The Independent Toy & Gift show taking place next month

Meadow View celebrates GLEE award win for new Elementa water features

Meadow View is celebrating a standout Glee 2026 after its new Elementa Water Features range won the GLEE New Product Award for Garden Decoration. Launched at the show for the 2027 season, Elementa marks Meadow View’s expansion into the water feature category and...

GCR PROFILES STEVE MORGAN, CHAIR OF ZEST OUTDOOR LIVING

A popular and well-known figure in the garden industry, Steve Morgan is the sort of person you would want to be on your side. In many ways he built Zest and the wider P & A Group of which he is also Chair, to the same model. It’s a family business, where the...

Higher demand, less water: Is your garden centre prepared for more heatwaves?

When you think of a long, hot UK summer, you’re probably associating it with more footfall to your garden centre – after all, everyone wants to be outside in the sun. But as heatwaves, drought and prolonged dry weather become more common, there’s a growing and...

Moving From Summer to Autumn Without Confusing Customers

Seasonal transitions are among the most delicate moments in retail. For garden centres, where atmosphere and emotion drive purchasing decisions, the shift from summer to autumn must feel natural, not abrupt. Customers should sense continuity, not contradiction....

Engineering Before Technology

Commercial organisations across the UK are navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. Energy systems are evolving, regulation is tightening, costs remain challenging,and expectations around sustainability and resilience continue to increase. In this...

Why August Matters More Than October for Christmas

For decades, October was considered the unofficial start of Christmas retail, the moment when festive displays appeared, stock arrived, and customers began to think ahead. But in today’s supply‑chain reality, October is no longer early; it’s reactive. The smartest...

Craft Spirits, Gifting, and Seasonal Tasting Events

Craft spirits have evolved from niche indulgence to mainstream fascination, and garden‑centre retail is increasingly embracing this shift. With customers seeking authenticity, provenance, and experience, craft spirits offer a natural extension of the lifestyle and...

Bakery & Deli Freshness, Display, and the Power of Smell

Few retail experiences are as instantly evocative as walking into a garden‑centre bakery or deli. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of golden pastries, and the hum of conversation around the café create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and...

Local Produce Provenance, Storytelling, and Premiumisation in the Food Hall

Local produce has become the beating heart of the modern garden‑centre food hall. It’s not just about selling food, it’s about selling trust, authenticity, and experience. As consumers increasingly seek provenance and connection, garden centres are perfectly...

The footwear conundrum: A Year‑Round Opportunity

Footwear has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in garden‑centre retail. Once seen as a functional add‑on, it now represents a category that bridges lifestyle, leisure, and practicality, appealing to customers across seasons and demographics. From...