Garden Centre Association (GCA) members enjoyed a strong trading performance during July with overall sales increasing by 10.66% compared with July 2025, according to the GCA’s latest Barometer of Trade (BoT).
Amid intense heat and water restrictions, garden centres nationwide delivered strong trading figures and exceeded expectations, with year-to-date performance also remaining positive.
GCA CEO Peter Burks said: “Despite the terrific heat and temporary use of water orders, our members had a very strong month sales-wise when compared to July 2025 – much to most people’s surprise and pleasure.
“It was great to see strong plant sales as customers were looking for fresh colourful replacements for those lost in the heat. Furniture had a very strong month and the food offering also brought in good numbers. All in all, July was a very pleasing month.”
The strongest performing category was furniture & BBQs, which rose by 27.76%, followed by garden sundries, up 16.72%, and clothing, up 13.41%. Gifts also performed well, rising 3.42%.
Regionally, the strongest growth was recorded in the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where sales increased by 15.43%, followed by the East at 14.97%.
The GCA’s BoT 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.
The GCA represents nearly 230 garden centres nationwide.