Garden Centre Association members’ latest Barometer of Trade figures show December was up 3.75% when compared to 2023 and the year was at + 3.26%.

The results recorded by GCA garden centres for the month showed, when likened to December 2023, 10 of the 13 categories performed well with hard landscaping taking pole position at +35.12%.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, explains: “The year ended on a nice positive note for our garden centre members with December up 3.75% when compared to December 2023 and the year up by 3.26%.

“Within the BoT, two thirds of the members who input their figures were up in their sales for 2024, when compared to 2023. The top trends continued with strong performances from catering, food halls/farm shops and clothing but, also within the month, we saw good increases in houseplants, outdoor plants and seeds & bulbs.

“While Christmas sales were slightly down for the month it showed a good increase of +5.25% for the whole year. We now look forward to an early, warm spring!”

The best recorded category for December 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was hard landscaping up at +35.12%, with catering next at +8.86% and clothing in third place at +7.46%.

Food hall/farmshop came in next at +7.43%, then seeds and bulbs +4.45%, outdoor plants at +3.71%, miscellaneous at +2.97%, the gifts category recorded +2.73% and houseplants at +2.33%.

Pets & aquatics came in next at +1.37%, then garden sundries showing -0.23%, Christmas at -1.18% and furniture & BBQs with -1.37%.

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.