Wet weather throughout June (2022) affected sales in garden centers across the country, according to the latest Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.
Catering was the only category with positive sales at 5.83% up compared to the same month last year (2021).
Iain Wylie
GCA Chief Executive Iain Wylie explains: “June was a bit of a washout across the country, which really affected sales across our member’s garden centers. Catering was the only category with positive sales for the month. However, this is because it is still making up for losses during the pandemic.
“We had hoped that the extended Bank Holiday weekend for the Platinum Jubilee would make up for the loss of the normally busy May Bank Holiday, and while the weather was good, centers were relatively quiet on Saturday and Sunday as people join in with street parties and other celebrations, rather than getting out and doing some gardening.
“It was generally difficult for gardeners to get out onto their plots during the month due to the weather, and sales in traditional categories show this. Sales in outdoor plants were down -22.39%. Seed and bulb sales were down -7.96%, and houseplant sales were down -13.67%.”
Sales in garden sundries were down by 26.31%, furniture and barbecue sales were down by 11.86%, and pets and aquatics sales were down by 13.85%.
Hard landscaping sales were down by 33.05%, food hall and farm shop sales were down by 10.23%, and clothing sales were down by 10.02%.
Overall sales for the month were down by 16.3%, with a year-to-date variance of minus 0.52%.
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 centers have submitted their results.
The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centers.
The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centers nationwide.
Through sharing information and its inspection program, the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality, and reliability.
For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk .