The August Bank Holiday Weekend helped lift houseplants sales at garden centres across the country. This is according to GCA Barometer of Trade.
The sales were up 20.69% compared to the same month last year (2018) and outdoor plant sales were up 6.09%.
Bank holiday temperatures
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive, said: “We experienced soaring temperatures in July. We were hopeful it would continue into August.
“But at the beginning of the month we had much wetter weather and even risks of flooding in some parts of the country.
“We had everything crossed for a glorious Bank Holiday weekend. The great British weather didn’t let us down this time as it turned out to be one of the hottest on record.
“This caused an uplift in sales in more traditional categories. People also enjoyed time in their gardens as furniture and barbecue sales were up 17.82%.
“Hard landscaping sales were also up 11.91% and sales in garden sundries were up 14.15%.”
Seed and bulb sales were down -5.98%. Pets and aquatics sales were up 5.78% and gift sales were up 3.88%.
Food hall and farm shop sales were up 6.28%, catering was up 7.04% and clothing sales were up 6.62%.
Sales for the month were up 8.89% with a year to date change of 7.01%.
Houseplants still on-trend
Will Blake, Director at St Peter’s Garden Centre, said: “August has been an excellent month for us! The weather was perfect; warm, but not too hot, and occasional showers to help with watering.
“Horticultural categories benefitted from these conditions. Plant sales, sundries, and other related departments all saw strong growth. The pleasant weather drove great numbers on furniture and barbecues.
“Houseplants continue to be popular, which is lovely to see. We refitted our houseplant department
