Clothing was a big seller at garden centres across the UK during December (2019) according to the GCA's Barometer of Trade report.
Sales were up 9.22% compared to the same month in 2018. Other non-traditional categories that also did well were catering at 6.04% up and gifts 5.48% up.
Christmas sales during the month were down -2.46%, but this could be a case of customers getting organised prior to December and already having purchased their decorations and accessories as the previous month’s Christmas sales looked a lot healthier.
Many other categories across garden centres sell items that make perfect Christmas gifts, in particular clothing and houseplants. Sales in houseplants were up 8.64% for the month.
Hard landscaping sales were up 11.85%, outdoor plant sales were up 1.06% and pets and aquatics sales were up 9.35%.
Sales in seeds and bulbs were down -2.36%, garden sundries were up 4.66% and furniture and barbecue sales were down -4.55%. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 3.67%.
Overall sales for the month were up 2.07% with a year to date change of 5.71%.
The GCA's BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.
The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
Garden Centre Association