The UK has an estimated 2300 garden centres, with Dobbies Garden Centres being the largest chain owning almost 80 sites.
More than just nurseries, modern garden centres are a destination, offering a multitude of retail offerings and concessions, as well as having a focus on food and beverage.
So, why is the garden centre scene changing?
By diversifying their products and services, garden centres have seen a huge increase in footfall, dwell time and revenue. Garden centre cafés now contribute around 20% of turnover.
With 68% of UK adults visiting a garden centre at least once last year, there’s a whole lot of opportunity.
But what attracts people to visiting their local garden centre?
Car Parking
Often on the outskirts of towns and cities, garden centre visitors normally benefit from large, free car parks.
Space
Again, due to their location, garden centres usually have a large footprint allowing for ample leisurely browsing space.
Facilities
On the hunt for a new house plant? In need of a new scarf? Or just desperate for some smashed avocado on toast? Garden centres now offer flexible facilities that complement all kinds of lifestyles.
Family Friendly
Garden centres are the perfect rainy day, family friendly destination. Many offering play areas, animal encounters and even aquariums.
Social Experience and Events
From Halloween displays to Santa’s Grotto, garden centres are fast becoming the destination for seasonal events. Not only does theming encourage organic public social media sharing, it also creates social experiences for the local community.
Botanical Trends
Botany is booming. Consumers are keen to create calm living environments by bringing the outdoors indoors.
Grow Your Own
35% of UK adults ‘grow their own’ herbs, fruits and vegetables. And the trend is growing, with 43% of the next green fingered generation (those under 40) activate in vegetable cultivation.
Environmental Movement
With a worldwide emphasis on sustainability, many garden centres have seized the opportunity to educate and influence their customers in how to implement sustainable practices. From organic gardening solutions, to creating compost and saving water, garden centres are providing the products and guidance needed to maintain a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
The Pandemic Effect
Whilst many businesses remained closed during the national lockdowns, garden centres were one of the first places to be allowed to reopen. The government deemed garden centres as a necessity, allowing Brits to purchase garden supplies, giving them an opportunity to connect with their outdoor spaces.
And let’s not forget all the pandemic provoked home improvements! Being confined to their own properties made the nation more appreciative of their own space, and saw many undertaking home enhancement projects both indoors and outdoors. In fact, over 7 million people began gardening during the pandemic, and data suggests garden centre trade shows no sign of slowing down.
Are you a garden centre retailer? Whether you own a small, independent garden shop, or are a multi-site owner, we have the EPOS expertise to assist in the smooth operation of your business. Call us today to find out how we can help.
Sources:
https://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/229130/349031-0
https://hta.org.uk/news/hta-market-update-shows-a-mixed-start-to-2025-for-garden-centres
https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/20-of-the-best-garden-industry-statistics-for-2024/