Garden Centre Sales Flourish In September

The GCA Barometer has recorded a 21% increase in garden centre sales during September, with Christmas, seeds and bulbs leading the way.

59 of the country’s top garden centres contribute to the Garden Centre Association’s survey.  Christmas sales were 58% up on the same time last year, perhaps reflecting customers determination not to be caught out by further closures as now is about to happen in Wales.

Plant sales up over 40%

Outdoor and indoor plant sales were over 40% up on last year for the month.  But, because of the spring lockdown, year to date sales of hardy plants are still -10% lower than a year ago. 

Garden sundries also indicate the growth in gardening.  They increased by 54% in the month and are now 7% up for the year despite the lock down.

Gift sales are also recovering.  In September they grew 16% but are still -15% down for the year.

Catering

Catering sales continue to recover to pre-lockdown levels.  During September they were down only -13% on last year and made up 18% of total sales.  However, they remain almost -50% down for the year. 

The average transaction value, at £11.99, is still significantly higher that £8.78 of a year ago, reflecting how the method of serving customers has changed with table service.  Fewer visitors are eating more full meals.

Source : Reproduced with permission from George Bullivant of Gardenforum

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