the secret gardener
Making the most of a bad situation
Our new monthly feature, ‘The Secret Gardener’, takes an irreverent look at the goings-on of the garden retail industry in the UK
A
ſter the lacklustre Christmas showing for many (and I include the larger multiples in this), who adjusting to the perceived consumer burnout during the festive period, made it a poor experience for shoppers with the ‘same old same old’. Despite this, the garden retail has been provided with a new opportunity due to the global crisis Covid-19.
It may appears to be callous talking about opportunity within the current climate, however the fact that the country has been in lockdown, and the fine spring weather, has brought the appeal of gardening to a whole new audience. Despite the fact that it may be due to no sporting or social activities; that’s besides the point! Gardening has become trendy again and let’s make the most of it.
For those of us within the industry, we know of the simple joy and benefits to one’s physical and mental health. However, for those in need of some temporary respite from the terrible news reports we are witnessing, we need to up our game as an industry. It’s time to go into overdrive on social media and be as inventive as possible. With so many other leisure pursuits out of action, there won’t be a better time to convert thousands of new gardeners into potential future customers.
However, for those in need of some temporary respite from the terrible news reports we are witnessing, we need to up our game as an industry
And as we know, age is no burden. We’re seeing our children cooped up indoors; let’s get them outside and into the garden. I appreciate in the current climate it’s tough out there for retailers
due to Covid-19, and that’s why I welcome the recent directive from The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), calling for immediate access to financial support for the small business owners effected by the Government-imposed lockdown of the country. Bira’s CEO Andrew Goodacre said small independent retailers
affected by the new shut-down measures need ‘details and transparency’ when it comes to accessing the support available to them. Garden retailers are the heartbeat of independent retailers with over 2,000 in the UK, and let’s hope some of the finer detail can be ironed out to support our folks.
And even though times are tough, let’s not forget to support organisations like the Rainy Day Trust. Bryan Clover, Rainy Day Trust chief executive officer, has issued a plea to industry members to help support the charitable organisation. Titled, ‘Donate your Commute’, Clover takes up the story: “If you are
following government advice and working from home, then you will be saving fuel costs. Please donate the saving in one day’s commuting costs to the Rainy Day Trust. “Our finances are coming under increasing strain as demand for our help
increases, but donations are falling fast. We understand fully that your focus is on your business, but we need every penny to help the people that work alongside you. To donate, visit:
www.justgiving.com/rainydaytrust. “You can also donate by texting: ‘RAINY 5’ to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a standard rate message.“
Stay safe and healthy during the troubling period, and don’t forget to fly the green flag of our wonderful industry during these times; it may just pay dividends in the months to come.
30 |
www.gardencentreupdate.com GCU Spring 2020
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 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
