contents The road to recovery


It’s been a challenging time for all business, but there have been some green shoots of recovery. Recently, consumer spending grew by 0.2 per cent year on year in August, the first rise since February this year, according to Barclays UK Consumer Spend Report. In the garden retail industry, trading during the lockdown period has been better than expected. For example, Topline findings from The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s latest member survey, are that 83% of members report sales during lockdown as being ‘better than expected’, while 63% go as far as to say, ‘much better’. However, the industry can’t rest on its laurels as we enter the winter period. With a threat of another lockdown, and the threat of job losses for many, it’s important to not get ahead of ourselves. Keeping garden centres as safe and welcoming places to shop will be key. In this issue, we examine both Glee Gathering and Autumn Fair @ Home, and some of the latest trends for Christmas and into 2021. I hope you enjoy the issue.


Alex Fordham, Editor afordham@datateam.co.uk


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@ GCUpdateUK News


@ GCUMagazine 18 Association Comment- GCA


10 Association Comment- BHETA 12 Association Comment- GIMA 14 New contributor- Andy Campbell 16 Peat-free launch 18 GLEE Gathering 22 GLEE Gathering review 24 Christmas Trends 26 Trends -Autumn Fair 29 Packaging feature 30 Covid-19 retailing 32 New Products 34 Secret Gardener


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GCU Autumn 2020


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