The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update suggests it is definitely not too early to start thinking about Christmas.
With 78.9% of the UK population now fully vaccinated, there will likely be a boost in holiday events and in-person shopping this year. Confidence to visit both garden centers and their cafes/restaurants is at the highest it’s been since the pandemic began, with only 5% of consumers feeling uncomfortable with visiting garden centers.
In addition, research by YouGov revealed that 30% of consumers claim they will be spending more this Christmas than last year indicating that with more future planning and bigger budgets – this Christmas will be a bigger event for many. Retailers preparing early for these Christmas shoppers could capture the early demand.
Nationally, overall garden center sales in August were level with August 2020, but 28% up on August 2019.
The report also indicates that 14% of 45–64-year-olds will begin planning for Christmas purchases from September onwards. Christmas is a special event to many and after last year’s lockdown prevented people from participating in their usual Christmas traditions many will be planning larger celebrations for 2021 to make up for that.
Members can access the report here: https://bit.ly/3le43Z3.
Horticultural Trades Association19 High Street Theale
Reading, West Berkshire
RG7 5AH, United Kingdom
+44 (0)118 930 3132
www.the-hta.org.uk