Garden centre members have revealed their trading results for November in the organisation’s latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) report – with catering in poll position (2023).
The figures show a year-to-date variance of 2.38% and that 11 of the 13 categories, recorded by member garden centres, saw an uplift during the month.
Very encouraging
Our Chief Executive, Peter Burks says: “Sales were once again very encouraging for our GCA members in November with an average turnover increase of 5.36%, compared to November 2022, in a month where the weather was really most unpleasant.
“The trend for customers coming in for the restaurants and food halls continued in November, suggesting we are on course for a strong December.”
Performed well
The best category in November, excluding the miscellaneous section, was catering up at +16.83%, followed by furniture & BBQs +12.02%, then food hall/farm shop, which was +11.58%, pet & aquatics +10.1%, clothing +8.39%, gifts +5.19% and Christmas up +2.62%.
Hard landscaping also performed well at +2.42% when compared to November 2022, so did garden sundries at +1.82% and outdoor plants +1.28%.
According to November’s BoT results, sales of houseplants were down slightly to -0.33% and seeds and bulbs at -2.39%.
What’s the BoT?
Our 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 allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.