Good weather helps ignite BBQ and other sales in May

The recent warm weather helped our members boost their sales of barbecues and garden furniture last month (May, 2014) according to our Barometer of Trade (BoT).

The results out on June 16, which are the only official May trading figures to be released to us, highlighted that furniture and barbecue sales were up 23.4% compared to the same month in 2013.

Will Armitage, our Chairman, explained: “Overall our member garden centres had a good May, busier than anticipated with the weather playing a vital part in their successes. All categories were up on the year to date, which is also very encouraging.

GCA announces regional award meetings

We will find out who has come out top in our annual inspections this year at various regional award meetings taking place this July (2014).

Garden centre members we’d really love you to attend the event taking place in your area and to bring as many of your team members along as possible.

Will Armitage, our Chairman, said: “The inspector will present the findings from the area, highlighting best practice and new ideas, as well as announcing all the category winners.”

GCA inspector called yet? They are coming this week...

Calling all members: If you have not yet had your Garden Centre Association annual inspection then you will receive a visit this week (up to and including June 13, 2014).

Since March member garden centres have been assessed across all departments and awarded an overall score by an inspector. Those who have not yet had their impromptu visit will do so soon.

Iain Wylie, our Chief Executive, explained: “So far the inspectors are reporting back that they are pleased with what they are finding and that standards are particularly high this year, especially at the top end.

“We are urging all garden centres yet to be visited to be prepared for the inspections. Inspectors drop in unannounced and garden centres are not able to turn them away. Inspections cannot be delayed or deferred because of any ongoing development work – customers see this when they visit and so will the inspectors! The garden centres will not lose marks because of such works, provided they are carried out safely and disruption is minimised with the customer in mind.