Non-traditional categories shine despite weather in June

Sales in non-traditional categories at garden centres across the country were up during June (2016) but due to wet weather traditional categories were down according to our Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.

Outdoor plant sales were down -4.70% and sales of houseplants were down -1.33% while clothing was up 18.01% and catering was up 10.65%.

June’s BoT figures are a bit of a contrast to what we saw in May. Due to the May Bank Holidays we saw super sales in more traditional categories but June was a bit of a washout with lots of wet weather, leading to sales being down in the traditional categories.

Garden Sundries were down -4.11% and furniture and barbecue sales were at -8.13% while seed and bulb sales were up slightly at 0.07%. Sales in pets and aquatics departments were down -1.37%.

At times like this, when we can’t rely on the Great British weather, we can rely on the fact that many garden centre’s are now destinations with restaurants, cafes and even farm shops and people don’t visit them just for the plants anymore. This is proved in the rise in sales in non-traditional categories. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 4.32% and gifts were up 0.31%.

Sales showed a Year to Date increase of 3.85% and June’s overall monthly sales, compared to the same month last year were -1.47% down.

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

Justin Williams, Managing Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre in Wales, which saw good sales in its restaurant in June, said: “June, in which many core gardening lines struggled against last year’s figures, saw the restaurant hold its monthly average increase on last year of 20%. Last summer, in the restaurant, we invested in a re-fit and increased the number of covers to 200, which has delivered 20% growth since September 1, 2015.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Tammy Woodhouse, Manging Director at Millbrook Garden Centres in Kent and East Sussex, which had good plant sales during June, said: “I would put our good plant sales in June largely down to our Rose Festival, which we have been running for three years. We find it a really good way to shift the focus from bedding and give customers a good reason to visit.

“We work with the growers and they select the best looking roses in flower to send us and we create lovely displays. We hold a preview evening for our best customers, with rose specialists on hand, customers can shop with a glass of fizz and chocolate dipped strawberries and mini rose scones. Not only do we see an increase in our rose sales but it also grows our overall plant sales.”

Rising Stars participants reach crucial stage in programme

Participants in this year’s Rising Stars 2016 programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture took part in masterclasses recently (July, 2016) at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset and Bents Garden and Home in Cheshire.

During both days they gave PowerPoint presentations to each other showing the results of their recent merchandising projects.

Ian Boardman, Director of IBBIS (UK) Limited, who facilitated the two-day-long events, said: “Some impressive results were demonstrated with sales and profits up 116% in one case and 150% in another on the products they focused on. The highest sales growth – using the principles covered in a previous workshop – was a fantastic 900% uplift in sales of hanging basket cones. For many of them it was the first time they had presented to a group and they all did very well.

“The workshop at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre coincided with a fantastic fundraising day the garden centre was hosting for Barnardo’s. So while building displays to showcase what they had learnt, delegates were boogying to a live jazz band and shimmying on their way to find props for displays. The centre was buzzing with customers too – who kept buying from their displays as they built them!

“All of this was going on under the watchful eye of a previous Rising Stars’ winner – Will Michieli. Will won in 2013 and is a team member at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre.”

While at Bents in Cheshire, the Rising Star’s visit coincided with the launch of its summer sale – with customers flocking in to pick up bargains.

Now that the Rising Stars have completed their spring projects and attended two workshops, a shortlist of the best 10 candidates will be selected for further challenges, leading up to the top five presenting at the GCA Conference in St Andrews in January.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland Horticulture, said: “This is the time of year when the competition really starts. The Rising Stars programme is a pleasure to sponsor as the standard is always high and this year is no exception. We will watch and wait to see who steps up in the final stages and is ultimately crowned Rising Star of the Year!”

Candidates’ work has been assessed throughout the year to review the various elements on which the finalists have received training. The best performers will be invited to the 2017 GCA conference where they will showcase some of their work to the audience and talk about the difference it has made. A final winner will then be voted for by conference attendees.

Our Rising Stars programme has been a huge success during the past seven years and once again we’re delighted with the standard of participants who all seem highly motivated.

Alyson, Andy and Ian step down as GCA inspectors

Our inspectors Alyson Haywood, Andy Campbell and Ian Boardman are standing down from their roles at the organisation this year (2016).

Alyson is taking on an operational post with Van Hage, Andy wishes to spend less time away from home and more time with his family and Ian is going forward to work on other projects.

Our Chief Executive, Iain Wylie said: “We’re really sorry to see these three widely respected industry experts go, but completely understand their individual decisions to step down at this stage and wish them all the very best with their new ventures.

“They have all been a pleasure to work with and an integral part of the organisation. They will be missed and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”

Industry stalwart and GCA inspector Roger Crookes will continue in his role with us.

Iain added: “We’ve begun the task to look for replacements and we’re very happy to speak to people interested in the posts from all areas of the industry. Anyone keen to find out more about the role should contact me via email or phone at the GCA before we start the recruitment process in earnest so we can ensure they get full details sent out to them.

“We view this very much as an opportunity to re-fresh our team of GCA inspectors and we’re seeing this as a positive situation moving forward, although of course we’re very sad to see Alyson, Andy and Ian go.”

Prior to joining our team of inspectors, Alyson was a General Operations Manager at Wyevale Garden Centres and was responsible for six Regional Managers. Her other roles have included: General Manager at Woodlands Nurseries, General Manager at Bridgemere Garden World and Head of Nurseries and Regional Manager with The Garden Centre Group.

Julian Winfield, our Chairman, said: “The GCA appreciates the effort and contributions over the years from the Alyson, Andy and Ian, and the inspection process has undoubtedly improved standards with our members.”

Andy has been a vital part of the GCA inspection team for the past 12 years.

He said: “I would like to think that I have served the GCA members well during this time, supporting the members in improving retail disciplines and customer service standards as they develop their businesses.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role and learnt a lot at the same time. I would like to thank the GCA for enabling me to participate in what I believe is a very powerful business improvement tool and wish them well for the future.

“My reasons for leaving are entirely personal. With a young teenage family, I wish to spend more time at home during these important years, recognising that before I know it they will be making their own way in life. This is not retirement, simply a re-balancing of home and work life.”

Ian has extensive horticultural and retail experience having worked in the garden centre industry for the past 40 years. Prior to becoming one of our inspectors, he was employed for three years as plant area manager and for 10 years as a general manager responsible for a team of more than 100. Ian has also worked in France for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Ian said: “There can’t be many more industries where members are so open about sharing information to help each other improve. It’s been a privilege to work for GCA for some 17 years – helping develop the inspection process and developing member businesses. It’s hard work and very intense for three-four months each spring. I’ve worked with a great team of inspectors – and a great team at GCA. So huge thanks to all involved. I look forward to hearing how the new inspection team develops the process even further and wish them every success.”

For further information about the role of inspector with us, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/Garden-Centre-Association or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.