contents A warm welcome


It’s a pleasure to introduce myself as the new editor of Garden Centre Update. As a lover of the outdoors, and a keen gardener, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the wonderful world of the garden centre industry.


Having previously edited a number of retail titles in the sport and outdoor industries, I can sympathise about the challenges currently faced within the retail trade. From the growth of online retailing, to the era of assumed discount, it’s a challenge out there. But that’s not to say good quality garden centres can’t thrive; there is still a demand for a shopping experience and good old-fashioned customer service. That’s where Garden Centre Update comes in; we hope to bring you the latest industry news and product updates, but also the tools to make your job that little bit easier. In this issue we provide you with the essential round-up of Glee trade show. With close to 8,000 visitors from multiple countries, it seems the show is growing from strength to strength. Please turn to page six for the review.


CONTACTS Editor:


Alex Fordham Email: afordham@datateam.co.uk


Publication Manager: Sallie Payne - Tel: 01622 699 151 Email: spayne@datateam.co.uk


Product News Coordinator: Ed Waugh - Tel: 01622 699 153 Email: ewaugh@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 8 @ GCUpdateUK Glee Product Highlights Glee Review Industry News


12 Site Visit 18 Christmas Seasonal Goods 24 Association Comment


12


@ GCUMagazine 6


There is a Christmas Seasonal Goods feature on page 18, and I make my first site visit in the new role, with a visit to Johnsons of Whixley in Leeds, UK. Here I learnt of the company’s new range of products for 2020 that they are serving to independent garden centres, and the heritage of the Johnson name in independent garden retailing.


Please do get in touch with me on afordham@datateam.co.uk for any feature ideas you think will enhance our publication. We’re here to serve you, so I’ll endeavour to have a close relationship with you the reader.


I hope you enjoy reading the issue, and I look forward to getting to know you all.


Alex Fordham, Editor afordham@datateam.co.uk


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.


8 GCU October/November 2019 www.gardencentreupdate.com | 3


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