UK: Good year-to-date sales for June despite hot weather's effect on gardening activity

The Garden Centre Association June 2025 Barometer of Trade (BoT) that was released on July 23 shows good year-to-date sales despite the hot weather's effect on gardening activity during the month.

Five of the 13 categories listed performed well when compared to 2024 with member garden centers citing catering, up at +4.17%, as June's best performer.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, explains: "As expected the terrific heat and continuing dry weather had an impact on gardening sales resulting in a small drop in sales for the month. Fortunately, the year-to-date figure is still showing a healthy +7.71%.

"Outdoor plants were still the biggest category in terms of total sales by some distance but were down almost 12% when compared to last year. Fortunately, gifts, clothing, foodhall/farm shops and catering all showed a nice increase restricting the overall negative figure.

"The recent drop in temperature and some welcome rain will hopefully boost July's figures too. But all the garden centers I've visited recently are delighted to have had a much better year weather-wise so far and are definitely very positive about the year's sales to date."

© Garden Centre AssociationPeter Burks, GCA CEO

Gifts recorded the second best sales figures in June, when compared to the same month in 2024, up at +3.6%, followed by food hall/farm shop at +2.98%, clothing at +1.33% and the miscellaneous category at +0.96%.

The furniture and BBQs category was slightly down at -1.16%, then houseplants at -4.78% and garden sundries at -5.89%.

Pets & aquatics came in next at -7.21%, seeds & bulbs at -9.47%, outdoor plants down at -11.91% and hard landscaping at -17.67%.

The GCA's BoT reports covering 13 categories 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 centers\ have submitted their results. The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centers.

Tickets for the GCA's 2026 Annual Conference are no on sale via the members' section on the body's website or via the link here.