As haulage costs continue to put pressure on the garden centre sector, Durston Garden Products has confirmed it is maintaining its delivery lead times and not applying any fuel surcharge, offering retailers much‑needed stability at the busiest point in the season.
With transport volatility now a major concern for garden centres, many suppliers have introduced surcharges or extended delivery windows. Durstons, however, has taken a different approach.
“We know retailers are concerned about haulage costs at the moment,” says Director Dan Durston. “We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down for them, which is why we’ve chosen not to add a fuel surcharge. We’re also sticking to our usual lead times — five days for a full load and ten days for a part‑load — because reliability is absolutely essential at this time of year.”
Strong stock position supports an extremely busy season
Despite a slow start to the season, demand has surged in recent weeks, driven by bank holidays and a sudden uplift in footfall. Durstons reports exceptionally high order volumes, with thousands of bags being ordered daily.
To support retailers through this spike, the Somerset‑based manufacturer has significant bagged stock, on the ground and ready to go, backed by a secure supply of raw materials.
“It has been relentless over the past week but we do have stock available and can meet demand on top‑up orders,” Dan adds. “If a retailer’s usual supplier is struggling or has let them down, Durstons can step in quickly. Having raw materials in place means we can keep production moving and maintain a reliable supply throughout the season.”
Durstons: A dependable partner in an unpredictable year
At a time when transport costs, lead times and product availability are a cause for concern for many retailers, Durstons’ decision to hold prices and maintain service levels offers garden centres reassurance that their growing media supply is in safe hands.
The company’s stock position, consistent lead times and refusal to introduce surcharges underline Durstons’ commitment to supporting retailers through what is shaping up to be one of the most intense trading periods of the year.
