September's Garden Centre Association Barometer of Trade shows a ‘strong start to Christmas sales’ and some ‘encouraging’ figures.

From the 13 categories logged by member garden centres, 10 were positive, when compared to 2024, with clothing in the top spot at +12.89%.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks explains: “Members have reported a very encouraging month’s figures for September, helped by the change in the weather, and clearly showing that there was some pent-up gardening demand through the hot conditions across the summer months.

“It’s good to see a very strong start to Christmas sales. It really would be the icing on the cake if this can continue, as it would sign the year off brilliantly. Both gardening and non-gardening categories are doing well – this suggests customers were shopping the whole centre in September, which is a testament to members’ merchandising skills. With the mild weather remaining, hopefully this will continue well throughout the coming month too.”

Christmas came second in the BoT in September, when compared to the same month in 2025, and was up at +12.75%, followed by gifts at +9.67%. Catering came next at +9.2%.

The garden sundries category recorded an uptick of +8.64%, with seeds & bulbs next at +8.09% and food hall/farm shop at +7.16%. Outdoor plants did well too when compared with September 2024, coming in ninth with +3.94% and pets & aquatics was also up by +3.22%.

Those categories that recorded negatively, when likened with September 2024, where houseplants with -5.77% and hard landscaping at -9.09%. Followed in 13th place by furniture & BBQs at -24.47%.

The GCA’s BoT reports covering 13 categories 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.