A quick look at how well garden centre sales were performing in May revealed that the month’s sales were 7% worse-off than in May 2018. However, by the end of the same month, 2019’s year to date sales were an impressive 9% up on 2018. 

Throughout May, two-thirds of overall sales were occupied by plants, sundries and outdoor living. Sales of hardy plants were down by 14%, garden sundries were down by 7% and outdoor living products 14% lower than the previous year. 

However, other areas performed well. Sales of pets and aquatics items had increased by over 2.5%, whilst houseplants sales were up by a whopping 17.41%. Year to date sales figures showed that, in comparison to 2018, outdoor plants were up 10%, garden sundries up by 12%, outdoor living up 10% and houseplants a clear 19% better off. 

According to the Garden Centre Association (GCA), April figures were looking good but heavy rain in June dampened sales. 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: "Compared to the Easter heatwave in April, we experienced much milder weather in May, particularly towards the end of the month with rain affecting the last Bank Holiday Weekend. This meant customers had to enjoy foliage and flowers indoors instead, causing the rise in houseplant sales.

"Once again the importance of non-traditional categories was proved as we saw a rise in catering sales during the month as garden centre customers perhaps sought shelter from the weather in restaurants and cafes.

"May 2018 was a bumper month for garden centre sales due to the good weather, so this year is quite a contrast. It would have been great to see the April heatwave continue, especially as the Bank Holiday weekends are crucial times of the year for garden centres, but it was simply one of those times where we were able to rely on the non-traditional categories, such as catering, instead."

As the UK’s largest non-food cash & carry and trade wholesaler, Stax Trade Centres stock a range of garden and outdoor products including materials and furniture. We are delighted to see that the gardening industry remains strong so far in 2019 and will continue to support our retailers all year round.