Houseplants and catering sales were up at garden centres across the United Kingdom during May (2019) according to the Garden Centre Association's (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report, similar sentiments were echoed in the HTA Market Update.
Sales in houseplants were up 17.41% and catering was up 10.6% compared to the same month last year (2018).
Compared to the Easter heatwave in April, the UK 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.
Outdoor plant sales were down -14.2% and seeds and bulbs down -3.83% due to the time of year. Garden sundries sales were also down -6.55% and after a flurry of sales during the April heatwave, sales in furniture and barbecues were down -14.03% this month. Hard landscaping sales were down -4.55% and food hall and farm shop sales were down -0.57%.
Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home, said: “May 2019 has been a complete contrast to last year, with outside sales typically reflecting the poor weather that was a constant throughout the month.
“Customers were definitely focusing on the inside rather than out and we’ve seen the trend for houseplants continue. Green foliage is really leading the way this year, cacti and succulents are still strong and bonsais are making a resurgence."
Overall sales for the month were down -6.62% with a year to date change of 9.13%.
Mike Lind, Managing Director at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre and our Chairman, said: “May certainly demonstrated how well GCA members have adapted their businesses over the last few years to minimise the impact on trade of un-favourable weather or other factors."
The HTA's Market Update also showed that houseplant sales remained strong in May, but sales of garden and outdoor ranges suffered in the wet weather. A wetter and cooler May meant garden centre sales were down on last year for the month of May, however a strong start to 2019 means sales remain up for year to May comparisons.
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