The Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) December Market Update shows a steady growth in garden centre sales, offsetting the uncertainty caused by the Autumn Budget and an exceptionally wet November, with the UK receiving 33% more rainfall than a typical November.
 
Overall garden centre sales rose by +8% by value in November compared to the same month last year, and Christmas sales also got off to a strong start, up +9% from November 2024 and +40% from November 2023.
 
However, consumer confidence remained cautious, with the overall index falling -2pts to -19pts in November. All measures that contribute to the overall index fell by at least -2pts ahead of this year’s Autumn Budget.
 
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “November was a steady month for garden centre growth, with sales up +8% compared to November 2024 and gardening sales up +3% during the same period, albeit they were flat in volume terms. Garden centre sales for the year-to-end of November also remain +8% ahead of 2024 and 12% ahead of 2023.
 
“Due to the significant rise in operating costs across our sector this year, the positive sales growth has only delivered minimal profit increases. Many garden centres are having to sprint in order to stand still, and unfortunately, this looks set to continue in 2026.
 
“It is, however, reassuring to see that Christmas sales got off to a strong start in November. When you look even closer at the statistics, Christmas sales alone made up 26% of November's overall sales, more than all the garden and gardening categories combined. Garden centres are increasingly becoming a must-go-to family destination in the run-up to Christmas, offering diverse products and experiences to engage customers and drive more sales in the colder and darker months.
 
“November benefited from an extra weekend of trade this year, compared to 2024 and 2023. Given that sales volume is higher at weekends than on weekdays, this is likely to have helped both general footfall and sales of real Christmas trees, as our research shows volumes sold were approximately 25% higher than the same month last year.
 
“Catering sales were up +11% from November 2024, supported by both higher average transaction values and greater footfall in garden centre cafes compared to other Novembers. Bedding sales were also up +10% by value, but indoor plant sales were weaker, down -1% compared to November 2024.
 
“What’s interesting is looking at how wet November was. We experienced 19 rainy days on average and had 162mm of total rainfall. It’s encouraging that it didn’t deter people from visiting garden centres, and it also means public water reservoir levels have recovered significantly. Some water restrictions have already been lifted (Thames Water and Yorkshire Water), and November’s heavy rainfall has reduced the risk of water restrictions continuing into Spring, the heart of the gardening season next year.”
 
HTA members can access further insights in this month’s Market Update on our website. www.hta.org.uk