After a successful trial in three garden centres last year, Bonmarché will open a further 15 to 20 concession stores this year.
The trial at garden centres run by The Garden Centre Group in Lechlade, Bicester and Andover delivered encouraging sales for the retailer.

According to Bonmarché chief executive Beth Butterwick gardening is the fourth most popular activity among its customers and shoppers at these concessions tended to be more affluent.

This news comes as the over-50s womenswear Bonmarché released its full-year results ending March 29.

Pre-tax profits rose 66% to £8m, while like-for-like sales rose 10% as it also benefited from a store refitting programme.

As well as opening a further 15 to 20 concession stores in the year, the retailer also plans to add five stores to the 263 it already has.

The business said sales from its website soared by 84% last year, and it is working on mobile and tablet apps this year.

Ms Butterwick said: "2014 was the first full year of implementing our new business plan and we have made good progress in each of our key strategic areas: product, multi-channel, stores and our service proposition."

Bonmarché is not the only fashion retailer to tap into the garden centre market.

Lakeland, Shuropody, Cotton Traders, Laura Ashley and Rectella Soft Furnishings have all tried it and in May footwear retailer Brantano said it was opening 30 concession stores within the year.