As wild birds prepare for winter, autumn offers garden retailers a timely opportunity to drive sales while helping customers support garden wildlife, says Honeyfields.

Wild birds face changing conditions in the autumn, with increasing demands on their energy reserves. Resident birds are preparing for colder weather, migrants are stopping to refuel and many species are moulting. 

“Autumn is a season of preparation,” says Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing at Honeyfields. “It’s an ideal time for retailers to engage customers with the importance of consistent bird feeding, while highlighting products that provide the energy and nutrition birds need as temperatures fall.”

Honeyfields recommends stocking energy-dense foods such as sunflower hearts, peanuts, suet and quality seed blends. Sunflower hearts and suet products, including blocks, pellets and fat balls, are a convenient way for customers to provide high-energy food for garden visitors, while seed blends can attract a broader range of species.

Retailers can expect customers to notice feeders emptying faster than during the summer. Simple advice around checking and replenishing feeders regularly can help establish consistent feeding routines - and encourage repeat purchases.

Hygiene is another important part of the customer conversation. Honeyfields advises regular feeder cleaning, access to fresh water and the removal of wet or uneaten food to help maintain a healthy feeding environment.

For garden retailers, autumn is more than a change in season: it is an opportunity to combine practical advice with relevant product solutions, encouraging customers to make bird care part of their year-round garden routine.

To find out more, contact your Regional Sales Manager or call 0845 257 0232.