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Whatever the weather, be ready for business


It has been an up-and-down year for the industry, with the weather playing an even more pressing role than usual for garden centre retailers.


Given the long running sweltering summer (which has been a boon for watering equipment, hosepipe bans permitting), it is almost hard to remember the extreme cold that had the industry worried in the first quarter of the year.


The topsy turvy nature of the climate may be a continuing trend in the future, which unfortunately means garden centres and suppliers will need to be even more prepared to react to swift changes - and distribution networks will have to be ready to handle high product volumes at pace.


This again puts focus on the fact that the garden retail industry is increasingly one of preparation. Take the upcoming Glee showcase; most retailers in attendance are already planning ahead to 2019, and beyond, sourcing new lines, making new contacts and ensuring that whatever the weather, they’ll be ready for business.


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Garden centres have shifted up the gears in recent years, and with the increased profitability and professionalism has come pressure to keep performing and innovating. Fortunately, there remains plenty of energy and enthusiasm in the industry to take advantage of consumers whose love for gardening seems unlikely to diminish any time soon.


Gregor Muir, Editor gmuir@datateam.co.uk


@ GCUpdateUK


4 6


RHS Hampton Court review Glee Green Heart preview


@ GCUMagazine 10


10 Greenhouses & outdoor buildings 12 Garden heating & lighting 14 Outdoor play equipment 16 Talking Trade: garden centre health and safety 18 Association comment: GIMA & HTA 19 Association comment: GCA & BHETA 20 Industry news


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