contents


Market growth and standing out from the crowd


It has been another year of ups and down for the industry, but with overall market growth, there should be plenty of optimistic green shoots heading into 2018.


The season started with a bang, with a run of good weather and the Easter weekend falling in April. With the weather always playing such a key role in the performance of garden retailing, a decent stretch early in the year always sets the industry up well, so it was a shame that it was followed with a slightly patchy summer.


However, with the market trending upwards overall, driven by the growth in categories such as growing media and organics, the industry should be fairly content with 2017 as a whole. Of course, with a


CONTACTS Publication Manager:


Joanne Harrison - Tel: 01253 870780 Email: jharrison@datateam.co.uk


Advertising Sales:


Rebekah Coleman - Tel: 01622 699136 Email: rcoleman@datateam.co.uk


Housewares Sales: Laurie Marrington


Email: lmarrington@datateam.co.uk


Editor in Chief: Fiona Garcia


Email: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk Editor:


Gregor Muir


Email: gmuir@datateam.co.uk Art Editor:


Claire Noe - Tel: 01622 607963 Email: cnoe@datateam.co.uk


Publishing Director: Paul Ryder


Email: pryder@datateam.co.uk Curwood CMS Limited


Datateam, PO Box 35, Robertsbridge TN32 5WN Tel: 01580 883844


Email: datateam@c-cms.com


4 6


burgeoning market comes increased competition. The discounters and wholesalers have been edging into the market for several years, and now occupy a fair swathe of consumer spend. Those newer entrants cannot compete with the core competencies of garden centres, though. Horticultural expertise and advice remains a key point of difference, ensuring customers get the most from their purchases. Similarly, offering a nice day out, with quality catering facilities and an appealing locale, is something that many retailers can only wish for. In 2018, leveraging those things that help you stand out will continue to be essential. Done right, it can only mean another good year for garden retail. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you all.


@ GCUpdateUK


Big Interview: Sheila Hill Glee at Spring Fair preview


10 Garden wildlife 12 Plants, seeds and bulbs 14 Association comment: GIMA & HTA 15 Association comment: GCA & BHETA 16 Year in review 20 Industry news 21 On the Board: Ian Riggs


@ GCUMagazine 4


Gregor Muir, Editor gmuir@datateam.co.uk


21 Produced and published by Datateam Business Media Ltd., 15a London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY


All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any information storage or retrival system, without written permission from the Publisher.


innovatefor you We fo


Grow your sales with our new products and innovative merchandising. Together we will inspire shoppers to bringmore natur e into their daily lives.


merchandising.Together we will inspire shoppers to bring more nature into their daily lives.


ow your sales with our new products an To


nd innovative elho. om elho.com or you


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24