In This Issue
Online garden centre retailer apologises to dissatisfied customers
New benchmark for summer sales
We've all gone Potty!
Eat Out to Help Out With CSY
Dobbies’ restaurant reopens in Swansea
HTA comments on Eat Out to Help Out scheme
Double growing media sales for July leaves sales areas bare
Brett Avery to join HTA Board as Vice-President
New record for July plant sales
Dobbies and Sainsbury’s grocery partnership launches
Autumn 2020 will be the new spring for lawncare categories, says Johnsons Lawn Seed
Surge in home and garden businesses trading online
Chain Reaction
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Core gardening lines win the day in record July
Keith Weed appointed as the new RHS President seeks to accelerate the positive impact of gardening on our lives, society and the environment
Seven different suppliers in Wild Bird Care Top 50 chart
The best of last week's
Summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues
GIMA announces virtual Buyer Connect session with British Garden Centres
Face masks from Global Journey are a garden centre bestseller
All time high for July growing media sales
Eat Out To Help Out at Dobbies
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
Specialist Trade Support from Brambles
PetQuip supports and promotes the British exhibitor group for the rescheduled Interzoo show on 1-4 June 2021
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Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214


Online garden centre retailer apologises to dissatisfied customers

Online garden centre retailer Primrose has apologised for its ‘poor service’ which has led to disgruntled customers setting up their own Facebook page. The consumer group, which has attracted 715 members on the social media platform, calls itself ‘Dissatisfied Primrose Garden Centre Customers’...


 

Online garden centre retailer Primrose has apologised for its ‘poor service’ which has led to disgruntled customers setting up their own Facebook page.

 

The consumer group, which has attracted 715 members on the social media platform, calls itself ‘Dissatisfied Primrose Garden Centre Customers’. The Facebook page is described as a place for customers who have been let down by Primrose to share their stories.

 

But the company has responded with a statement from Primrose CEO Mark Pearson on the company’s website www.primrose.co.uk.

 

It states: “Thank you for standing by Primrose during this difficult time, we apologise for any inconvenience caused by our delays. 

 

“The majority of our suppliers and warehouses have been able to resume normal service, however, there are still some that are facing difficulties due to the lasting effects of the pandemic.

 

“We understand that some of you are still waiting to hear back from our customer services team, we've not forgotten you, and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding while we work through the unprecedented number of emails we’ve received.”

 

Mark Pearson added that the company’s warehouse, suppliers and nursery teams were currently shipping 15,000 packages on average per week.

 

The customer service team was replying to an average of 2,200 emails per day.

 

The company had also opened up two new distribution centres in Reading and Swindon to speed up the despatch process.

 

Among comments on the ‘Dissatisfied Primrose Garden Centre Customers’ Facebook page were:

  • “This company should be closed down. They take your money then don’t provide the goods you’ve paid for.” 
  • “What a horror story. So many of us involved. There clearly is no conscience, moral responsibility or liability.”
  • “They don’t reply to emails. It’s a useless company – I’d never buy anything from them again.”

Other disgruntled customers threatened to contact trading standards and the small claims court while some suggested complaining to BBC Watchdog. 

New benchmark for summer sales
GTN Bestsellers analysis

July 2020 has set a new benchmark for gardening sales during the summer.  People still working from home, staycations, good weather and garden centres still keeping planterias and other areas well stocked are resulting in unprecedented sales volumes...


 

July 2020 has set a new benchmark for gardening sales during the summer.  People still working from home, staycations, good weather and garden centres still keeping planterias and other areas well stocked are resulting in unprecedented sales volumes.

 

Even the compulsory wearing of face masks in all garden centres and restricted or no catering being open is not pushing sales down to normal summer levels. 

 

With garden furniture sold out, some garden centres we’ve spoken to this week are now starting to prepare their Christmas display areas aiming for an early start.  They are thinking customers may want to buy Christmas early in case of potential future lockdowns.  When are you planning to open Christmas, let us know your thoughts: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 30

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 17%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 136%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 2%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 149%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 30

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 42%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 44%

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

We've all gone Potty!

Pots sales have risen by 96% since garden centres re-opened according to analysis of Epos data supplied by garden centres for GTN Bestsellers...


Pots sales have risen by 96% since garden centres re-opened according to analysis of Epos data supplied by garden centres for GTN Bestsellers.

 

Since re-opening, GTN Bestsellers have been regularly reporting on increased pot sales as part of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart but last week we carried out analysis of All Pot Sales to compare against 2019 sales levels and see just how big the total increase is.

 

The analysis shows that All Pots, sold with barcodes, (and that excludes pots with plants already planted in them) increased in volumes by 96% and there has been an increase in the number of Pot lines in the Epos data of 79%.

 

In the August issue of GTN, out next week, you'll be able to see the Top 50 Bestselling Pot Lines of 2020 since re-opening and the data shows that sales increases have been across the wider range of pots as the Top 50 sales volumes only increased by 49%.

 

It would seem that if you've got pots to sell, customers will buy them!

 

With all these pots being used in the garden just now, are you getting ready to sell those customers plenty of bulbs for planting in their post this autumn ready for spring?  Or have you got other plans to maximise on this pot mania opportunity?  Do let us know: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Eat Out to Help Out With CSY
GTN Promotion

Throughout these difficult times we have been helping our customers every step of the way toward the new normal. Following recent news for the hospitality industry we want to help our Garden Centre customers who have restaurants or cafes with the new Eat Out to Help Out promotion. At CSY we have built a specific promotion that will calculate the discount for our customers...


Throughout these difficult times we have been helping our customers every step of the way toward the new normal. Following recent news for the hospitality industry we want to help our Garden Centre customers who have restaurants or cafes with the new Eat Out to Help Out promotion.

 

At CSY we have built a specific promotion that will calculate the discount for our customers. All our customers have had to do is set it up in Vector before August 3rd, which is simple with our guide and 7-days a week helpdesk. Now our Vector EPOS will do all the hard work, with them just having to enter the number of people on the table. We have made it even easier for our customers to claim by producing a report that gives them all the information they need.

 

“We are so pleased CSY have automated the till process for the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. Without this assistance it really would have been very difficult to calculate the discount quickly and efficiently at the till. They have also added a new report to make claiming really easy” Katrina Holford, Operations Director at Parker’s Garden Company.

 

Also, during these uncertain times, we have introduced eCommerce Lite and At-Table Ordering.

 

At-Table Ordering has helped our customers with cafes and restaurants to encourage social distancing to keep their customers and staff safe. With a simple QR code on every table, customers are able to order from their smartphone and the order will go straight to Vector and your kitchen printer.

 

At the start of lockdown, we helped our customers start selling online with our Vector eCommerce Lite sites. These are super simple versions of our eCommerce sites to get customers set up and online as quickly as possible.

 

“I just wanted to thank-you for your hard work and speed at getting our online shop up and running last month. Josh worked really hard on it and was very helpful throughout, despite being busy I’m sure. The website contributed hugely to our cash flow position, kept our plant waste down and helped pay the wages of the team I kept on” –Freddie at Bell Plantation Garden Centre

 

If you are interested in anything mentioned our account manager, Deanna, is able to give you all the information you need to get started. Give us a call on 0115 948 4848 or email info@csy.co.uk to find out more.

Dobbies’ restaurant reopens in Swansea
Eat Out to Help Out scheme supported by garden centre group

Following the green light from the Welsh Government that restaurants may reopen, Dobbies Garden Centre in Swansea opened its restaurant yesterday (Monday 3 August). The reopening coincides with the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which is available in the Swansea restaurant...


 

Following the green light from the Welsh Government that restaurants may reopen, Dobbies Garden Centre in Swansea opened its restaurant yesterday (Monday 3 August). 

 

The reopening coincides with the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which is available in the Swansea restaurant. Running from 3 to 31 August, customers will get 50% off their bill up to the value of £10, Monday to Wednesday. Diners will also be able to take advantage of further savings with VAT reduced to just 5% on food. 

 

The safety of team members and customers is Dobbies’ number one priority, and a number of social distancing measures have been put in place in the restaurant. 

 

There will be a dedicated Safety Champion who is solely responsible for ensuring all measures are being followed. The Safety Champion is on hand to answer any questions and ensure all team members and customers feel safe at all times. Team members will collect contact information from customers for NHS Test, Trace, Protect. 

 

Dobbies has adjusted the layout of its Swansea restaurant to ensure there is a safe distance between diners. A rigorous hygiene routine has been put in place, ensuring every table and tray is sanitised after use, along with contactless deliveries from suppliers. 

 

In recognition of these safety measures, all of the restaurants across the Dobbies estate, including Swansea, have been accredited as AA COVID-19 Confident.    

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We know that our customers have missed enjoying meals from our Swansea restaurant and I’m delighted we’re now able to welcome them back.

 

“The safety of our team members and customers is Dobbies’ number one priority and we’ve worked hard to ensure the safety measures we’ve put in place meet Government guidelines. We want our customers to feel safe while having an enjoyable experience, and it’s excellent to have received recognition of these efforts under the AA COVID-19 Confident scheme.”

 
HTA comments on Eat Out to Help Out scheme

Sally Cullimore, HTA Policy Manager, comments: "We have welcomed the introduction of the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme as a way to boost catering takings, although we are concerned that for many garden centres, particularly smaller ones, the discount adds another administrative burden at a time when many new systems have already been introduced, such as test and trace..."


Sally Cullimore, HTA Policy Manager, comments: "We have welcomed the introduction of the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme as a way to boost catering takings, although we are concerned that for many garden centres, particularly smaller ones, the discount adds another administrative burden at a time when many new systems have already been introduced, such as test and trace.

 

“We are also disappointed that VAT is to be paid on the gross bill, meaning that while consumers get a 50% discount, catering businesses can only claim back 47.5%. We are calling on the Government to reimburse the full 50% to all participating businesses.

 

“We are in conversation with officials from the Department for Business on a range of issues relating to catering. We have also produced a wide range of resources and materials to support the safe re-opening of catering in garden centres, and encourage everyone to continue to follow the HTA’s catering re-opening checklist."

Double growing media sales for July leaves sales areas bare

Growing media sales for July 2020 are double the level normally seen at this time of the year.  No wonder growing media sales areas are looking bare!  Sales up to the end of week 30, 26th July 2020, were 83% up on last July and double the average for the previous seven years...


 

Growing media sales for July 2020 are double the level normally seen at this time of the year.  No wonder growing media sales areas are looking bare!  Sales up to the end of week 30, 26th July 2020, were 83% up on last July and double the average for the previous seven years.

  • Westland Erin Molloys Multipurpose Compost 50 litres was the highest Top 50 climber, up 12 places to No 12.
  • Melcourt Ornamental Bark Mulch 60 litres was the highest new entry for the week at No 43.
  • Strulch Organic Straw Mulch 100 litres was a re-entry at No 41.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 
Brett Avery to join HTA Board as Vice-President

 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is delighted to announce that Brett Avery, Managing Director of Farplants, is to join the HTA Board as Vice-President...


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is delighted to announce that Brett Avery, Managing Director of Farplants, is to join the HTA Board as Vice-President.

 

Originally from New Zealand, Brett was the co-founder and Managing Director of Avery Robinson Ltd, a company distributing Dyson products, for 17 years. Brett then moved to the UK and worked for Savortex Ltd, an IoT (internet of things) hand-hygiene technology company, before moving on to Farplants as the Managing Director where he has been for over 4 years. This background and experience with other consumer sectors will make Brett a valuable addition to the HTA Board. Brett is also the Chair of the Retail Suppliers Group, represents the group on the Ornamental Management Committee, and sits on the Commercial Committee.

 

Commenting on the appointment Boyd Douglas-Davies, HTA President, said: “We are delighted to announce Brett’s appointment to the HTA Board as Vice-President. Brett has a rather unique position in our industry in that he represents a group of growers. His strong understanding of their needs, as well as the customers they serve, means he has extensive and valuable commercial insight. This along with his consumer background will prove a real asset and addition to the HTA Board.”

 

Brett Avery comments: “The HTA demonstrated its vital place in the horticultural industry in recent months throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, especially through its successful lobbying for garden centre reopening and achieving a commitment from Government to a recovery and growth strategy for the sector. Communications to members have never been more important, and whilst this is an increasingly strong area for the association,  I am honoured to be able to join the team to help steer future growth and development.”

 

The Farplants Group is a wholesale supplier of outdoor plants to garden centres and garden centre chains in the UK. Based on the West Sussex coast near Chichester, the co-operative group has four member nurseries, each specialising in different ranges. The group now produces over 11 million plants a year on 70 hectares (170 acres) of mixed facilities with a retail value of over £50 million. Up to 500 staff are employed during the peak gardening period through the spring and early summer.

 

Brett’s appointment follows the recent news about Jane Lawler, Lawler Associates; Vicky Nuttall, The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA); and Ken White, Frosts Landscape Construction, who joined the HTA Board in June.

 

Appointments will be ratified at the forthcoming HTA AGM which will take place on 16 September.

 

The HTA Board consists of:-

Boyd Douglas-Davies – British Garden Centres – President

Brett Avery – Farplants Group – Vice-President

James Barnes - HTA Chairman

Alex Vick – HTA Senior Executive and Finance Director

Adam Taylor – Taylors Bulbs – Immediate Past President

Matthew Bent – Bents Garden & Home - non-executive director

Brian Fraser – Oakover Nurseries - non-executive director

Simon Fraser – Ben Reid Garden Centre - non-executive director

Bob Hewitt – Klondyke Garden Centres – non-executive director

Jane Lawler - Lawler Associates - non-executive director

Vicky Nuttall - The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) - non-executive director

Sandy Shepherd – Ball Colegrave - non-executive director

Ken White - Frosts Landscape Construction - non-executive director

New record for July plant sales

July plant sales volumes set a new record according to the EPOS data provided by garden centres for GTN Bestsellers.  Sales for the month were 25% higher than July 2019 and 14% higher than 2018...


 

July plant sales volumes set a new record according to the EPOS data provided by garden centres for GTN Bestsellers.  Sales for the month were 25% higher than July 2019 and 14% higher than 2018.

  • Cyclamen were the highest chart climber last week, up 23 places to No 26 and Pansies were a re-entry at No 31.

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 7.2%.  Year to date vs 2019 DOWN 32.1%, vs  2018 DOWN 36.3%.

 

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Dobbies and Sainsbury’s grocery partnership launches

Dobbies Garden Centres celebrated the opening of the new look foodhall in Edinburgh on Thursday last week. This marked the launch of the wholesale partnership with Sainsbury’s, bringing a range of high-quality food and grocery products to the store in Edinburgh...


Dobbies Garden Centres celebrated the opening of the new look foodhall in Edinburgh on Thursday last week. This marked the launch of the wholesale partnership with Sainsbury’s, bringing a range of high-quality food and grocery products to the store in Edinburgh.

 

Shoppers to Dobbies’ Edinburgh can now enjoy a range which includes over 3,000 products, giving customers a choice of food to take home including ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen produce as well as other grocery, household and toiletry products.

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Today we celebrate the opening of our new look foodhall at our flagship store in Scotland, with a diverse range of Sainsbury’s products now available for customers. This new comprehensive food and grocery offer complements our garden centre ranges, providing convenience and a wide product selection for our customers.

 

“A big thank you to everyone who has worked hard to bring this partnership to fruition. We are very much looking forward to welcoming customers into the Edinburgh store.”

 

Dobbies’ is offering five lucky customers the chance to win their foodhall shopping for free at the Edinburgh store. Five shoppers will be selected at random between Thursday 30 July and Wednesday 5 August to receive the contents of their foodhall shopping basket, as part of the opening celebrations. Winners will be selected by the team members at the till point throughout the week. 

 

The store is open 09:00 to 17:00 daily with social distancing measures in place.

 

Find out more at www.dobbies.com

Autumn 2020 will be the new spring for lawncare categories, says Johnsons Lawn Seed

Garden retailers are set to benefit from one of the most lucrative autumns that the lawncare category has ever experienced – with significant opportunities to drive footfall and growth, according to Johnsons Lawn Seed...

 


Garden retailers are set to benefit from one of the most lucrative autumns that the lawncare category has ever experienced – with significant opportunities to drive footfall and growth, according to Johnsons Lawn Seed.

 

The UK’s oldest grass seed supplier says three novel influences are set to combine, resulting in heightened potential to maximise revenue from lawncare departments: a new generation of younger consumers who discovered gardening for the first time during the spring lockdown; gardeners looking to sow and feed lawns who were unable to obtain product while garden centres remained closed in spring, and shoppers who found that their lawns were damaged by the early season drought and are seeking to repair turf before winter.

 

Here, Johnson’s Lawn Seed’s Consumer Manager, Guy Jenkins, looks at how Johnsons Lawn Seed is rising to the challenge of catering for a rapidly changing lawncare sector:

 

How could lockdown influence the lawncare category?

“Lockdown saw more people than ever before begin to engage with gardening and, despite the unprecedented Covid-19 turbulence that has shaken garden retail this season, the industry now stands in a prime position to capture a new generation of consumers. A recent survey by LV General Insurance found that people aged between 25 and 39 spent nearly twice as much money on their gardens during lockdown, compared to other ages. The study found that millennials – a group that is poised to unleash considerable spending power – spent £213 on their outdoor spaces since mid-March, compared to an average of £125 for other UK age groups. Significantly, the report claimed that 74% of people said they had changed the way they used their garden during lockdown, pointing to an increase in outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. Lawns are the focal point of outdoor living and consumers now demand superior, natural products that are child and pet safe.”

 

How does Johnsons Lawn Seed plan to grow its market share?

“Education, quality product that builds brand loyalty through performance, and value for money hold the key. Johnsons Lawn Seed is celebrating its 200th anniversary during 2020, but this is more than simply celebrating the company’s heritage. It has been well documented that gardening skills are no longer being passed down through generations, with many new consumers lacking horticultural knowledge and confidence, while being unfamiliar with top performing products. To address this issue, Johnsons Lawn Seed has widened the scope of its communications, targetting home and regional media, in addition to core gardening writers and broadcasters – while engaging with key influencers, bloggers, vloggers and social channels – to spread awareness of the company’s market-leading product portfolio to an emerging generation of first-time gardeners and home-owners.”

 

How important is new product development?

“Innovation holds the key to growth and a strategy of developing unique products that meet the needs of modern consumers has placed Johnsons Lawn Seed in a prime position. DLF Seeds, our parent company, invests €14million into research and development every year – that programme of research has enabled us to bring to market eco-friendly lawncare products that have been engineered to perform in the most demanding conditions; a new generation of products that are tailor made for a warming and unpredictable climate.”

 

What has R&D successfully brought to market?

“Take Tuffgrass with Dog Patch Resistance, for example – it’s the culmination of 672 tests on 168 varieties of grass across seven species. The result is the UK’s first grass seed mix that’s scientifically proven to resist lawn damage caused by dog urine, resulting in a product with extensive appeal to gardeners and pet-owners alike. Quick Lawn’s new Accelerator seed treatment technology results in rapid germination and fast lawn establishment, while requiring just a third of the amount of water that’s usually needed – meeting the needs of consumers who demand instant results and lawns that will cope with climate change. We’ve seen a shift towards natural and organic products, with Super Smart Lawn Feed – a 100% organic, 3-in1 feed that feeds lawns, greens grass and boosts root development – catering for family-orientated gardeners who are no longer prepared to use chemicals on grass.”

 

How is Johnsons Lawn Seed helping retailers?

“Product flies off the shelves when it instantly communicates clear benefits to consumers. Few shoppers know the difference between dwarf perennial ryegrass or creeping red fescue so, through bold design and messaging, the Johnsons portfolio clearly identifies the suitability of each product: Luxury Lawn, Shady Place, After Moss, General Purpose and Lawn Thickener, for example, all convey their suitability at the point of purchase without bombarding shoppers with science. DLF Seeds is now the UK distributor for Neudorff’s leading natural gardening care range, taking advantage of Johnsons’ extensive distribution network to supply an effective naturals range that chimes with Britain’s growing band of eco-conscious consumers, helping to expand sales throughout the gardening season. The Johnsons and Neudorff brands are ideally positioned to address the needs of new consumers who are keen to garden in tune with nature and protect the environment.”
 

Find out more

To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed products please visit http://www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range.aspx

 

 
Surge in home and garden businesses trading online

More British SMEs than ever are trading online in the Home & Garden sector, according to the latest figures from GS1 UK...


More British SMEs than ever are trading online in the Home & Garden sector, according to the latest figures from GS1 UK. 

 

Since the start of the year, more than 1,000 companies in the Home & Garden space have signed up to become members of GS1 UK, with over 200 signing up in June alone.   

 

Sarah Atkins, CMO & Membership Director of GS1 UK, said: “Our membership is highly reflective of how both consumers and business are reacting to COVID-19. Demand for home and garden products is being driven by people trying to make the restrictions bearable. It isn’t just the usual products however; there has been rocketing demand for hot tubs as well as the more usual barbeques and garden accessories, as we face a summer of uncertainty over holiday plans.   

 

“In June, we had more than 1,200 new joiners across all sectors and, of those, almost 16% sell products for the home, showing people are making the most of their private spaces while usual routines have been restricted.  It’s been harder to buy products in shops with social distancing measures in place, so a lot of smaller businesses have had to go online to sell their products and ensure their survival.” 

 

GS1 UK’s findings coincide with the latest ONS data which shows that retail sales neared pre-lockdown levels in June as pent-up demand was released and shoppers started to return to non-essential stores.    

 

COVID-19 has forced us to think differently about how we shop and many SMEs have had to pivot their business in creative ways to respond. There has been an expansion of online hubs such as Small and Mighty, where communities of SMEs have been brought together to offer variety to the consumer like never before. This is made possible by expertise from community founders such as Young Foodies; technology that is now more flexible and easy to deploy; and the quality data that GS1 UK can help its members generate.  

 

Another example would be Creative Locals; the platform that has been set up to help independent businesses reach a broader audience in their local communities and often beyond. It gives small brands the chance to reach new shoppers and provides the public with an opportunity to support them and is a more sustainable shop, a trend GS1 UK believes will continue in the ‘new normal’.  It offers SMEs an easy way to drive online sales with combine marketing effort, and gives consumers the chance to sample new products that they can’t browse the shelves for. 

 

Other sectors GS1 UK’s has witnessed strong increases in during 2020 include Health & Beauty (more than 1,100 new joiners in 2020) and Apparel, Footwear & Accessories (700+).  

 

Atkins added: “It is no surprise that during a global pandemic there should be more new joiners in the health space, but even before the current crisis we had seen a steady rise in this area as people take more accountability for their own wellbeing. There were concerns earlier in lockdown that new guidelines would mean that companies in the beauty and apparel space would suffer, but continued growth in those areas shows that people continue to want to take care of themselves.” 

 

Despite strong growth elsewhere, Food & Grocery represents the largest percentage of overall GS1 UK membership (13%) and there is an increasing trend of new brands joining to trade though marketplaces, as well as supermarkets.  

 

Atkins continued: “In order to prioritise essential items, supermarkets delisted non-core merchandise, much of which is produced by SMEs. It’s not a case of supermarkets being heartless. It’s just the reality of COVID-19. Retailers were reducing choice to ensure they stocked the staples. Consumers have changed their behaviour with the return of the larger single weekly shop that is more functional and less of a browsing experience. More robust supply chains have had to be introduced to keep shelves stocked, but these small manufacturers have had to become more inventive in order to not become the innocent victims of the war against the virus.”  

 

From product barcodes to patient wristbands, GS1 standards have been transforming the way we work and live for more than 40 years.  GS1 UK is one of 115 neutral and independent GS1 organisations operating worldwide.

 

Whether online, in store or in a hospital, the common language of GS1 global standards is helping our community of more than 42,000 organisations across Britain to uniquely identify, describe and track anything, creating greater trust in data for everyone. 

 

www.gs1uk.org / @gs1uk 

 

Chain Reaction

With the launch of the EGO Power+ 45cm chainsaw (CS1800E), market-leading cordless specialist EGO is helping gardening, landscaping, arboriculture professionals cut faster and more efficiently, while also minimising harm to people and the environment...


With the launch of the EGO Power+ 45cm chainsaw (CS1800E), market-leading cordless specialist EGO is helping gardening, landscaping, arboriculture professionals cut faster and more efficiently, while also minimising harm to people and the environment.

 

The latest addition to a range which also includes a 30cm and 40cm chainsaw, the new tool is specially designed to meet professional needs by combining comfort, durability and high performance in a robust and easy-to-handle design.

 

Using an efficient brushless motor powered by pioneering 56-volt Arc lithium-ion technology, the EGO chainsaw features an impressive chain speed of 20m/s and bumper spikes to increase control when cutting logs, while a chain brake adds to safe operation. For ease of use, automatic oiling and tensioning features mean there’s no tooling and less maintenance on the job, while additional features - such as an LED light and easy oil inspection – add up to one of the most advanced battery chainsaws on the market.

 

Representing the ultimate in cordless technology it delivers all the power of petrol, without the harmful side effects. Indeed, with a noise rating of 93LpA/104 LwA and a vibration of 5.1/3.5m/s2 it can be used comfortably and safely for extended periods, minimising the risk of RSI and white finger.

 

Manufactured from robust, weatherproof materials for longer service life, it’s also compatible with a choice of high-performance batteries, with runs times from 40 cuts with the 2.5Ah battery up to 160 cuts with the new 10Ah battery – enough for a full day’s work. EGO Power+ 45cm chainsaw (CS1800E) weighs 4.5kg without batteries.

 

The market leader in cordless outdoor power equipment, the EGO range includes mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers & brush cutters and a multi-tool.

 

Helping professionals work safely and efficiently, the EGO Power+ 45cm chainsaw retails at £239.00 and comes with a two-year professional warranty.

 
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Core gardening lines win the day in record July

July was a boom month for garden product sales as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volume sales index.  July 2020 at the end of week 30 was 23% up on July 2019...


 

July was a boom month for garden product sales as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volume sales index.  July 2020 at the end of week 30 was 23% up on July 2019.

 

If we compare July 2019 with July 2014, the previous month high, the make up of products sold is radically different.  In July 2014 garden lighting dominated, this July its been core gardening lines that win the day even though it’s been hard to re-stock shelves since re-opening.

  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Plant Food 1 litre is the highest chart climber, up 33 places to No 12.
  • Westland Organic Rooting Gel 150ml is a new entry at No 40.
  • Smart Solar Cool Flame Silhouette Lantern is the highest re-entry at No 13.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 

The new President of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Keith Weed, appointed on 31 July 2020, commits to increasing the gardening charity’s focus on sustainability and helping to mitigate climate change as a key priority.

 

Keith will be calling on all gardeners, both existing and the many recent new gardeners, to help the gardening revolution grow by not only continuing to make our gardens and local areas more beautiful but to make our environment more sustainable too.

 

Keith Weed said; “The UK has led the world over many centuries in innovating and creating amazing gardens and now it is our time to lead again in the role of gardeners as the guardians of gardens and environmental and social sustainability.”

 

Keith is renowned for championing new ways of integrating sustainability into businesses as a key driver of growth and impact, while reducing their environmental footprint and increasing their positive social impact.

 

Whilst he was Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Unilever he led the company’s groundbreaking sustainability programme, including the creation of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.  He retired from Unilever in May 2019.

 

Some 15 million people visited the RHS website in the first 100 days of lockdown (in the whole of last year 20 million people visited the site) and 200% more people came to RHS advice pages to find out how to grow food. Over Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show more young people visited the RHS website than ever before – visitors under 35 formed 28% of the online audience, some 588,000 of 2.1 million, up 118% from last year.  RHS Instagram grew by 20% in the 25-34 range between April and June.

 

Keith continued; “It is an honour to become the President of the RHS, especially in current times when this charity has never done so much to keep the nation gardening for our health and well-being and for the health of the planet.  We have been reaching newer, younger audiences and must do all we can to feed, engage and support this new passion.

 

“The very heart of what the RHS does, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden and grow a diversity of plants, is good for the environment, for our pollinators and helps to mitigate pollution and prevent flooding, but there is always more we can all do to support abating the Climate Change crisis. I look forward to furthering the great work Sue Biggs and her RHS team have already been doing, including the Greening Great Britain Campaign (https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/greening-great-britain).

 

“In addition to beautiful gardens, I am particularly interested in the role of science and flora biodiversity.  We are currently burning nature’s library, now is the time to act and address the biodiversity crisis.  Once a plant is gone it is gone for ever.

 

“Another important priority for both the RHS and the wider horticultural world is to help increase diversity in the horticulture industry and in this charity; on our boards, in our teams, in our gardens, at our shows and across our work. This will continue to be a collective and collaborative approach where we need to work with people from all backgrounds, all ethnicities, all ages, and the wider horticulture industry to shape the future of the RHS.

 

“As the RHS continues to reach out to younger people we need to make the message clearer than ever that gardening can make a positive difference to our lives and the environment, inviting more people to join the magic and positive impact of gardening.”

 

Keith has a lifelong love for gardening, from growing vegetables as a young boy to being an enthusiastic hands on gardener today. He recently developed the garden at his home, including the design and redevelopment of a walled garden, wildflower meadow, topiary lawn, herbaceous border and productive vegetable and fruit garden. 

 

He is an RHS member and Fellow and lives just 7 miles from RHS Garden Wisley. 

 

Keith finishes: “Going forward I believe the role of science and flora diversity will grow in importance in an increasingly challenged world – making the RHS more vital and more needed than ever.

 

“I feel privileged to serve the RHS as President and bring my passion for gardening and business experience to help shape the next chapter of the charity.”

 
Seven different suppliers in Wild Bird Care Top 50 chart

Wild Bird Care is one sector that isn’t matching other gardening sectors for sales growth and catch up.  The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 volume index for July shows a drop on last year of 5% on last year...


 

Wild Bird Care is one sector that isn’t matching other gardening sectors for sales growth and catch up.  The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 volume index for July shows a drop on last year of 5% on last year.

 

The make up of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart makes interesting reading as this week there are products from seven different suppliers, more than we’ve seen for a long while.

  • Henry Bell Superior Seed Mix 2kg is the highest chart climber, up 20 places to No 25.
  • Smart Garden Chapelwood 30cm Supreme Seed Feeder is the highest placed re-entry at No 20.
  • Marriages Basics Energy Balls 50 Tub are the highest new entry at No 35.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues

The summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues with the GTN Bestsellers All Products Index showing a 3% week in week increase to be 33% up on last year...


 

The summer bonanza for garden centre sales continues with the GTN Bestsellers All Products Index showing a 3% week in week increase to be 33% up on last year.  

 

With a whole week still to go the GTN Index for July is only 3% down on the whole month for last year and higher than the whole month total for 2018, 2017, 2011 and 2012.  Next week we will be able to report on yet another sales record broken since garden centres were able to re-open.

 

Core gardening continues to be the main driver for volume sales, with records also being set for Garden Products, Growing Media, Veg 2 Gro and All Plants.

 

It will be interesting to see if making the wearing of face masks compulsory on Friday 24th July makes a difference to footfall and sales.  Sales of face masks in garden centres are certainly on the up!  See the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter for details of bestselling face masks featuring in the GTN Bestsellers EPoS data:  www.gardentradenews.co.uk

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 29

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 22%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 110%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 8%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 125%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 29

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 29%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 33%

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
GIMA announces virtual Buyer Connect session with British Garden Centres

On Tuesday 18th August, GIMA along with buyers from the UK’s second largest garden centre chain, British Garden Centres, will be hosting a special virtual Buyer Connect event...


On Tuesday 18th August, GIMA along with buyers from the UK’s second largest garden centre chain, British Garden Centres, will be hosting a special virtual Buyer Connect event.

 

Representing the second virtual event in the 2020 Buyer Connect calendar, this speed networking opportunity will allow potential suppliers to ‘meet’ with buyers responsible for sourcing British Garden Centre’s gift, gardening, Christmas and furniture offering for Spring/Summer 2020/2021.  

 

After taking advantage of the recent Wyevale dispersals, and more recently acquiring the Hillview group, British Garden Centres has grown exponentially, and now incorporates 57 stores across England and Wales, making it the second biggest garden centre chain in the UK. As such this Buyer Connect event marks an incredibly exciting opportunity for brands to showcase their latest product innovations to this highly engaged and influential group of buyers.

 

Each virtual ‘meeting’ will last 20 minutes and will be open to any supplier that does not currently trade with British Garden Centres.

 

Taking part could not be easier. To secure an appointment interested parties are invited to complete an application form (found at https://gima.org.uk/buyer-connect/ or by following the links below) and submit it to info@gima.org.uk. Do note that whilst efforts are taken to fulfil all requests, an appointment is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the buyers.

 

The cost for taking part in this virtual Buyer Connect event will be £60+VAT per appointment for GIMA members, and £120+VAT per appointment for non-members.

 

Closing Date for applications:  Friday 7th August 2020

 

To find out more please visit www.gima.org.uk or call 01959 564947.

 

Link to application form:

Buyer Connect Application Form .xls
Buyer Connect Application Form .pdf

 
Face masks from Global Journey are a garden centre bestseller
GTN Promotion

There was good news for the range of Global Journey Face Masks last week. The aggregated sales of their face mask range make them the No 1 selling face masks in garden centres according to GTN Bestsellers...


There was good news for the range of Global Journey Face Masks last week. The aggregated sales of their face mask range make them the No 1 selling face masks in garden centres according to GTN Bestsellers.

Compared to sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart they would be at No 3, sitting between Tomorite 1 litre + 30% free and Tomorite 1 litre!

 

Since the launch of the Global Journey Face Masks earlier this month, sales in the garden centres have been astounding, with some customers reporting sales of £400 - £800 per day.

 

Claire Jenner at Frosts Garden Centres said: "Great sales on the face masks last week. You went in as our No.2 supplier on clothing last week at £1.6k. We are now chasing our tail on replenishing.  How soon could you get a stand and stock to our Brampton store? We didn’t include them in the original offer, but with the sales so strong it seems daft they haven’t got it."

 

Customer feedback is mainly focused on the great quality, superb designs, and great retail price of £3.99. There are 48 designs, 24 adult and 24 kids (48 x 6 @ £1.70) displayed on a slimline stand measuring only 46cm width.

 

They are breathable baby soft polyester, with an Anti-Microbial finish. They are shaped to hug, washable and re-usable. They have been so successful, that new designs are already being worked on in time for Autumn / Winter.

 

To order or for more information simply call 0161 8720333 or email isamuels@global-journey.com

 




 
All time high for July growing media sales

Growing media sales for July are already at an all time high, 39% up on last years record high after only 3 weeks of sales. It would appear the desire to grow in pots and planters will continue through the summer this year...


Growing media sales for July are already at an all time high, 39% up on last years record high after only 3 weeks of sales. It would appear the desire to grow in pots and planters will continue through the summer this year.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Erin Molloys Multipurpose Compost 50 litres is the highest new entry to the GTN chart this week.  In at No 24.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multi Purpose with John Innes 40 litres stays at No 1.
  • Bulrush John Innes Seed 25 litres is another new entry at No 49.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Eat Out To Help Out at Dobbies

Dobbies are taking part in the UK Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme which gives diners 50% off their restaurant bill up to the value of £10 and they have been awarded AA COVID-19 Confident accreditation across all 68 restaurants...


Dobbies, along with many other garden centres, are taking part in the UK Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme which gives diners 50% off their restaurant bill up to the value of £10.

 

Running from 3 to 31 August, Monday to Wednesday each week, the offer will be available across all Dobbies’ restaurants, allowing customers to enjoy the brand’s delicious meals, cakes and treats for less. Diners will also be able to take advantage of further savings with VAT reduced to just 5% on food, making eating out even more cost-effective.

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We know many of our customers have missed enjoying spending time with family and friends in our restaurants and we’re delighted to welcome them back. By participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme we are making sure our customers can enjoy their Dobbies’ favourites for less.”

 

All restaurants across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland now open, with plans to reopen Wales on Monday 3 August, in line with Government guidance. Dobbies was awarded AA COVID-19 Confident accreditation across all 68 restaurants due to stringent safety measures.

 

Graeme Jenkins adds: “The safety of our team members and customers is Dobbies’ number one priority. We have worked hard to ensure the safety measures we’ve put in place meet Government guidelines and will keep both our team members and customers safe. It is excellent to have received recognition of these efforts under the AA COVID-19 Confident scheme.”

 

For more information visit dobbies.com
For information on the safety measures in place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_cbz1Wg7aU
For information on the Dobbies’ Safety Champion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00PeKsG3Dqw

 
 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...


Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

 

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for last week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart for last week are here

 

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

All the latest news from the world of pet products


Specialist Trade Support from Brambles

 

Brambles Pet and Wildlife have added links from their Facebook page to their stockists page on their website to help increase retail sales of their products...


Brambles Pet and Wildlife have added links from their Facebook page to their stockists page on their website to help increase retail sales of their products.

 

David Tracey, Sales Manager at The Hatchwell Company/Brambles Pet and Wildlife told Pet Trade Xtra: "With so many manufactures selling direct and offering large discounts, we thought we’d show our support to specialist retailers.

 

"We recently added a ‘Shop Now’ button to our Facebook page which links straight through to our stockist’s page on our website. As we get very high engagement levels on Social Media it could help increase sales of Brambles products through your store!"

 

If you’re a Brambles stockist and would like to be added to their stockist page please send your logo to david@bramblespaw.co.uk

 
PetQuip supports and promotes the British exhibitor group for the rescheduled Interzoo show on 1-4 June 2021

PetQuip is already planning for the rescheduled Interzoo, which will now take place in Nuremberg, Germany, on 1-4 June 2021...


PetQuip is already planning for the rescheduled Interzoo, which will now take place in Nuremberg, Germany, on 1-4 June 2021.

 

The international pet trade exhibition was due to take place on 19-22 May this year but the organisers decided to postpone the show because of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Now that a new date has been confirmed, those UK companies still intending to exhibit can work on their plans for the show. For eligible SMEs taking part there should be the added advantage of Department for International Trade grants to help offset the cost of a stand. PetQuip has put in a request for grants to be made available for the new show dates and it is hoped that at least £1,000 per eligible exhibitor will be available.

 

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2021 show should contact Katie-Mai Smith at katie-mai@petquip.com for further information or visit www.petquip.com for stand details, costs and booking forms.

 

When the decision to postpone Interzoo was made, PetQuip put together a package of additional publicity and support to ensure PetQuip’s UK group of Interzoo 2020 brands and product introductions were promoted to buyers through key international media.     

 

An HTML UK group brochure for PetQuip’s Interzoo 2020 exhibitors is being compiled and this will be sent out to buyers selected from the association’s exclusive international buyer database in the coming weeks. By carrying out these activities PetQuip will be able to promote exhibitors’ brands and products to a wide range of international buyers who would have been visiting the PetQuip information stand and the UK group at this year’s event.

 

PetQuip starts the promotion process here by highlighting companies and products that were due to be present at Interzoo on the original show date this year – please see the attached document for details of these companies and their products.

 

PetQuip is the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers. The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector, providing a catalyst for business contact between manufacturers, suppliers and international buyers around the world.  As part of its free UK pet product sourcing service to overseas buyers, PetQuip publishes the PetQuip Buyers’ Guide, which includes a directory of members’ product ranges, and copies are available to all buyers on request.

 

PetQuip is also holding a series of virtual Meet the International Buyer events, bringing buyers and suppliers together to create new business opportunities for both via video conference calls. Please contact katie-mai@petquip.com if you are a buyer or distributor who would like to meet with innovative UK pet product and accessory suppliers.

 

Please contact PetQuip if you would like to benefit from membership of the association or require any further advice and assistance: 

Email: info@petquip.com

Website: www.petquip.com