brand and the 'old boy character' was born.

The objective was to create a friendly and established feel. This certainly worked as many people are surprised that they've not been around much longer, convinced that they remember their parents buying Mr Fothergill's seeds years before it existed. In fact compared to other seed brands Mr Fothergill's is a relative youngster but it was the injection of new ideas and application of its youthful enthusiasm for selling seeds that has driven the company from a tiny start-up to one of the largest packet seed suppliers in Europe.

A printed declaration of seeds per packet, foil sachets and pictoral packets of British native wild flowers are just a few of the things that where pioneered by Mr Fothergill's and are now taken for granted.

Over the past four decades Mr Fothergill's has added other brand names to its portfolio and now operates three brands in the retail market with Mr Fothergill's, Johnsons and Country Value. They have also worked in partnership with well-known organisations and personalities to produce separate specialist seed ranges including; The Royal Horticultural Society, Sarah Raven, Jekka McVicar and David Domoney. They have also been keen to support charities where ever they can and currently raise funds through product sales and other activities for Greenfingers, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, Plant Heritage, The RSPB and The Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.

Management of the company has now changed to a second generation with John Fothergill and David Carey taking over the reigns as joint managing directors so it remains a wholly family owned and run business.

David & John said "We feel lucky to be working in an industry that ultimately creates joy, satisfaction, relaxation and purpose (to name but a few things) across such a wide spectrum of people. Service, quality, choice and innovation are the four cornerstones of our business that shape what we offer and how we work with our customers. Something that we will remain focused on for the next forty years and hopefully beyond".

The 1970's Garden

The Modern Garden

The Mr Fothergill's trials team have created two gardens on the Suffolk trial ground this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary. They have been designed to show the shift in trends over the years with a typical small garden of the 70's with neat formal lines of bedding versus an up to date small garden that incorporates flowers with fruit and vegetables, upcycling and area for relaxation.

See GTN Xtra's photo gallery below of the Mr Fothergills trials that were seen by over 50 gardening journalists as a key part of the teams efforts to drive consumer pull through during this autumn and next spring.  Retailers can see the full range of products for next year at Glee.

The GCA has announced the finalists in its annual Ruxley Rose competition.Twenty centres all received top scores in the spring bedding and hardy nursery stock categories from the GCA’s spring inspections and have now been put forwards for autumn judging. 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Throughout the spring our member garden centres received visits from our inspectors and their findings have determined the 10 finalists in the Garden Centre (GC) category and the 10 finalists in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category. All of the finalists will go through to the autumn competition and will be visited by our judge, Michael Cole, in September. He will evaluate how our members are continuing to promote and sell plants during the autumn season.

“The centres will also be judged on their excellent quality, presentation and overall range of plants available as well as the layout of their plant areas. Overall impression, access and use of demonstration areas will also be looked at.

“Staff at our member centres are also being judged on their knowledge and customer care and service.”

A winner from each category will be determined and announced during the GCA’s annual conference in January, 2019.

The Ruxley Rose finalists in the Garden Centre category are:

• Cowell’s Garden Centre
• Gouldings Garden Centre
• Mains of Drum Garden Centre Ltd
• Pacific Nurseries
• Planters Garden Centre at Bretby Ltd
• RHS Hyde Hall Plant Centre & Gift Shop
• Squires Garden Centre – Hersham
• Squires Garden Centre – Long Ditton
• The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
• Thompson’s Plant & Garden Centre – Chislehurst.

The Ruxley Rose finalists in the Destination Garden Centre category are:

• Aylett Nurseries Ltd
• Barton Grange Garden Centre
• Bents Garden & Home
• Coolings Nurseries
• Haskins Garden Centre – Snowhill
• Newbridge Nurseries
• Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries Ltd
• Scotsdale Garden Centre
• Stewarts Garden Centre – Christchurch
• The Millbrook Garden Company – Gravesend.

Iain added: “Our Ruxley Rose competition aims to inspire our member garden centres to maintain best practice at all times and have centres that are inviting and attractive to customers. It is a competition that our members work extremely hard towards throughout the year.

“Our members can also benefit from Michael’s practical advice on achieving best practice as well as showcasing their own innovative sales initiatives.

“I would like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to all of the finalists and wish everyone the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

Glee is set to once again host a new range of products launched by UK-leading wildlife product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World.

The company is expanding its current range significantly with many exciting new products, as well as several new items especially designed and created in partnership with some high profile organisations based in the UK.

2018 has seen the company launch a number of new products including several bird baths, feeders and its new The Pollinating Company Bee Nester.

Norman Sellers, Managing Director at Wildlife World commented, “We are really excited to be working on some great new designs. A number of new contracts have allowed us to create products that are different and innovative and stand out as some of the best in the market.”

The Pollinating Company Bee Nester has a built in moveable woodpecker and predator guard and comes ready to hang in your garden. The nester is designed so that the cardboard tubes can be replaced to extend nester life, and are the perfect size for mason, orchard and leafcutter bees.

The nester is hung in a sheltered spot near nectar plants and a water source and is the ideal place for the female bees to construct their egg cells, which develop into bee larvae and emerge in the spring. Once the nester is filled, the perforated lid can be used as a predator guard to protect the open ends of the cardboard nesting tubes during the winter months.

One of two new birdbaths being launched this year, the Shenstone Theatre bird bath and drinker was a finalist in this year’s GIMA awards and makes a perfect garden feature for birds, bees and wildlife.

The theatre step design provides safe drinking not just for birds but other pollinators and insects which like to sip from the shallow edges of pools. The bath comes with a short base section which raises it around 10cm above ground level. It is embossed around the bird bath rim with the opening lines from the well known verse from the W H Davies poem 'Leisure' .

Another bird bath heading to Glee this year is the Beachcomber Shell bird bath and drinker. The high quality blue glaze bird bath is frost resistant and provides vital water for birds, bees and other garden wildlife all year round for both drinking and bathing.

Visit Wildlife World on stand 20W50-X51 to find out more about its upcoming products and ongoing conservation work. 

Further information is available from Wildlife World on 01666 505333, by emailing david@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

Glendoick Garden Centre has joined an increasing number of retail establishments in allowing dogs on to the premises.

Following help from Dog Friendly Perthshire, a “Dog Etiquette” notice has been produced to make sure all customers are able to enjoy their experience at Glendoick.

Jane Cox, Director said “We receive a lot of passing trade from customers travelling between Aberdeen and the South and have been increasingly asked for dogs to be allowed in. I think this hot weather has made this even more important when customers are choosing where to stop for a break in their journey.”

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and are allowed on the main central walkway as a means to access the two outdoor café terraces. Glendoick offers a shaded car parking area where dog owners can also find a water butt and dog bowl.

The Royal British Legion has launched a movement to say ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed, and changed our world. Gardman have worked with the Royal British Legion now for several years as the products we produce resonate with consumers to support this charity. The Royal British Legion is encouraging the public to use the last 100 days before 11 November to take part and find ways of saying ‘Thank You’.

“Last year we raised over £280,000 for The Royal British Legion with our bespoke charity products. In this centenary year we want to build on the success of our 2017 campaign and raise over £400,000 in 2018.  Our two leaf poppy products are being well received by garden centres who are creating absolutely stunning displays getting behind this charity.” said Will Hemmings, Marketing Director

All communities are being encouraged to join the movement by expressing their thanks this year, with 45 high profile organisations already supporting the movement. Partners include Gardman, English National Ballet, Diwali in the Square, Highclere Castle, GCHQ, Cadbury, Sainsbury’s, M&S, the Coventry Building Society, the RFU and many others.  Over 250 community events have been organised so far to say a mass ‘Thank You’ to those who put Britain on the path to becoming what it is today.

To support the launch, ‘Thank You’ partner Ancestry UK will be offering free access to military records from 6-9 August, to allow the public to research their own family history, while their WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards 1914-1920 collection will be free to access from 6 August to the end of the year. This collection is the most complete listing of people who fought in the British Army in WW1.

‘Thank You’ will honour not only the 1.1 million British and Commonwealth Armed Forces who lost their lives in the First World War, but also those who played their part on the home front, and those who returned to build a better life for the benefit of generations to come.

To launch the movement, the Legion has created a giant installation of 8ft high illustrated letters, which will be on London’s South Bank on 3-4 August before touring to other cities in the UK later this month. The public will be invited to write their own personal messages of thanks directly onto the installation.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, a ‘Thank You’ Ambassador, will this year release Poppy Field, a new book looking at the war’s resonance through history. Sir Michael said: “The First World War is, in a strange sort of way, the most iconic of all wars. From the depths of its horror, it brought out an extraordinary collective effort and contributed to some of the most meaningful cultural shifts in human history.

“To the farmers who gave up their horses to the war effort; to the women who kept our home fires burning; to the Sassoons and the McCraes whose work has shaped our understanding of conflict; we should indeed say ‘Thank You’.”

Charles Byrne, Director General of The Royal British Legion, said: “We all have a connection to the First World War, for me it is Private Ross Ryan, my grandfather, and we all have a reason to say ‘Thank You’ to this special generation.

“Whether your personal ‘Thank You’ is an event dedicated to those who made a difference in your community, a visit to a place of significance, or a simple tweet, there’s no limit to the ways people can take part. We are making a plea to every single person across the UK to get involved and take a moment in this very significant year to say ‘Thank You’.”

For further information and to find out how you can get involved in the ‘Thank You’ movement, please visit rbl.org.uk/thankyou.

Prison officer Andy Maxfield’s amazing journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End on an unmodified lawn tractor has been officially recognised as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^® achievement. The story of Andy’s epic journey is featured in a new display at the Land’s End Visitor Centre in Cornwall, and also at the British Lawnmower Museum in Southport.

The 874-mile record attempt in July 2017 took Andy 5 days, 8 hours and 36 minutes, making it the fastest time for the journey on a ride-on lawnmower. Andy embarked on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society after his father was diagnosed with the disease.

Andy’s initial goal was to raise a modest £1000 for Alzheimer’s Society through the lawnmower challenge in July last year, followed by a charity ball in December. “So far we’ve collected over £9000 and now I’m trying to reach our new target of £10,000 by the end of 2018,” said Andy. “We’re keeping the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/andrew-maxfield open until then. Donations can also be made by texting MAXF80 £3 to 70070.

“I’m very proud my record attempt was successful but I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement of my family and support team, and having a great lawn tractor certainly helped. 

To supply proof for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt, the lawnmower was fitted with a tracking system routinely used by much larger agricultural machinery for guidance and monitoring.  John Deere’s Operations Centre was able to track Andy’s entire journey via JDLink software. The resulting data was the proof needed to verify Andy’s route and travelling time as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS success.

Sadly, Andy’s father, the inspiration behind the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge, lost his own battle with dementia in January 2018, unaware that his son’s magnificent achievement was indeed a record.

Alzheimer’s Society is available for anyone affected by dementia and there are lots of ways the charity can help – for details call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.

Greenfingers Charity was recently chosen by "The People's Friend" magazine to benefit from their summer Hands of Friendship campaign, an initiative which has over the years raised thousands of pounds for charity.  

The charity features in not one, not two but three of their weekly issues. "The People's Friend" is the longest running women's magazine in the world and has a readership of nearly 400,000 in print and online, with readers across the UK and beyond.  

Read all about Greenfingers Charity and its work building therapeutic gardens in children's hospices in this week and next weeks edition of  "The People's Friend".  It costs just £1.30 from your local newsagent. 

A snippet of the first article can be also be viewed online on the Greenfingers website and features an interview with the charity's founder, Richard Jackson. Click here to view

Snow, rain, wind and sun – there is one thing that is predictable in the UK and that is the unpredictability of our weather. In an industry that is reliant on good weather to help drive customers instore, it’s safe to say that the garden centre sector spends more than its fair share of time looking to the skies. But what if there was an alternative solution? One that enables garden centres to maximise their entire retail footprint all year-round, no matter what the season?

The negative impact of the weather

The HTA Garden Retail Monitor report highlighted how garden centres see the biggest impact of the weather within the period of April – June, with plants and core gardening feeling the pinch the most should the weather take a turn for the worse. Non-gardening ranges, such as giftware and catering help to minimise this risk by insulating garden centres from the risks associated with poor weather in the spring period.

The weather’s impact on consumer confidence

Inclement weather often means one thing; consumers will defer their buying decisions, particularly those related to their garden and outdoor space. A deferral in buying decisions not only reduces the amount of money passing through the tills but it also interrupts the prime purchasing window for products.  Bedding plants, for example, is one category that garden retailers say is hit the hardest when poor weather strikes.  With nowhere else to store the products other than outside, and no customers making purchases, bedding plants can often mean wastage and a lost investment for retailers, and a reduction in consumer confidence as they eventually purchase plants outside of their prime meaning expectations are not met and disappointment ensues.

Steve Toone, Managing Director of Fordingbridge said: “Whilst retailers understand the issue relating to weather, it is difficult for them to educate their customers about this. As we now exist in a retail environment where the consumer expectation is higher than ever, knowledge of product seasonality is becoming increasingly rare, and garden centres are expected to deliver product year-round – which is where Fordingbridge comes in!”

There is a solution

Fordingbridge offers a wide range of canopies and walkways that make it is possible to weatherproof outdoor areas.  Offering a complete bespoke package of steel and timber structures, Fordingbridge can design and install large span canopies to house a wide array of retail areas, from extra seasonal shopping displays to restaurant or play areas in-store.

The tailored designs come with a choice of roof cladding – polycarbonate or Opal 60, exclusively developed for Fordingbridge.  The unique Opal 60 finish is waterproof, fire resistant and allows 60% light transmission through, which will prevent discoloration of products and plant stock from stretching to reach the light, resulting in rapid and spindly growth.  With the UK in the grip of the longest heatwave since 1976, Opal 60 also keeps staff and customers shaded from sunlight.

A canopied area, or covered walkway also enables retailers to optimise the biggest possible floorspace, providing them with additional space to develop cross merchandising displays in areas of transition in the store e.g. outdoors into indoors.   With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, customers can be assured of the high quality of Fordingbridge canopies as they are long lasting, maintenance free and come with industry leading guarantees.

The result of such an investment makes much more usable spaces whatever the weather, in doing so improving the customer experience instore and driving year-round sales. Protected from the elements or strong sun rays, customers will be more tempted to peruse core garden products and plants, no matter what mother nature may be doing outside.  

A canopied area or upgraded walkway is also demonstrative of a garden centres investment in its future, providing confidence for customers who rely on the store as a place to relax, shop and spend their leisure time. Fordingbridge has the capabilities to create “off the peg” designs, no matter how big, small or awkward the size, that suit both a contemporary and traditional setting. Whatever the design or need, the addition of a Fordingbridge canopy will provide a sleek and eye-catching asset to any retail space.

Stephen Toone added: “We all know the positive and negative impact weather can have upon garden retailing. We can help garden centres to be more adaptive and provide a more enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. From providing a weatherproof space, to increasing the footprint of the store, our simple yet effective solutions can help drive year-round sales and help strengthen and futureproof garden retailing in a time of notable change for the wider retail picture. An investment now can safeguard against harsh weather in the future.”

To find out more about Fordingbridge’s extensive portfolio of high quality canopies, walkways and tensile fabric structures please visit www.fordingbridge.co.uk.

August traditionally signals a major change in types of plants sold and this year is no exception. Large increases in sales of Chrysanths, Cyclamen, Viola and Pansies come through in the GTN Bestsellers EPOS data as gardeners look to fill in gaps that have been created by the heat.

• Chrysanthemum moved up 32 places to No 2.
• Viola sales jumped so that they could re-enter at No 12.
• Pansies re-entered the GTN Top 50 at No 37.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Wasps provided a welcome sting for Garden Product sales last week.  Three wasp products made big moves up the chart along with large increases in plant support sales and garden lighting decorative lines. 

• Vitax Nippon Wasp Nest Foam 300ml moved up 9 places to No 6.
• Kaemingk’s Glass Wasp Trap re-entered at No 13.
• Kontro’s Waspinator was a new entry at No 32.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Growing Media sales jumped back up last week by 14% on the previous week to be 2.4% up on the same week last year.  Multi-purpose composts were the main volume beneficiaries.

• Evergreen Garden Care’s Levington Multipurpose + John Innes 56 litres stays at No 1.
• Westland Multi Purpose with John Innes 60 litres is the highest chart climber, up 19 places to No 4.
• Growth Technology Orchid Focus Medium Compost 3 litres increased sales by 73% to move up to No 8.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The school holidays have really cooled down sales of Wild Bird Care products.  Last week saw yet another drop week on week and sales are now down by 23% year to date.

• Tom Chambers Nice Nuts 2.5kg - 25% extra free increased sales by 117% to re-enter at No 41.
• Gardman Peanuts 1kg moved up 25 places to No 18.
• Gardman Fat Snax, tub of 50, remain at No 1, but sales are down by 100% compared to the same week last year.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Trans-Continental Group, a leading importer of garden furniture and Christmas products, has appointed Stephen Compton to its ever growing business.

Stephen has recently joined the team as the Northern and Southern Irish Sales Agent. He has numerous years’ experience from within the Garden & Leisure industry and has been recruited to further strengthen the Garden & Leisure Team as part of the company's exciting future growth plans in place. 

Stephen said: “I am delighted to be joining the Transcon team at this very exciting time for both parties. I look forward to representing Transcon through the Garden & Leisure sector in Ireland, working closely with Adam Gregory as we roll out our ambitious plans for the future.“

With the business's further commitment to development and growth, Adam Gregory, Sales Director, said "I am overjoyed to have Stephen join our team. He is a well known professional within the industry and can't wait to start working together with him and the ever growing client base over in Ireland.

'Stephen joins us at an exciting time and we have big and ambitious plans for the future, and it’s great to have him on board for this journey."

Managing Director of the newly expanded Blue Diamond Group, Alan Roper, features on the programme for Cultivating Retail, the new industry conference and dinner, hosted by HTA and GIMA, taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Tuesday 13 November.

Alan will be sharing his thoughts on innovative and experiential retail. With the company slogan of Style, Emotion and Innovation for the Home and Garden Alan will use examples from his sites, including the East Bridgford store and no doubt be talking further about the recent acquisitions that the group has made. There will be the opportunity to go along and see the Christmas experience at East Bridgford the next day – which is just 15 miles away from the venue.

The action-packed programme, which is of appeal to both retailers, growers and suppliers, will be hosted by Channel 4 news presenter by Cathy Newman. Keynote speaker consumer and shopping behaviourist Ken Hughes will be asking ‘Is your supply chain millennial ready?’ The programme features two panel sessions focussing on the issue of plastics in horticulture and also supply chain with industry representatives all having their say. There will also be plenty of opportunity for delegates to join in both in the sessions and the wider networking opportunities around the conference and the dinner.

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.  A great forum for discussion and debate, in an accessible location with good transport networks, this event represents amazing value and provides a great opportunity to bring along other team members.

We are delighted to welcome the following sponsors on board: Ascential Events, Corby and Fella’s, Dura-ID, Evergreen Garden Care, MorePeople, Stihl, Smart Garden Products and Swan Retail.

For further information and to book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/cultivatingretail

The event represents great value with the HTA and GIMA member rate only £295 + VAT for the conference, dinner and accommodation.

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the event please contact Tim Bell, HTA Commercial Manager on 07808 775177 or email tim.bell@hta.org.ukor Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director on 07766 135060 or vicky.nuttall@gima.org.uk

July 2018 was a sparkling month for garden centre group Blue Diamond.  The month started with Silver-Gilt Medals for Fryers Roses at RHS Hampton Court and Tatton Park Flower Shows, then they secured the acquisition of eight garden centres from Wyevale Garden Centres and at the end of the month their East Bridgford centre won seven awards in the GCA Midlands Region including Midlands Garden Centre of the Year.

GTN Xtra caught up with the Blue Diamond senior team on Friday as they completed a week long tour of all eight centres bought from Wyevale for around £36m.  The transition to Blue Diamond takes place on Friday 17th August, so this was the start of the integration process for Wyevale staff and the Blue Diamond teams who have to get tills and their own stock systems in place within the next two weeks.

Managing Director, Alan Roper, met with staff at the centres and where the sites are leasehold the landlords too.  Wyevale Garden Centres central and regional management staff also joined the tour to help with the smooth transition of the businesses.

"We've now got plans already drawn up for each of the centres as to how we will use the space and all of my "head office" team have been a part of that process," Alan told GTN Xtra.  "The first centre to be upgraded to our Redfields/East Bridgford model will be Bicester Avenue."

Homebase gardening buyers face redundancy this month when new owners Hilco Capital close the horticulture office at Swindon, according to reports from some of the chain’s suppliers who contacted GTN Xtra last week.

More than 300 head office staff have already been made redundant by Hilco, who plan to close 40 stores.

Hilco paid former owners Wesfarmers £1 in May for the business the Australians paid £340m for just two years ago.

Work has begun on the expected rebranding of the 24 Bunnings stores back to Homebase following the sale of the chain.

First to revert were both outlets at St. Albans (pictured), to be followed shortly by Hemel Hempstead. A spokesperson told Insight DIY that all stores would be completely rebranded by the end of August.

At this stage, the rebranding is purely a cosmetic exercise to remove all evidence of the Bunnings name, as part of the sale contract with former owners Wesfarmers. Ranging and displays have not changed as yet. A similar clause in the sale contract is believed to require Homebase to sell off and remove all Wesfarmers exclusive brands (including Ozito, Kit & Kaboodle etc.) within six months of the date of the sale, but this remains unconfirmed.

A visit last Friday to the Milton Keynes store showed the preparations for their conversion were well under way, with the removal of all the price entry products that had previously cluttered the aisles.

Bunnings branded umbrellas, beanies and other assorted merchandise is being sold off at prices as low as 75p.

The only mention of Bunnings to be found at the St.Albans Grifftiths Way store was the plaque in the entrance commemorating the opening on 2 February 2017, barely 18 months ago.

The Homebase team has told Insight DIY that the stores in Bradford, London Acton, Exeter and Croydon Purley Way would close on 21 September.

Source: Insight DIY Team

Squire's has announced the purchase of Frensham Garden Centre from Wheelhouse Warehousing Ltd. The deal was completed on 1 August 2018.

Under the terms of the agreement, which was signed in early July, Squire’s will take over all the assets and business of the Garden Centre, and the Frensham team will become part of Squire’s. Financial terms of the transaction were not announced.

Frensham Garden Centre is a well-known and successful garden centre located in Frensham, to the south of Farnham.

Commenting on the purchase, Sarah Squire, Deputy Chairman of Squire’s, said: “We are delighted to see Frensham Garden Centre and its excellent team joining the Squire’s group.  We have great respect for what has been achieved over the years at Frensham and look forward to welcoming the Frensham as they become part of the Squire’s family business."

David Wheelhouse, owner of Wheelhouse, commented: “I am happy to see the business that I have built up over many years, and the hard-working and loyal team members, become part of Squire’s. I have known the Squire family for many years and am confident that they will build on the firm foundations that we have created at Frensham Garden Centre."

Photo shows from left to right: Martin Breddy Managing Director Squire's, Sarah Squire Deputy Chairman Squire's, David Wheelhouse owner of Wheelhouse, Colin Squire Chairman Squire's, Brian Phillips, Frensham Garden Centre Manager.

Has the heatwave switched custiomer buying away from gifts and home and more into the garden?  That’s a conclusion that can be drawn from July’s GTN Bestsellers analysis.  Overall garden centre volume sales for the month were down by 11% while plants and other gardening lines were up on last year.

In this year of extremes, the last week of July recorded the lowest July weeks sales volumes since at least 2011.  That’s not a disaster as sales volumes during the holiday period are lower anyway, but centres will be working hard to encourage footfall, especially in areas where staycations are being taken.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 30

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 6%
• Growing Media Top 50 – static 0%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 25%
• Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – down 32%
• All Plants index – up 14%
• All Items index – down 15%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

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.

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 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 £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.

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

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

lunch! – the UK’s favourite food-to-go trade show, is back on 20-21 September, at ExCeL London.  With a record 370 exhibitors now confirmed – this year’s visitors will be able to see and sample more new food and drink products, packaging, equipment and catering technology than ever before.

Valued at £20.7bn[1], the British food-to-go market is big business.  It is ever evolving, highly competitive, and getting bigger by the year.  And it is new innovations – like the ones being showcased at lunch! 2018 – that are helping to feed that growth.

“Britain loves food-to-go,” says group event director Chris Brazier.  “Our growing appetite for high quality, good value, food-to-go meals, drinks and snacks has created huge opportunities for food-to-go operators and retailers.”

lunch! may need little introduction to the sector it serves (over 6,300 buyers attended in 2017).  It annually attracts the biggest food and drink buyers in the UK and has proved itself year after year to be an essential visit to see what’s new and compare the latest products from leading and emerging brands.

“lunch! is a great opportunity to meet new and existing manufacturers and suppliers, a showcase of innovation and trends all under one roof,” says James Dempsey, Procurement Manager at Wyevale Garden Centres.

lunch!’s 370 exhibitors – from start-ups and niche, speciality producers to some of the industry’s best known brands – certainly have a dazzling array of innovations on offer for 2018. 

Add to this 2 free Keynote Theatres including sessions from Hannah McKay, head of food & beverage at Caffè Nero; David Ross, head of category at Greggs; Clare Clough, food & coffee director at Pret A Manger; Jack Hinchcliffe, innovation director for the UK and Ireland at KFC; Shereen Ritchie, operations director at LEON; Arnaud Kaziewicz, director of food and beverage at EAT. and many more and this is one lunch! not to be missed.

There will also be an exclusive interview with Julian Metcalfe OBE, founder of itsu and co-founder of Pret A Manger.  Plus, as in previous years, there will be essential market updates from MCA (Simon Stenning), The NPD Group (Cyril Lavenant), IGD (Gavin Rothwell), and (new for 2018) UK coffee market expert Anya Marco.

To register for a free ticket to lunch! 2018, please visit www.lunchshow.co.uk and quote priority code LU86.

Essential info:

Opening times – 10am to 5pm both days (last entry 4pm)

Dates – Thursday 20th and Friday 21st September

Venue – ExCeL London

Website – www.lunchshow.co.uk

Johnsons of Whixley is working in partnership with a promotional equipment specialist to deliver a UK pop-up brand activation for a world-renowned coffee brand.

Johnsons is supplying £7,000 worth of plants and materials, including ginkgo and bay trees, grasses, bamboo, shrubs, ferns, Ivy screens and ivy on canes, to a pop-up garden in St. Ann’s Square, Manchester.

The garden will promote the coffee brand, which operates cafes and sells its products in shops worldwide.

The project is being delivered in conjunction with DHB Group, who provide a full range of bespoke, quality and mobile promotional equipment solutions to blue chip clients in the UK and throughout Europe.

The garden features hanging chairs and a decorative birdcage alongside the greenery to create ‘an oasis to pause and rest’.

The display will also feature an insight into the history of coffee and information on how people can support the brand’s charitable initiatives.

It is open to the public for 12 days and opened on Wednesday.

Johnsons of Whixley’s Ellie Richardson said: “For close to 100 years, Johnsons has established working relationships with companies large and small across many sectors in the UK and beyond, and we value each of them. However, it’s rare to be given an opportunity to work on a horticultural project for a true world-renowned brand.

“It was also great to get properly ‘hands on’ with the project - from quoting, to helping plant, to seeing the final finished garden in Manchester. It’s rare we have the opportunity to be involved in a project so comprehensively, from start to finish, but it’s a challenge the business has relished.”

Johnsons of Whixley is a family-run business based in the heart of Yorkshire and a trusted supplier of horticultural products to the commercial sector.