GCA figures show ‘strong start to Christmas sales’
Catering was fourth on 9.2%, with food hall/farm shop being up by 7.16%.
The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade figures for September show a ‘strong start to Christmas sales’ and some ‘encouraging’ signs. From the 13 categories logged by member garden centres, 10 were positive when compared to 2024, with clothing finishing in the top spot at +12.89%.
Unsurprisingly, Christmas came second on12.75%. Catering was fourth on 9.2%, with food hall/farm shop being up by 7.16%.
'A very encouraging month’s figures'
Peter Burks, chief executive of the GCA, said: “Members have reported a very encouraging month’s figures for September, helped by the change in the weather. This clearly shows that there was some pent-up gardening demand through the hot conditions across the summer months.
“It’s good to see a very strong start to Christmas sales. It really would be the icing on the cake if this can continue, as it would sign the year off brilliantly.
“Both gardening and non-gardening categories are doing well – this suggests customers were shopping the whole centre in September, which is a testament to members’ merchandising skills. With the mild weather remaining, hopefully this will continue well throughout the coming month too.”
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