Garden Centres see jump in house plant sales

Houseplant sales were on the up at garden centres across the country in July, according to the results of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report.

Compared to the same month last year, sales were up almost 14% and Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “It was great to see houseplant sales on the increase during July, however it couldn’t beat off the stiff competition from clothing sales, which have been the top seller for the third month in a row.

“Seeds and bulbs sales were 7.9% up and food hall and farm shop sales were 0.2% up. Outdoor plants were down -0.2%. garden sundries were down -3.9% and furniture and barbecue sales were also down -3.%.”

Pets and aquatics sales were up 3.9% and hard landscaping was down -0.2%.

Philip Gass, Director at Creative Gardens, said: “July was a good month for us with strong sales increases across the board. The business as a whole saw sales grow 16.5% on July 2016 figures, this increase was boosted by recent improvement works to our Bushmills centre. Our other two locations, Donaghadee and Galgorm Castle, showed growth of around 6%.

“When compared to the same month last year the following departments saw excellent growth: barbecues up 79%, furniture up 117%, helped by increased floor space and better levels of stock, food, confectionary and catering performed well with growth of just under 10%.

“Plant departments did well despite the wet weather, with sales increases of 13% on outdoor plants and 17% on houseplant sales. Our transaction count was up 10.2% on the previous July and our average spend increased by 5.7%.”

Member garden centre sales showed an average overall increase for the month of 2% and a Year to Date growth of 4%.

Justin Williams, Managing Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre, said: “We had an excellent July, 40% up on a reasonable July last year (2016). Garden and furniture and clothing formed the backbone of the increase with a continued strong performance from plants. Plants have been well performing since last September.”

The GCA BoT reports 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 reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

 The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Source: Insight Team & Garden Centre Association press release.

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