2019 has been a strong year of growth for garden centers nationally, with overall November sales up 10% compared with the same month in 2018 according to the latest HTA Market Update report.
Houseplants saw an increase of 41% compared to November last year, the Lifestyle & Gifts category was up 12%, and Christmas sales were up 9% in month to month comparisons between November 2018 and November 2019.
Temperature
This year’s November was 2°C colder than November 2018 with changeable rainfall across the UK, likely affecting growing media and hardy plant sales.
Consumer confidence
The report also highlights that consumer confidence remained flat with a score of -14 in November, which is one point lower than November last year as consumers wait for clarity on the future of the UK. However, post-election in mid-December, GfK reported a sharp increase in optimism for the coming year, likely to influence purchasing behaviors.
The December issue of Market Update looks at last month’s garden center sales and overall market performance. It measures consumer confidence, the wider UK economy, vehicle fuel prices, groundwater levels, and weather all of which have an impact on sales.
HTA Market Update is available free for members to download from the HTA website, by logging in and then going to the Market Information pages at https://hta.org.uk/learn-develop/market-information.html
For more information
Horticultural Trades Association
Horticulture House
19 High Street
Theale
Reading
West Berkshire
RG7 5AH
T: +44 (0)118 930 3132
Fax: +44 (0)118 932 3453
NGGV: +44 (0)118 930 2092
www.the-hta.org.uk