The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has reported an “excellent month” for October, with sales up 10.71% compared with the same month in 2024.
Of the 13 categories tracked by GCA’s Barometer of Trade (BoT), 10 recorded growth. Clothing topped the list with a rise of 17.69%, followed by Christmas at 16.12%. Catering increased by 13.12%, garden sundries by 11.2% and food hall/farm shop by 10.82%.
The gifts category was up 8.87%, outdoor plants by 7.1%, pets & aquatics by 6.79%, and seeds & bulbs by 4.94%.
Three categories declined year-on-year: houseplants fell 4.74%, hard landscaping was down 5.98%, and furniture & BBQs dropped 7.6%.
GCA chief executive Peter Burks described October as “another excellent month” for members, noting that results were boosted in part by strong sales at the newly rebuilt Perrywood Garden Centre in Sudbury.
He said: “Despite it being the third dullest October on record, with more rain than last year too, customers were out in good numbers and spending across all departments. The significant increase in Christmas sales gives a very hopeful feel to the weeks ahead – and with the year-to-date increase being a healthy 8.51%, the full year is looking good.”
The GCA’s BoT is compiled using actual sales figures, allowing members to compare their trading positions with other centres. The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.
Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference are now on sale via the members’ section of the GCA’s website or at https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.