GCA centres report mixed results for end of May

Our members reported mixed results for the end of May with weather affecting sales during the second Bank Holiday of the month.

We asked members for feedback on the weekend’s trading (May 24-26) to see how one of the industry’s busiest weekends had gone.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explained: “The feedback we have had from members has been that it was very hit and miss due to the cooler, rainy weather that was experienced on one day or another across the country for much of the weekend, especially in the North.”

The GCA garden centres that were contacted said generally Sunday and Monday were the better days despite the poor weather.

Rising stars reach round two

Young representatives of the horticultural industry are preparing to take part in the next round of the 2014 Rising Stars Programme next month (June, 2014).

The second of three masterclasses to be held throughout the year will take place at Westland Horticulture in Peterborough on Thursday, June 5.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explained: “The first masterclass included a session on merchandising, opportunities for business growth and managing the seasons to make maximum sales and profits.

“The second round will see all of the candidates put what they’ve learnt to the test. They will also receive more extensive coaching and mentoring on working in the horticultural industry and we’re hoping to arrange a trip to Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough on the day too.”

Members report a good start to May

Our members say May (2014) has started well with ‘no records being broken’ during the first Bank Holiday of the month but with business continuing at ‘good levels’.

We asked our members to give feedback from last weekend’s trading to see how the industry was fairing in its generally busiest month of the year.

Iain Wylie, our Chief Executive, explained: “The members who contacted us said ‘no records (were) broken but trade had continued at good levels’.