Farm shops and houseplant sales dominated at UK garden centers this May ( 2021 ) , consort to the Garden Centre Association ’s ( GCA ) recent Barometer of Trade ( BoT ) report . As centre in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland reopened mid - May in 2020 , this report used figure from 2019 and unwrap farm shop sales were up 90.24 % in May 2021.Iain WylieIain Wylie , GCA Chief Executive , explain : “ May has always been a strong month for sales across member centers . This May was no exception as people continued to embrace the pleasure of gardening as a pursuit and prepared their gardens and outside spaces for summer entertaining . Over the course of action of the class , garden centers have remained one - stop shops for visitors require crucial horticulture products and plant particularly those with the add benefit of food halls and farm shops , that have also been providing essential intellectual nourishment to people in their community of interests and wishing to shop topically . ““While indoor hospitality remains restricted , garden centre have still been able to offer up their customers all they postulate to love their garden of all sizing – whether windowsill or large plots – all in calming and airy surround , that are well - spaced and COVID-19 compliant . ““Although we ’ve compared name to 2019 , 11 out of 13 categories have interpret a rise in sales . Once again , houseplant have also continue a top trafficker with sale up 67.85 % and the overall demand for works and associated product has remained high . houseplant are vital to those who do not have out-of-door space . As scientific research has shown , even the lowly pot industrial plant can aid with our well - being and benefit our mental and strong-arm wellness . This has been a key sales event area during the past year , stimulated by the younger genesis who are majestic plant parents . Similarly , the millions of new gardeners who cull up the hobby during the late lockdowns remain sharp and this has help boost sales . ”The partial ongoing restrictions during May and the continued restriction for hospitality have ensue in ply sales remaining down -38.79 % as people have potentially instead opted for dining at home , especially with some inclement weather during the month . “ It was readable this month that customers were continuing home renovations indoors and out , with hard landscaping sales being up 42.48 % and , with uncertainties on restrictions fully easing , provision for at - home , alfresco entertaining and staycations have proceed with furniture and BBQ gross sales up 38.77 % . Other categories that performed well in May included positron emission tomography and aquatics with sales up 38.76 % , giving up 33.44 % , article of clothing up 19.84 % and garden sundries up 16.39 % . ” Sales in outdoor plants were up too at 6.31 % , as well as seeds and bulbs at 3.99%.“Iain added : “ It ’s been very supporting to see these figures across all but two class . It demonstrates how well GCA members have adapted to the on-going change in restrictions and how provisions in non - traditional categories remain highly value and treasure by customers . Perhaps also revealing a potentially uninterrupted change in consumer behavior as people proceed to garden despite restriction for other activity lifting . Although catering is a central machine driver for step , it has n’t wash masses ’s decision to impose and buy in other areas . ” Overall sales for the month were up twelvemonth - to - escort by 7.61%.The GCA BoT report are roll up using actual sales figures and provide an up - to - date trading position instruction . They are made useable mid - calendar month postdate the end of the prior calendar month after all member garden core have submitted their results . The BoT reports allow members to liken their trading positions with other centers . The GCA represent most 200 garden plaza across the country . For more information : Garden Centre Association[email protected]gca.org.uk
