Hard landscaping sales were up 25.38% for the month as compared to August 2012. The category now stands at 11.82% up for the year to date.
Peter Burks, Chairman of the GCA, explained: “The drier warmer weather contributed to our member garden centres seeing consistently good sales during the summer months. The overall year to date figure now stands at 4.12% up.
“Other good sellers in August were outdoor plants, 13.57% up, seeds and bulbs, 11.05% up, garden sundries, 8.48% up and food hall/farm shop, 11.30% up.”
The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement.
The BoT reports produced by the GCA allow member garden centres to compare their trading positions with other centres.
Jolyon Martin, Managing Director of Chessington Garden Centre in Surrey, said: “Surprisingly the landscape sales department has been our best performing gardening department in terms of like for like sales against last year.
“This seems to be driven by the property market with customers improving their outdoor space for enjoyment, to add value to their property or because of downsizing.
“The internet has been causing a squeeze in margin on branded items, which is forcing a change in our ranging decisions for the 2014 season.”
