The Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade for March shows members recorded ‘robust sales’ and a positive year‑to‑date performance.

The food hall/farm shop category topped the figures at +5.37%, followed by catering at +3.89% when compared with the same month in 2025.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, explains: “A very robust sales result was recorded overall at down -3.77% for the month given that March 2025 was an amazing +26.9% up on March 2024.

“This year’s very variable weather could have resulted in much poorer sales. As expected, it is gardening that took the hit, but our non-gardening categories were all positive helping to reduce the shortfall.

“Exactly the reason that our members have developed these categories to help in months like this. We are still waiting for the peak spring season to take off but fortunately the later this comes usually the bigger it is, so still all to play for. Plus, the year-to-date increase is up +1.69%, which is good news.”

Clothing came third in March’s named BoT category line-up at +1.62% %, followed by gifts, up by 1.58%, when compared to March 2025.

The significant categories that recorded negatively in March were seeds & bulbs down by -2.11%, furniture & BBQ down -2.75%, houseplants -6%, garden sundries -6.63%, pets & aquatics - 6.69%, outdoor plants -10.95% and hard landscaping down by -17.85%.

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.