UK Houseplant sales still going strong in September

SALES in houseplants departments at garden centres across the country remained strong during September (2018) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.

Compared to last year (2017) sales in houseplants were up 16.49%. Outdoor plants followed close behind at 15.75% up.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “It looks like there is no stopping the resurgence we’ve seen in houseplants during the past few years. They have really struck a chord with the younger generation and are now seen as a vital part of home décor and accessorising.

“People are becoming increasingly aware that plants are good for wellbeing and, according to research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the right indoor plants could reduce susceptibility to stress, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.

“We expect the sales of houseplants to continue doing well for the rest of the year as people opt to bring colour indoors with festive plants such as Poinsettias, Cyclamen and Hycinths.”

During the month seed and bulb sales were up 15.4%, garden sundries sales were up 15.15% and furniture and barbecue sales were up 3.32%.

Sales in pets and aquatics were up 0.25% and gift sales were up 2.55%. Hard landscaping sales were up 6.57% and food hall and farm shop sales were up 6.11%.

Clothing sales were down -4.25% and catering sales were up 7.58%.

Overall sales for the month were up 8.12% with a year to date change of 1.87%.

The GCA 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.

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.