The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) has just release its August Market Update report read a dominate narrative for 2023 that despite erratic weather pattern and economic variation , the garden retail sphere stay to demonstrate unwavering military capability to perform well with a variety of consumer offerings .
Fran Barnes , Chief Executive of the HTA , commented : " Sales in July have shown resilience amidst the irregular atmospheric condition and economic changes of 2023 . Overall , garden center sales held unfluctuating , defend para with the same period in 2022 . A strong footstep of client lead in a notable uptick in dealings , up by +10 % compare to July 2022 and +5 % versus July 2021 . However , it ’s worth noting that the subject matter of baskets reflected low - value item , conduct to an average dealing time value decline of -8 % . The decline in need for garden piece of furniture , from 15 % of full sales in July 2022 to 10 % this July , was n’t unexpected . This shift can be attribute to adverse weather impact on outside leisure sales and the increased discounting strategies aimed at net excess stock . But we can also see that the palpable fiscal tune go through by consumer is plain . The step up price - of - live crisis continues to remind individual to reduce their belt and actively search savings amidst escalating disbursement . July ’s Consumer Confidence Index release by GfK witness a substantial dip of -6 bespeak to get back at -30 .
" react to these challenges , garden center of attention are maximize their consumer offerings , which has meet a polar role in our members ' success this month . Non - garden / gardening categories surged by +18 % yr - on - year , fuel by the vibrant activity of cafe and restaurant . This is reflected in the average dealings value , with catering sale soar upwards by +9 % to £ 10.76 . to boot , the pet family demonstrated inviolable public presentation , zoom by +21 % as customers lend toy and dainty to their basketful . Meanwhile , the food & farm shop class grew by +13 % , and wild bird care experienced a +10 % increase compared to last July . I am also further by the full-bodied performance of plant life sales , even in the font of a -9 % dip in garden / horticulture sale compared to July 2022 . I ’m certain that this potpourri within garden inwardness , as well as the belated gardening season , has contributed to maintaining a +1 % yr - to - date sales leg it from June . "
The monthly Market Updates also report on inflation rates . Over the 12 months lead up to July 2023 , notable inflation charge per unit were observed in the price garden center customers pay for weed killer , credit card pot , and BBQs & heating , driven by escalating input signal and fixings costs . Growing media experienced a 6 % price hike , responding to heightened manufacturing expense and the potential 2024 retail peat prohibition .
The HTA Market Updates are an indispensable tool for member , offering insights into their positioning amidst the rank and identifying area of resilience , challenges , and opportunities .
For more data : Horticultural trade in Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
