The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures for October highlights a predominant ‘strong food theme’ at member garden centers for the year 2023. GCA BoT figures for October:
In October, eight out of the GCA’s 13 categories experienced positive growth, contributing to a positive year-to-date variance of +2.27%, as reported by member centers. Despite challenging conditions for plant sales due to persistent wet weather, catering emerged as the strongest performing category with an impressive +12.97% increase. The trend of the robust food theme persisted, with food halls and farm shops showing an encouraging +8.33% growth. Additionally, there was a notable uptick in Christmas sales, extending into November.
The top-performing categories in October included catering (+12.97%), miscellaneous and other items (+12.57%), food hall/farm shop (+8.33%), clothing (+7.07%), and Christmas (+4.78%). Pet & aquatics achieved a positive growth of +3.02%, along with garden sundries at +2.97%, and hard landscaping at +2.08%.
However, certain categories experienced a decline in sales compared to October 2022, with furniture and BBQ sales down by -29.03%, houseplants down by -7.64%, outdoor plants down by -4.78%, seeds and bulbs down by -0.41%, and gifts down by -0.06%.
The GCA BoT reports, compiled using actual sales figures, provide an up-to-date trading position statement, allowing members to compare their trading positions with other centers. The reports, released mid-month following the end of the prior month, offer valuable insights into the industry’s performance.
As the representative body for garden centers nationwide, the GCA facilitates information sharing and supports its members through inspection programs, fostering high standards in customer service, plant quality, and reliability. For more information, visit www.gca.org.uk.