Sales of houseplants at garden centres across the country bloomed in July (2020) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report. Compared with the same month in 2019, sales were up 81.82%.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive explained: “After the blistering heatwave in June, July was a much cooler month, with more rainfall, which goes some way to explain the increase in sales of houseplants.

“It seems houseplants remain as popular as ever, helped greatly by the lockdown, when people who might not have outdoor spaces realised they can still fulfil their green-fingered needs with indoor foliage and potted flowers instead, giving them something to focus on and look after.”

Hard landscaping sales were also up 63.03% and furniture and barbecue sales increased to 44.01% too. Meanwhile, sales in garden sundries were also buoyant showing a 49.47% upturn and seed and bulb sales recorded an increase of 42.78%.

Sales in food halls and farm shops were up 38.04%, pets and aquatics sales were up 16.83%. However, clothing sales were down -14.83%.

Iain added: “Restaurants and cafés were allowed to re-open in July, however catering sales were down -54.54% as not all centres opened their catering facilities straight away and, indeed some still remain closed, combined with new social distancing measures and a reduced number of covers in restaurants. It also took a short time for customers to build up their confidence to go out and eat again.

“We expect the figures to be much higher for August, as people became more confident about supporting their local eateries and the economy, and many of our members have also signed up to take part in the Eat Out to Help Out Government scheme.”

Overall sales for the month were up 15.83% with a year to date change of -18.64%.

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.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

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.