UK: July figures reveal bounce-back month for garden centers

The Garden Centre Association July 2025 Barometer of Trade (BoT) is out now and it shows 'a good mid-summer performance'.

Member garden centers reported that eight of the 13 categories recorded did well, when compared to 2024, with furniture and BBQs, up at +16.72%, crowned July's best performing section.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: "Great to have had a nice bounce back to our sales in July following the heat in June. However, gardening did suffer still from the heat and drought conditions, but the fair-weather category of furniture and BBQs had a great month as everyone wanted to get outdoors.

"The other non-weather dependent categories also did what they are there to do and supported the overall performance with nice uplifts in gifts, clothing, food halls/farm shops and catering. Overall, a good mid-summer performance despite the heat and hose pipe bans in some areas."

© The Garden Centre AssociationGCA CEO Peter Burks

Clothing recorded the second-best sales figures in July, when compared to the same month in 2024, up at +11.76%, followed by gifts at +9.8%, catering at +8.32% came next and then food hall/farm shop at +6.38%.

The miscellaneous category recorded +1.89%, with seeds & bulbs was in seventh place at +1.16% and pets & aquatics next at +0.77%.

The garden sundries category was slightly down at -0.35%, then houseplants at -0.92%, outdoor plants down at -4.9% and hard landscaping at -6.99%.

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.