Catering was the bestselling department at garden centres across the country for the second month in a row during November, according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales were up 14.74% compared to the same month last year (2021). Another good performing category was food sales via food hall and farm shops, which was up 2.84%.

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, explains: “For the second month in a row, we’ve enjoyed positive catering sales, but once again, this is compared to the same month in 2021, when we were all living under the strain of Covid still, so may have been unable to get out and about as much as we usually would.

“November was a much warmer month than usual this year, which meant footfall was positive, however sales in traditional categories are down compared to 2021. Warmer weather may potentially have put people off thinking about Christmas as they enjoyed more time out in their gardens

“Hard landscaping sales were down -31.42%. Clothing sales were up 0.76%.”

Houseplant sales were down -6.85%, outdoor plant sales were down -19.5% and seed and bulb sales were down -8.12%.

Sales in garden sundries were down -16.51%, furniture and barbecue sales down -32.49% and pets and aquatic sales were down -9.95%.

Tammy added: “Gift sales were down -11.72% and Christmas sales were also down -14.43%, however we expect this be all change once the December figures come in.”

Overall sales for the month were down -6.89% with a year-to-date variance of -3.65%.

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.