Christmas High Streets and supermarket sales figures are coming thick and fast and the picture looks bleak for many retailers, while the British Retail Consortium is saying last year was the worst for retail in 25 years.

The UK is facing a shortage of real Christmas trees this year due new legislation which will push up red tape and importation costs. For the first time this year, Christmas trees over three metres in height will require a ‘Plant Passport’ to enter the UK.

The 40-strong garden centre chain posted total sales of £24.1million for the last six weeks of the year, with footfall up across its centres, and a number of categories delivering record performances. Like-for-like sales were up 8% year on year (YOY), and 1% higher than 2016. Footfall was also up across Dobbies’ centres, with a 6% YOY increase. The garden retailer […]