UK DIY News
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
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