2013 has been a record year for concessions within garden centres, according ton First Franchise Ltd and Promotional Space Ltd, who have reported increased interest in both long and short term concession installs this year.
The long term, manned concessions – or shop within shops – have seen the existing tenants increase their portfolios with nearly 100 new stores opening across the UK. Leading brands, now synonymous with garden centre retail have increased their portfolios throughout the year resulting in millions worth of investment into the sector as well as the creation of thousands of new jobs.
Brands including Cotton Traders, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Klass, Roman Originals, Hammonds Furniture, Shuropody, Pavers, Massarella Catering, The Works, HotSpring Spas, Pets Corner, Maidenhead Aquatics and Cotswold Outdoor have all opened new stores within garden centres this year.
Brands like Brantano (Footwear), My Bathrooms (Home Improvements), Rectella (Soft Furnishings), Peacocks Kids (Kids wear) and Regatta (Outdoor Clothing) have all launched new store formats specific for garden centres and have enjoyed an excellent response from site owners looking to enhance their retail proposition.
Richard Lewis, Business Development & Marketing Manager of First Franchise Ltd & Promotional Space Ltd, said “There is so much interest in garden centres from concession tenants who are looking for new routes to expand.
"Our portfolio of complementary brands has enabled us to provide a solution to just about any site we have worked with and believe that concessions can offer a ‘one stop shop’ for every retail destination. Having worked with leading, high street brands to create bespoke store models specifically for concession retail we are very excited about the future.”
The Unmanned Concession model has also gathered momentum in 2013 with the likes of Yankee Candle, Virgin Experience Days, Lake Silver Jewellery and C Craft all developing this route of expansion.
In addition Red or Dead (Glasses), Storm (Handbags) and Rocket Dog (Footwear) and Regatta have launched Unmanned concepts and are looking for more garden centre locations in the New Year.
Richard Lewis continues: “Unmanned Concessions have proved exceedingly popular as they are so easy to install. The stock and fittings are provided free of charge and the commissions retained are excellent. The sales figures that we are seeing are impressive and we have recognised that this concept may be the next step in enhancing the returns for all parties.”
Promotional Space Ltd has successfully organised over 2,000 promotions within their retail venues this year and they have noticed an increased demand from independent garden centres to get involved with the activity as a result of the new revenue streams they can generate.
Richard Lewis added: “This year we have worked with garden centres that have never taken Concessions in the past. We believe this is as a result of recognition that our promotions are an excellent way to enhance year round revenues as the core trading season becomes increasingly unpredictable.
"2013 has been a record year for concession activity within garden centres. We have introduced new companies to the market and increased the portfolios of existing tenants within the sector. We have also worked with garden centre owners to provide them with the right agreements for their tenants and we are proud to be working with the sector to enhance the retail proposition, without diluting the core offer.”
Just before Christmas GTN Xtra reported that SpaceandPeople had won a five-year deal with The Garden Centre Group.
