As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show conquer the nation ’s care , the Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) let go of its Market Update for May , reflecting on the performance of garden center in April 2024 .
April 2024 proved challenging for garden shopping centre across the UK , as the weather , along with the yr - on - year comparisons reflect an former Easter , meant overall garden center sales were down -10 % versus April 2023 . The increase in rainfall , 1.5 times that of last twelvemonth , significantly impacted step and outdoor gardening activities . However , the year to end of April sale were +2 % vs 2023 , which do away with the Easter effect , and it is hoped that as the conditions improves and spring / summer bedding comes into its own , along with the inspiration from TV reporting of Chelsea , it will reignite a passion to get back out into the garden .
Report headlinesCatering sale : A bright place in April ’s performance was the 7 % increase in catering gross sales compared to April 2023 , with dealing up by 5 % . As rainy weather deterred outdoor activities , consumers turned to garden center cafes and restaurants for indoor leisure , highlighting the importance of diversified offering in weather condition - dependent industries .
Consumer Confidence : Consumer confidence rose modestly , increasing by 2 points to -19 . This chassis remain 14 points eminent than April 2023 , indicating a more optimistic consumer outlook despite challenging weather and economical condition . Wage growth stay on to outstrip the rate of inflation ( which has been gradually falling over the last year ) bringing a encouragement to menage pecuniary resource .
Hardy plant sale : sturdy flora sales have go down 6 % yr - to - date up to the remainder of April compared to the same stop in 2023 , reflecting the overall downturn in plants and core gardening purchase due to the weather condition .
Newly launched quarterly HTA & APL Business Barometer : this is to assess the state of trade for penis , let in clientele outlook , sales and profit view , and line investment . The Q1 poll outcome show that on medium members were -1 % behind budgets in term of sales / order book values , but -5 % where they carry to be in terminus of net profits . The full HTA & APL Business Barometer Q1 2024 results sum-up will be free to member shortly .
HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes commented : " April ’s unseasonably gamey rainfall create tough conditions for gardening enthusiasts , resulting in a notable decrement in garden nerve centre sales . Despite these challenges , May always offers a timely boost in inspiration , further gardeners to develop for the upcoming summer month .
" While garden / gardening categories suffer a declination of 14 % due to the contrary atmospheric condition and an earlier Easter in March , non - garden / gardening categories remained steady compared to April 2023 and even saw a 9 % addition from 2022 . This resiliency is promising as it evoke potential for convalescence as we move into the warmer months . pair with the flower show season from village to national level and increase medium reporting on gardening at this prison term of year , play a crucial purpose in barrack both veteran gardeners and newcomers , we bear to see a positive impingement on garden center sales in the coming weeks .
" However , we are still aware that our sector go on to grapple with substantial changes in border rule affecting the import of plants and industrial plant products . Since January 2021 , business have faced increased cost and administrative burden , further compounded by new border changes implemented in April 2024 . This all bear upon the sector ’s competitiveness and power to endow and produce . We continue to pass on our concerns to the Government .
" Our market update underscores the grandness of flexibility in retail strategy to adapt to changing weather blueprint , consumer behaviors , and external issues . The HTA continues to support its appendage by providing insights and recommend for favorable conditions in the gardening sector . "
For more informationHorticultural Trades Associationwww.the-hta.org.uk
