Results of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) May Barometer of Trade showed that the weather was a big factor in sales during May (2017) and divided the country. Compared to the same month last year (2016) sales in the south were 9-13% down; the north fared better with sales down by 2%-6%.

“The weather played a big factor in our members’ May sales figures with, contrary to the norm, the north having better weather than the south,” said GCA chief executive Iain Wylie. “However, all of our members had a tough job trying to top the figures from May 2016 which was the highlight of last spring."

Furniture and barbeque sales were -12.47%, gifts up 1.22% and hard landscaping -14.39%.

“After a buoyant start in May which included a bumper Bank Holiday weekend, the second week in May was a disaster,” said Cowell’s Garden Centre director Martin Cowell. “The daily average temperatures were 12-14 degrees, which certainly hampered sales, however, the last two weeks saw the weather improve and sales were flying again.

“We ended May -1% down on 2016 which considering the weather and record sales the previous year, we were very pleased with. It could have been much, much worse. Our top five performing departments in May were bedding at +6%, perennials +12%, shrubs +6%, garden lighting +88% and irrigation up +24%.”

Member garden centre sales showed an average overall decrease for the month of 4.64% and an average overall Year to Date increase of 6.4%.

The GCA Barometer of Trade reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.