The in vogue HTA Market Update reveals a solid functioning for UK garden centre in March . Overall sale , chuck out catering , were up +23 % equate to March 2024 , and +43 % compared to March 2023 . This impressive growth occur even though March 2024 partially benefited from Good Friday and Easter[1 ] Saturday patronage , show that favorable weather conditions this twelvemonth doubtless drove footfall nationwide .
Compared to March 2024 , bedding plant and plant care products were both up +40 % , sales of garden features and bodily structure were up +44 % , and garden tool were up +39 % . All horticulture family were up by at least +23 % compared to March 2024 , except for indoor plants ( up +5 % ) , which are not so weather - dependent . Comparisons with March 2023 are even more exceptional , with many gardening categories up at least +65 % in 2025 . For context , March 2023 was the UK ’s soaked March over the last 30 long time .
The increased footfall also translated into positive results for catering . Sales in garden center cafés and restaurants grew by +16 % compared to 2024 and by +35 % compare to 2023 , marking a strong recovery observe comparatively monotonous months in January and February .
Beyond overall sales , average transaction values also increase by +6 % compared to 2024 , while dealing numbers were up +16 % . Strong BBQ and out-of-door furniture gross sales were cardinal number one wood in increasing average transaction value , another indication of respectable weather purchasing .
As a resolution of this potent performance in a significant trading calendar month for garden centers , all gardening and non - gardening category are in advance compared to 2024 for the class - to - engagement .
Despite these plus style , consumer confidence remains low at -19 points , although consumers ' preference to save rather than spend may be declining . It ’s crucial to mark that late market place volatility is not yet reflect in these scores , and consumer confidence may become increasingly fragile in the descend months if wider grocery store forces compound existing cost - of - animation press .
Fran Barnes , Chief Executive of the HTA , point out : " The strong garden sale in March spotlight how importantly estimable weather impacts our sphere . This has help recover from the quieter month of January and February , bring overall sales up +12 % by value compared to 2024 for the year to the end of March .
" With sales of bedding industrial plant , plant care , garden features , and pecker all experiencing growth – in some event exceeding 40 % compared to last year – it ’s clear-cut that shoppers are eager to enhance their gardens and outdoor bread and butter area .
" As we look in front with optimism to the awaited boost of the Easter weekend to fare , we hope that expenditure will remain strong throughout the coming months . However , it ’s of the essence to remember that with rising employers ' internal insurance contributions and the lower limit wage as of April , these sales are vital for garden centers to meet rising operational cost . While this warm March provides a welcome boost , a sustained period of robust sales through April , May , and June will be key to offset those increased costs and see to it the foresightful - full term viability of our member . "
For more information : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.hta.org.uk
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