Garden Centre sales up 16% in July

Revenues from restaurants were the biggest earners for garden centres in July 2019. This year, owing to the Covid-19 restrictions, they are -55% lower according to the July Barometer of Trade conducted by the Garden Centre Association.Despite the deflated catering, overall sales were +16% up on last year, driven by strong sales for the month of garden sundries (+49%), garden furniture and barbecues (+44%) and outdoor plants (+33%).For 2020 so far outdoor living sales are now up 6%, while garden sundry sales are on a par with last year. Outdoor plant sales, although performing strongly, are still -17% down for the year.Impulse lines still weakThere are signs of recovery this month by some impulse lines such as gifts (+13%), but clothing (-15%) continues to be depressed. For the year to date their sales are (-23%) and (-36%) respectively.Growth not shared by allAlthough the average growth for the month for the 51 garden centres contributing to the survey was +16%. 10 garden centres reported that sales were lower than 12 months ago. Some of these may be because they have yet to reopen their catering facilities.Increase in average spendThere has been a marked increase in what customers spend when visiting garden centres. The average spend increased to £32.83 from £27.67, +18% in July.For catering, the average bill has grown even more, +32% to £11.63 from £8.78 a year ago.Source : Insight DIY Reproduced with permission from Gardenforum