A Record-Breaking March 2025
In recent conversations with senior managers and owners within the UK garden centre industry, a prevailing sentiment has emerged: March 2025 has been exceptional. Many are reporting it as their best March ever or at least the best in the past five years. Favourable weather conditions have significantly boosted footfall, leading to this remarkable performance.
But is this just a temporary high, or does it signal a sustained resurgence for the industry?
A Look Back at 2021: The Pandemic Gardening Boom
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, garden centres experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. With lockdowns confining people to their homes, many turned to gardening as a therapeutic and productive hobby. This shift resulted in record-breaking sales, increased demand for plants, tools, and outdoor décor, and a heightened appreciation for outdoor spaces.
However, as lockdowns ended and normal life resumed, garden centre footfall naturally declined. The challenge since then has been to retain new gardening enthusiasts while adapting to changing consumer habits.
Recent Performance Indicators: Signs of Recovery?
The positive trends observed in March 2025 are not isolated incidents. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reported a 22% increase in garden centre sales in March 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, attributing this growth to an earlier Easter and increased consumer confidence. Catering sales also saw a 17% rise during this period.
Similarly, the Garden Centre Association (GCA) highlighted a "very strong month" in March 2024, with all categories showing positive results. Hard landscaping sales led the way with a 38.42% increase, followed by outdoor plants at 32.39% and garden sundries at 28.86%.
Despite these successes, the HTA noted that 2024 was marked by unpredictable weather, including the UK's wettest spring since 1986, which dampened garden centre sales. However, non-gardening categories like catering and farm shops thrived, demonstrating the importance of diversifying offerings.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the recent data is promising, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns, cost of living pressures and competition from online retailers.
However, garden centres are responding strategically and continuing to diversify into other areas – think home décor, gifts, food, cafes, play areas and interactive workshops. Many are also looking to improve e-commerce platforms such as click-and-collect services, develop websites for advice based content, and incorporate RFID systems for better service. Read more here >
Looking Ahead: The Future of Garden Centres
While it remains uncertain if the industry will fully recapture the extraordinary success of 2021, the current momentum indicates a resilient and adaptable sector with the right strategies. Garden centres can continue to thrive and evolve, ensuring they remain a vital part of both the retail landscape and consumers' lifestyles.
What do you think? Are we seeing a long-term revival, or is this just a seasonal boost? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
