The Barometer of Trade figures released by the Garden Centre Association  for February show members did the best in non-gardening categories.

When compared with the same month in 2024, data from GCA garden centres show five of the 13 categories recorded performed well with catering once again leading the way at +8.15%.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO explains: “February was a difficult month for our members, as cold, dull, damp weather kept people firmly inside and away from their gardens. However, the usual wet weather categories all performed very well, meaning the overall year-to-date variance was still positive at +1.53%.

“Fortunately, the rain wasn’t anywhere near as heavy as last February, so hopefully gardens are now nice and dry, and this will be encouraging people to get going now on some spring projects.

“Hardly anyone did any gardening at all across last year and the 2024 spring season was a complete wash out, so we’re anticipating a great deal of pent-up demand for our members to tap into in March onwards this year, especially as short-range weather forecasts currently look good.

“Gifts came in second in February when likened to last year, up +7.34%, clothing was next with +4.65%, then food hall/farm shop in third place with +4.41% and in at number five was houseplants doing well at +2.21%.

“Pets & aquatics came in sixth position at -1.63%, then hard landscaping at -3.57%, followed by furniture & BBQs at -5.53% and seeds and bulbs at -7.14%.

“Garden sundries showing -7.38%, when compared to the same month in 2024, came next and then miscellaneous at -13.07% with outdoor plants down by -14.05%. Leaving Christmas in an understandable last place for this time of year at -43.9%.”

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.