Garden Centre Association (GCA) members saw another month of highly variable weather conditions but proved resilient with overall sales increasing by +2.08% according to June’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (July 20, 2026).
Despite a month marked by periods of cold, wet weather followed by extreme heat, the industry maintained positive growth, taking year-to-date performance to +1.23%.
Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “The industry had to endure another month of very variable weather but again demonstrated its great resilience by returning a small increase of +2.08% in sales compared to June 2025. Plants and gardening once again suffered with neither the cold and wet, or the extreme heat, really being conducive to sales.
“Fortunately, furniture and BBQs had another strong month, while catering and food again did well, ensuring that the figures weren’t too poor. However, it’s certainly a very challenging period for the shop floor as July has also recorded some very high temperatures and some areas have hosepipe bans too.”
The strongest performing category during June was clothing, which increased by +11.13% when compared to June 2025. This was closely followed by seeds & bulbs, up +10.43%, and furniture & BBQs, which rose by +10.11%.
Catering also enjoyed a positive month, increasing by +6.51%, while food hall/farm shop sales were up +3.63% year-on-year. Another category recording growth was gifts, up +1.58%.
Several gardening-related categories experienced declines during the month, reflecting the difficult weather conditions.
Outdoor plants fell by -0.79%, garden sundries was down -1.82% and houseplants -4.3%.
More significant reductions were seen in pets & aquatics, -4.37%, as well as hard landscaping -5.38%.
The GCA’s 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.
The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.
