association comment Winter warmers driving New Year footfall


Christmas keeps tills ringing, but stocking the right product mix to inspire sales during the colder months of the New Year when footfall is traditionally lower is a must


Oase UK is tapping into the trend for houseplants and terrariums with the biOrb AIR – a completely automated terrarium. Indoor gardening is key for elho, too, which points out that consumers are looking for more than just run-of-the-mill products.


With the market for indoor plants experiencing double-digit growth, Woodlodge has introduced Root – its indoor range, including quality woven and bamboo pot covers and natural designs.


Mark Haines at Tobs suggested the company’s Rattan Basket Range for driving sales post-Christmas. Haines said: “Our storage baskets help to tidy up after festive excesses. These robust log baskets keep wood burning stoves and fireplaces elegantly supplied with logs.” As Christmas displays are cleared to make way for outdoor living, Charles Taylor has launched over 30 new UK-made products.


Helping consumers to keep outdoor plants snug is a top priority for Agralan, which said: “Our 30g Envirofleece provides enhanced protection for tender plants, shrubs and early potatoes. The RHS- endorsed fleece protects down to -5/6°C, is more durable than standard fleece and may be reused.”


A big freeze could drive sales of traditional products. Deco-Pak director,


Craig Hall, commented: “The new Alpine Racer Eco-Sledge, available in Midnight Black, is made out of 100 per cent recycled post-consumer waste plastic. The stylish black sledge is backed by a solid eco pledge – not only is it made from recycled plastic, but it’s manufactured in the UK.”


Kelkay is also poised to help retailers reap the benefits of winter. A spokeswoman points out: “Kelkay supplies winter grit and rock salt as well as clean white de-icing salt in a range of convenient pack sizes. It’s easy to capture extra impact sales with the addition of a seasonal POS board, which can be added to a full pallet of 7.5kg tubs.”


Ahead of a cold snap, Smart Garden products marketing assistant, Hannah Knott, said: “Our range of thermal gardening gloves, fleece lined clogs and new Comfi Snugz are ideal for keeping warm and cosy while doing outside winter jobs. For those who like a bit more va-va-voom in their footwear, check out our colourful new Fleur and Flamingo rubber boot design.”


Primeur’s eco-friendly recycled rubber stepping stone collection holds the key to driving sales among consumers who are looking to make safe paths across muddy lawns to prevent dirt from being walked into homes. Primeur’s project manager, Sarah McLafferty, explained: “For gardeners looking for easy-to-install stepping stones, our range made from recycled tyres fits the bill. They are virtually indestructible, won’t fade, stain or rot, and are mould- and mildew-resistant, helping to prevent slips and falls.”


iTip Handles are a new product that, according to iTip’s Andy Hill, are the safest and easiest way to manoeuvre and tip a loaded wheelbarrow: “As the weather is less hospitable, having large rotating handles gives a firm grip. This makes a big difference when it's slippery and muddy


GCU December/January 2020 underfoot.”


Suppliers are also urging retailers to consider the latest innovative ranges ahead of spring. A spokeswoman for Bloomin Amazing said: “Autumn and winter are the best times for planting shrubs and trees, and Bloomin Amazing is the perfect mulch. It keeps weeds from germinating, retains moisture in the soil and provides slow-release food.


At G Plants, Adele Hewitt added: “G Plants is ready to deliver its latest ranges of growing gifts to boost sales from January to summer. After the success of our BEES Grow Gifts over autumn, G Plants has launched a range of growing gifts for spring planting and year round growing, ideal for Mother’s Day and boosting bank holiday sales.”


The Garantia brand reports success with the introduction of its new garden range, including plant cloches, growing tunnels, raised beds and garden boards.


Finally, DJ Turfcare Equipment is recommending that retailers stock BIO- Lime from organic experts Viano, to help consumers get lawns into shape.


Kelkay’s de-icing salt www.gardencentreupdate.com | 23


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