Houseplant departments at garden centres remained strong during September. This is according to the Garden Centre Association?s Barometer of Trade report.
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Compared to last year, sales in houseplant departments were up 16.49%. Outdoor plants followed close behind at 15.75% up.
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Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: ?It looks like there is no stopping the resurgence. We’ve seen it happening in the houseplant area during the past few years.
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“They’ve struck a chord with the younger generation. They’re now seen as a vital part of home d?cor and accessorising.
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?People are becoming aware that plants are good for wellbeing. According to research by NASA, the right indoor plants could reduce susceptibility to many conditions. These include stress, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.
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?We expect the sales of houseplants to continue doing well for the rest of the year. People opt to bring colour indoors with festive plants such as Poinsettias, Cyclamen and Hycinths.?
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During the month seed and bulb sales were up 15.4%.
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Garden sundries sales were up 15.15%.
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Furniture and barbecue sales were up 3.32%.
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Sales in pets and aquatics were up 0.25%.
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Gift sales were up 2.55%.
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Hard landscaping sales were up 6.57%.
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Food hall and farm shop sales were up 6.11%.
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Clothing sales were down -4.25%.
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Catering sales were up 7.58%.
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Total sales for the month were up 8.12% with a year to date change of 1.87%.
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The GCA BoT reports use actual sales figures. They provide an up-to-date trading position statement.
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They’re available mid-month following the end of the prior month. This is after all member garden centres have submitted their results.
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The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
