It has been a busy week at SOLEX in Hall 5 of the NEC as outdoor living buyers take stock of new ranges and new products to order for next year after a record-breaking year for furniture and barbecue sales.

Every garden centre the GTN Bestsellers team spoke to at SOLEX reported record sales this summer so it was no surprise there was an upbeat atmosphere.

The team from Chessington Garden Centre (below) were first through the door on each of the three show days taking their buying very seriously. “Outdoor Living sales have now grown to be 12% of our turnover,” said managing director Jolyon Martin. 

“We think the pastel colours of the cushions and the parasols on the Supremo stand will be the new bestsellers for us next year.”

With new ranges of upholstered garden furniture, rattan weave and many new balcony and small patio ideas there has been a wide range for discerning buyers to choose from.

All we need now is for another great summer in 2016 to drive those sales records to even higher levels.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...

• Garden Products – up 9%
• Veg-2-Gro Products – up 13%
• Growing Media – static 0%
• All items index – up 4%