Professionalism is causing a shift from the sheds
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 Are garden centres taking back market share from the sheds and high street retailers? It certainly seems that way as the season keeps on going well into July and way beyond when the ‘seasonal’ gardening retailers have stopped selling plants.
Andy Bunker, from Alton Garden Centre, told GTN Xtra at the GCA Regional Awards this week: “I feel it’s a ‘shift from the sheds’ factor because of how more professional and interesting we are all getting. You only have to look at the GCA awards this week to see that.
“My point is this year we are all doing well and in particular it’s great to see plants across the board very much back in focus.
“For many years now it has been almost all about restaurants and the huge investment in them. It goes without saying this is paying off and certainly driving the business for most.
“I remember a great saying ‘linger longer factor’, which is particularly relevant in quieter times and that’s obviously what the food offer creates. At Altons we are having a fantastic season, and while the restaurant is well up, it is not the main factor in my opinion.
“Here’s how we are faring:
- April + 3%
- May + 35%
- June + 22%
- July going to be up
“For many years it has been well acknowledged that it’s all about the weather, and up until now I agree, but I do think things are changing especially for independents. Those that are left anyway.”
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products – down 7%
- Veg-2-Gro Products – up 26%
- Growing Media – up 6%
- All items index – up 8%
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