The Horticultural Trades Association ’s ( HTA ) Market Update reputation for April record that nationally garden center sale were up 97 % in March compare with March 2020 when there were nine day few trading time due to the closing of garden centers during the first lockdown .
However , comparing this data to March 2019 shows that overall garden plaza cut-rate sale are well ahead of a more typical class too , with March 2021 sales 56 % up on March 2019 . This is despite the continued closure of catering outlets , and of garden center in the devolved nations .
In what is usually a quiet month for outside leisure , March 2021 see exceptional sales of garden furniture , BBQs and heating , and garden features and structures , as consumer looked to organize their gardens for host social gatherings once lockdown limitation are alleviate . As a result , Average Transaction Values were up 45 % on March 2020 and up 77 % on March 2019 to £ 36.58 .
sales event of plants , plant charge , and garden tools stay strong as consumers face another Spring of restrictions and more leisure time at home . anecdotical grounds from HTA member across the UK suggests the Easter Bank Holiday weekend will have seen April get off to a likewise substantial start .
Helen MacDonald , of Merryhatton Garden Centre and HTA Council representative for Scotland , say : “ Despite it being an icy cold Bank Holiday Monday our first customers were hold off for the gate to open at 9 am and customers tell us they are overjoyed to be able-bodied to visit , with some even saying that they ’ve been reckon down the days until they could come to the garden center again ! The checkout time were constantly busy all day , with the majority of purchase being plants and garden caution .
Nicola Pugh , of Pugh ’s Garden Centers and HTA Council instance for Wales , say : “ It ’s an unbelievable position to chance ourselves in and we are having record daily sales , but there is clearly high demand across the industry and a lot of pressure on the supply range . As fast as we are rank in neckcloth , shelves are emptying . We are very grateful to be back open . ”
John Shannon , of Inver Garden Center and HTA Council representative for Northern Ireland , said : “ We were capable to offer click and collect over the Easter Bank Holiday and it has been very successful . We have had very few problems , with client all more than happy to amount and pile up and to make up over the telephone with debit entry / recognition carte . ”
Fiona Dean , of Ravensworth Nurseries and HTA Council representative for Yorkshire and the North East , said : “ Over Easter , our heavy trafficker were append value for instant colour , such as hanging baskets and filled planters - we could just keep up with those - and seeds , lots of seeds , both veggie , and flowers . ”
The Market Update report discourse other factors affect the Department of State of craft , including encouraging improvements to consumer ratings of fiscal confidence and falling inflation and unemployment level .
The theme is available for HTA membersto download now .
For more selective information : Horticultural Trades Association19 High Street ThealeReading , West BerkshireRG7 5AH , United Kingdom+44 ( 0)118 930 3132www.the-hta.org.uk
