Garden Centre Association members enjoyed a strong trading performance during July with overall sales increasing by +10.66% compared to July 2025 according to the latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released this week.
Despite intense heat and water restrictions for gardeners in nearly all areas, garden centres nationwide delivered strong trading figures and exceeded expectations, and the year-to-date performance also remained positive.
Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Despite the terrific heat and temporary use water orders, our members had a very strong month sales wise when compared to July 2025; much to most people’s surprise and pleasure.
“It was great to see strong plant sales as customers were looking for fresh colourful replacements for those lost in the heat. However, while plant sales were certainly up, so were the costs for caring for them in both watering and wastage. Furniture as expected had a very strong month and it’s great to see the food offering also brought in good numbers. All in all, a very pleasing month.”
The strongest performing category during July was furniture & BBQs, which rose by +27.76% when compared to July 2025. Garden sundries also enjoyed an exceptional month, increasing by +16.72%, while clothing sales were up +13.41%.
Other categories posting strong growth included hard landscaping, +10.30%, outdoor plants, +8.50%, food hall/farm shop, +7.52%, seeds & bulbs, +7.40% and catering, which increased by +6.86%.
Gifts also performed well, up +3.42%, while pets & aquatics recorded a modest increase of +1.32% and houseplants rose by +0.37%.
Regionally, the strongest growth was recorded in the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where sales increased by +15.43%. The East followed closely with growth of +14.97%, while Midlands, Wales and the West were up +8.96% and the South increased by +7.18%.
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 nearly 230 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.
