2024 has been a rollercoaster for garden centres, with a mix of successes and challenges shaping sales compared to 2023. While the year started on a positive note, unpredictable weather and shifting consumer habits added some unexpected twists along the way.
Early 2024 brought heavy rainfall—February alone saw more than three times the usual levels compared to the same month in 2023. Surprisingly, sales still managed to grow by 6% year-on-year. However, it wasn’t the traditional gardening categories driving this growth but areas like catering, which saw an impressive 20% increase. It seems customers were more interested in enjoying a warm coffee and a slice of cake indoors than braving the rain for outdoor purchases!
By mid-year, the momentum slowed. June, typically a strong month for garden centres, recorded a 3% drop in sales compared to June 2023. Outdoor plant sales were hit hardest as poor weather discouraged gardeners from spending time outside. Industry experts highlighted how garden centre success often depends on foot traffic and spontaneous purchases—both of which take a hit during prolonged bad weather.
Fortunately, sales rebounded towards the end of the year. November saw a 6% increase compared to the same month in 2023, with Christmas products leading the way. These seasonal items accounted for around 26% of total sales, while catering continued to shine with a 9% boost. Food and farm shop categories also performed well, seeing a modest 3% rise.
Looking at the full year, total sales were up by around 1% compared to 2023. But there’s a caveat: when catering is excluded, sales actually dipped by 1%. This highlights just how important non-gardening categories have become in keeping overall performance steady.
The sector had to navigate rising energy costs, staffing shortages, and increasing wages, all of which put pressure on margins. Yet, despite these obstacles, major players like Blue Diamond expanded their operations and achieved record turnovers. It’s proof that with the right strategy, growth is still achievable.
In summary, 2024 tested the resilience and adaptability of garden centres. While weather and economic pressures posed significant challenges, diversification into catering and seasonal products proved to be a successful strategy.
Here’s to hoping 2025 brings better weather and even stronger results!
The Garden Centre Retail team at MorePeople are always up for a chat about industry trends, we're speaking with candidates and clients daily and with our ever-growing network, we can help find the best candidates and opportunities for the industry!
