Garden Centres Report Strong October Sales

The latest figures from the Garden Centre Association show October revenues were up 13% despite catering being -19% lower than last year.

Indoor plant sales increased by 48% compared to a year ago and almost matched the sales of seeds and bulbs.

Garden sundry sales continue their growth, up 40%, showing there is still a desire to garden.  Outdoor plant sales were also strong, up 33% on last year when sales had been weak.  

Christmas already the biggest product category

The early boost to Christmas sales continues from last month.  Sales are up 28% and were the biggest product category, just ahead of gift sales (+16%) and overtaking of plants and gardening.

Year to date

Year to date garden centre sales are now within a percentage point or two of 2019, even though catering income, typically over 20% of total sales, is -45% down for the year.  

The growth areas have been garden sundries (+8%), outdoor furniture and barbecues (+5%) and farm food halls (+13%).

Outdoor plant sales are still -9% down on 2019, due to the lost April/May sales in the Covid-19 lockdown.

Source : Reproduced with permission from George Bullivant of GardenForum

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.