GTN January 2021 - Garden Trade News, UK

gtn n JANUARY 2021

Ad dviice & infformattion for garden centre professionals

Christmas Special Issue

Fulll Greattestt Award ds Results and comment

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Garden Centres are

s r e n n i W s Christma

Top

100

Christmas Products 2020

GTN’S CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY FOR 2021

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What a start to the year!

What a month January 2021 has been. A combination of Lockdown #3 and long periods of cold wet weather, including snow in some parts, has meant footfall has been at an all-time low which has allowed centres to concentrate on turning Christmas displays into vibrant Spring gardening sales areas ready for the expected boom to come.

Unfortunately, that’s not been the case everywhere as centres in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not been allowed to open at all during their lockdowns. We hope they are allowed to re-open soon before the season gets growing.

Also, some centres in areas of high COVID infection rates in England chose not to re-open immediately after Christmas to keep their staff safe and do their bit for their local areas R rate.

Our thoughts go out to any centres who have been in that situation. What a tough decision to have to make given the “essential retail” status allowed to garden centres.

That “essential retail” status will be really beneficial to all gardeners and of course garden centres when the weather warms up and people staying at home desperately want to get outside and get growing. As an industry we need to keep working together to remind government of the key role gardening can play in peoples lives during the pandemic. We should all beware of internet shopping site owners peddling a view that all garden centres should be closed.

The highlight of the month for the GTN team was being able to announce the winners of The Greatest Christmas Awards, live on-line as part of Glee’s Festive Focus Day. Judging and announcing the winners was a purely joyous

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EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Garden Trade News Potting Shed Press Ltd Dairy Drove Thorney Peterborough PE6 0TX Tel 01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk

time spent revelling in the excellence of garden centre Christmas retailing in this most difficult of seasons.

I’m afraid this issue is late going to press because of the high number and quality of the awards entries, which I hope comes through in the pages that follow. Combined with the GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Christmas Products chart and our Christmas Directory we hope the wait is worthwhile and you find plenty of information to help you add to your buying and plans for Christmas 2021.

THE GTN TEAM Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Associate Editor Mike Wyatt mike@pottingshedpress.co.uk Digital Editor Neil Pope neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Subscriptions Karen Pfeiffer karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk Design & Production AT Graphics Ltd www.atgraphicsuk.com Kirsty Craner – Design Alun Jones – Production Manager Robert Tipping – Managing Director James Tipping – Technical Director Printing CG Print Ltd Do you qualify for a copy of GTN?

If you’d like to be added to the GTN distribution list, please send your details to Karen@pottingshedpress. co.uk to see if you qualify to be included. Alternatively, if you prefer your Garden Trade News digitally, sign up for GTN Xtra, our weekly e-mail newsetter at www.gardentradenews.co.uk And, if you want the fastest garden centre sales analysis, take out a subscription to GTN Bestsellers our printed weekly sales data newsletter. For just £145.00 per year you get Top 50 sales charts created from weekly garden centre epos data. Contact trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details and to subscribe.

Potting Shed Press Ltd

Garden Trade News is published by Potting Shed Press Ltd who also publish: GTN Bestsellers, GTN Xtra, Glee Daily News and the Glee Catalogue, and the Solex Sun. Potting Shed Press also supply Garden Radio to over 100 garden centres across the country.

In this issue

The Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 – part 1 Meadow View transforming garden centres The Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 – part 2 Whistler Grill’s Modular Kitchen Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

4 8 10 13 16

GTN’s Christmas Directory – part 1 GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Christmas Chart GTN’s Christmas Directory – part 2 HTA Column GIMA Column

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

18 22 24 28 30

Director Trevor Pfeiffer SMALL PRINT: All material © Potting Shed Press Ltd 2021. No part of this publication may e reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information supplied in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.

Potting Shed Press Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the vent of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cassation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

January 2021 3

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 – TheWinners Almost 100 individual team entries were submitted or nominated for the virtual edition of GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 and here are the winners. See more photos and videos submitted with entries in up-coming issues of GTN Xtra. www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Over the first two weeks of January the following garden centres were chosen as finalists: Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Bosworths, Busy Bee, Christies of Fochabers, Colemans Garden Centre, Daisy Nook, Dobbies, Garden Centre Overstrand, Glendoick, Grange Farm Nursery, Groves, Haskins, Hillmount, Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre, Millbrook, Old Barn, Otter Nurseries, Pengelly, Perrywood, Planters Tamworth, Planters Bretby, Pughs, Rosebourne - Weyhill, Sapcote, Squires Badshot Lea, St Peters Worcester, Thatcham - BGC, The Old Railway Line, Thetford, Waresley Park.

Well done to all those great garden centre Christmas teams!

The expert judging panel of Steve Myatt, Andy Campbell, Roger Crookes and Trevor Pfeiffer spent many hours reviewing the entries, scanning websites and social media and after lengthy Zoom meetings made the difficult decisions as to who the winners of the awards and recipients of the sponsors prizes should be.

As announced LIVE, on-line, during Glee’s Festive Focus Day, here are the winners.

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 Roll of Honour

Christmas Buzz on the Isle of Wight

• Highly Commended: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Pengelly • The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team – Sponsored by Garden Radio – 1 years’ service with bespoke messages, worth over £500 for the winner – The Old Railway Line.

• Highly Commended: Barton Grange, Colemans Garden Centre, Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea • The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team – Sponsored by SOLEX - 2 x Hotel Rooms at SOLEX 2021 for the winner – Altons BBQ World • Highly Commended: Hillmount

• The Greatest Christmas Pets Team – Sponsored by Smart Garden Products, Zöon • The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team £500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line – Sponsored by Woodlodge - £500 stock for • Highly Commended: Planters Tamworth, the winner – Barton Grange.

Squires Badshot Lea • Highly Commended: Pengelly, The Old Railway Line • The Greatest Christmas Community/ Charity Initiative – Sponsored by Kaemingk • The Greatest Outdoor Plant and – A display from their UK showroom for the Christmas Tree Team – Sponsored by GTN winner - Pengelly Bestsellers -subscriptions worth £580 for the • Highly Commended: Daisy Nook, Dobbies, winner – Pughs Radyr.

Perrywood, Thetford

4 January 2021

Busy Bee on the Isle of Wight are The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team, sponsored by Kaemingk.

In this highly competitive category, the judges said: “The Busy Bee team create a great balance between eye-catching, engaging displays and commercial adjacent merchandising - Well done.

“Very professionally presented with a great use of props, well defined and presented themes in a display with clarity and clean, tidy delivery.” > You can take a tour of Busy Bee’s Christmas displays for yourself using this link: https://3dplayer.online/ show/18923

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

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GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

A Christmas to Remember brings triple joy for Barton Grange No strangers to winning Christmas Awards, Barton Grange were the judges choice as winners of The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team, sponsored by Festive, The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team, sponsored

by Woodlodge and joint winners of The Greatest COVID Safe Christmas Team, sponsored by Global Journey. Their stunning displays, sparkling Christmas merchandising throughout the centre combined with well implemented COVID-19 strategies left the judges saying: “A superb professional display created for a Covid Christmas and delivering style, inspiration and wow to all customers visiting the centre. Excellent.”

“Every department and category is a treasure trove of both popular and unusual festive ranges, their commitment to amazing visual merchandising with a clear commercial focus is legendary!”

“2020 forced everyone to re-think their approach to Christmas retailing and once again the Barton Grange team rose to the challenge, presenting a highly innovative, inspirational customer journey whilst keeping it easy to shop and safe – Outstanding.”

• The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea – Sponsored by Glee – 2 x Hotel Rooms at Glee 2021 for the winner Groves • Highly Commended: Altons BBQ World, Hillmount, The Old Railway Line • The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video – Sponsored by Premier Decorations - £500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line • Highly Commended: Bosworths, Glendoick, Pengelly

“As expected the Christmas execution within the Houseplant area was excellent as we have come to expect from Barton Grange with outstanding creativity and attention to detail.”

Russell Winteridge, General Manager at Barton Grange Garden Centre told GTN: “After the year this has been, we’re extremely delighted to receive these awards. We made the decision not to hold back on stock levels for 2020 but removed many of our key displays to allow more social distancing. This went against the grain for our fanatical Christmas team but they didn’t let these restrictions diminish the quality of the merchandising in any way.

“As expected, we did get customer comments about the reduced feature displays but everyone also could the see benefit and appreciated more circulation space.

“Industry awards are great to receive but the best feedback comes from how much customers spend. Thankfully, ours didn’t hold back and left us with less Christmas stock than normal. We did miss the footfall that catering normally brings in during December but we – and I’m sure every centre – ended up being very pleased and probably very relieved at the level of trade overall.”

• The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team – Sponsored by Elho - £500 stock for the winner - Baytree • Highly Commended: Lakeside Plant Centre • The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Display Team – Sponsored by Global Journey - £500 stock for the winner – Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange • Highly Commended: Baytree • The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by DCUK - £500 stock for the winner – Squires Badshot Lea • Highly Commended: British Garden Centres Thatcham • The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Ascalon £500 stock for the winner - Pengelly • Highly Commended: Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre • The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk - A display from their UK showroom for the winner – Busy Bee • Highly Commended: Glendoick, Planters Tamworth, Sapcote, The Old Railway Line • The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Festive £500 stock for the winner – Barton Grange • Highly Commended: Baytree, Hillmount, Perrywood

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• The Greatest Christmas Supplier – As voted for by garden centres taking part in The Greatest Christmas Awards Kaemingk • Finalists: Festive, Gisela Graham, Noma - Leisuregrow, Otterhouse, Premier, Smart Three Kings, Snowtime, Swift Imports

January 2021 5

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

Super Squires Squires Badshot Lea, winners of The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team, sponsored by DCUK, drew glowing comments from the judges: “A well-executed and interesting display delivered with passion. Good volumes, well delivered themes, clear signage and product descriptions and well extended through the centre.”

“Squires Badshot Lea centre came across incredibly professionally and very commercial whilst offering a stimulating but safe shopping experience – Excellent!”

“Well blocked commercial merchandising to maximise volume sales, but retaining the inspirational Festive feel that you would expect from ‘your local garden centre’.”

Richard Wells, manager, Squire’s Badshot Lea told GTN: “The team really wanted to enter the awards as they felt so proud of their merchandising. After such a tough and challenging year, this award has really helped put a spring into our step and acknowledge the efforts of past few months “We decided on a very open plan display to make sure our customers could shop easily and safely, but still with a touch of magic added to the

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(From left to right) Richard Wells – garden centre manager; Debbie Hook – gift sales assistant; Emma Maile – pets department head; Stuart Sullivan – Christmas department head; Cindy Bentley – craft supervisor; Mel Barclay – houseplant sales assistant. merchandising, that customers have come to know us for. They really appreciated all our efforts and we received many positive comments about the displays and for the calm, enjoyable and safe shopping experience.

Customers wanted to inject some brightness and colour into their lives this Christmas so lights, trees and garlands were popular. Unsurprisingly products associated with entertaining were down. Horticulture also remained strong throughout as people looked for a healthy and enjoyable way to stay safely at home.

Sarah Squire, chairman, Squire’s Group: “I am so delighted for our team and incredibly proud of everything they have done. Whilst safety for colleagues and customers was always their top priority, Richard and his

t team used d allll th their i skill kill and d imagination i i ti to re-invent the department for Christmas 2020. The merchandising was much more open and airy, to promote social distancing, yet the displays they created were as stunning as ever.” > See all the pictures of Squires Badshot Lea Christmas in GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Double Cornish Delight Pengelly Garden Centre in Cornwall were winners of The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team, sponsored by Ascalon and The Greatest Christmas Community/Charity Initiative, sponsored by Kaemingk.

Sarah Daniel, owner of , Pengelly Garden Centre said: “We were delighted to win the two awards, it was a lovely surprise and a welldeserved reward for all the hard work that Team Pengelly has put in this year. We work with our local community very closely, supporting local suppliers with our food hub, our Christmas craft fair for the Foodbank, and currently we are

working with St. Ewe Free Range Eggs – 50% of their business is supplying the trade who are currently shut. Last weekend we took her eggs and sold over 8000!

“Customer feedback has been phenomenal; everyone is very proud of what we have achieved and incredibly supportive.

“As for Christmas sales, they were incredible, so I’m thinking bigger and better for the future.

We will extend our Christmas tunnel, add in some atriums on the way and hopefully Father Christmas will be back in his grotto.”

The judges were full of praise for a team

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which clearly works well together delivering an interesting and unique Christmas offer with making customers smile at the heart.

“Indoor and outdoor plants, and Christmas ranges feature strongly Pengelly and the team at brought Christmas sparkle to all areas, creating a sense of fun for customers visiting - Fantastic.”

“Every photo and every video from Pengelly made me smile. They clearly enjoy their work and as a result their customers love them.”

Pengelly’s facebook video of them being announced as winners has been viewed over 1,800 times!

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YORK LEEDS

HULL

SHEFFIELD

NOTTINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

PETERBOROUGH

NORWICH

CAMBRIDGE

WORCESTER MILTON KEYNES

COLCHESTER

GTN PROMOTION

How Meadow View are transforming Garden Centres both physically and financially.

Following a visit to the stand at Glee, Trowell Garden Centre asked Meadow View to put a proposal together for their decorative aggregates and paving category for 2020. What they didn’t expect, was how this would literally transform the centre. . . .

The Initial Brief was • Freshen up the range to add more variety and on trend products • Remove similar products that cannibalise sales • Add in situ displays to showcase the products • Increase sales and basket spend • Make the area more user friendly and easier to shop

Existing Stock Profile • Large amount of UK sourced shingle/ gravels, which accounted for 45% of the range

• All very similar with no point of difference, • All only able to achieve quite low RRP’s.

• No on trend colours/ products • This resulted in 19 out of the 20 lines retailing at £5.99 or below, with • Only one premium product retailing at £7.99.

Sarah Hill MD of Meadow View recalls “The size of the area enabled huge potential with the ability to offer greater variety, additional premium products and a more balanced product range, all of which delivered significant sales increases”.

Whatt M Wh Made d th them S Switch? it h?

A product analysis was undertaken, illustrating that better selling alternatives were available and by switching they would greatly increase the unit sales value and overall turnover of the centre. The average sales price for the new range increased by 41% to £7.49/unit from £5.31/unit, with projected turnover increases of £15K.

GTN PROMOTION

Transforming the space • End of aisle displays, structured by product, made it easier to shop and drew footfall to the area • These provided a showcase of the quality of the products offered within each collection • Premium products were given prime focus • Similar products with lower RRP’s were discontinued

The results • 30% volume sold came from exclusive premium products • 36% turnover was from the sales of

exclusive premium products.

• Average sales price increased by 50% from £5.31 to £7.98 • 64% sales in aggregates and 36% in Paving • Increase in sales turnover of 129% (beg Nov 2020) David Henshaw, Trowell added, “The initial set up was smooth & once the product & POS was in place, we knew we’d made the right move as it gave our plant area the lift it required. The range & quality of product along with the ease & speed of delivery have shown us we made the right

> Meadow View Stone, Lower Heath Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2BT Telephone: 01948 841 607, Fax: 01948 840060 Website: www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

move & the huge increase in sales backs this up. We can’t thank Sarah and the team enough for their support in a challenging year & look forward to continuing our relationship with Meadow View into 2021 and beyond!”

Sarah Hill stated, “We love to assist new and existing customers in defining their range; and when this pays off so significantly, it gives our whole team such a sense of pride and achievement.

The transformation is not just a physical change, but a huge financial one, and we feel honoured to be a part of this process”.

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

Christmas Doors produce an Enchanting Christmas for Pughs As a result of an early decision not to run their award winning grotto, the team at Pugh’s put all of their energy into creating increased plant and Christmas Tree sales during the Christmas period. The results were astounding and they are The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team, sponsored

by GTN Bestsellers.

“The team at Pugh’s put together a highly professional and commercial approach to maximising the potential of the external area to replace their extremely popular Christmas grotto,” said the judges.

“They used great initiative

and teamwork to rethink an existing project and produce a well designed and delivered customer experience – excellent!”

Nicola Pugh told GTN: “From October our Christmas Doors were launched, 4 in Pugh’s Garden Village Radyr and 3 in Pugh’s Garden Village Wenvoe.

These created the WOW displays that we were looking to achieve in place of our famous Christmas Santa Experience. The door displays showcased an array of shrubs and pots as well as Christmas lights. The plan was to ensure that the doors could continue throughout the year

Currently taking Christmas pre-orders

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dcuk.com | 01803 866316 | mail@dcuk.com

10 January 2021

and adapted per season. The door displays created the perfect back drop for a photo opportunity and in conjunction with the ‘get the look’ campaign, we encouraged customers to take a photo in front of the doors and post it to our social media channels which entered them into a competition

to win a holiday to Bluestone in west Wales worth £500.”

“We are proud to have used the same supplier of Christmas Trees for over 30 years and every year we have families who buy their tree from Pugh’s and it forms part of their Christmas tradition. It is always a magical occasion; however, this year we wanted it to be even more memorable so we developed Pugh’s enchanted forest. What is traditionally the area which holds our Santa Experience, we transformed into Pugh’s Enchanted Forest with a magical display and it even snowed!

We created this in both of our centres and it was extremely well received by customers.”

Shop and Go! The judges were full of praise for the team at Aylett Nurseries, joint winners of The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Display Team, sponsored by Global Journey: “Ayletts have been passionate about getting it right and involving the team in how they develop and apply their Covid protocols since re-opening and continued to develop these standards during the challenging Christmas season.”

“It was evident the lengths the Ayletts team had gone to, to ensure the centre was a Covid safe place to shop, involving the whole team in the planning process and gaining their commitment whilst reassuring them of their own well-being.”

“Ayletts took Covid security seriously. They engaged the

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whole team in developing the protocols that would keep staff and customers safe along with the shop and go theme.

Adam Wigglesworth told GTN: “The Team are delighted to be recognised by the judges in the GTN Greatest Christmas Awards.

As always a huge effort went into making the centre magical and of course this year the added complexity of altering all the plans to make things as safe as we could, was an extra challenge . Thank you to the judges and all those who took part, any good news is welcome!”

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

Winter Wonderland for Gardening at Baytree

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Baytree Garden Centre, near Spalding, are The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team, sponsored by Elho.

The implementation of a COVID safe one-way system and the moving of all departments from their traditional positions meant the Baytree Christmas was a big and sparkly as ever but that Winter gardening stayed at high levels all the way through to Christmas.

The Baytree team also secured the go-ahead from their local authorities to run their COVID safe grotto, even after the area was moved into Tier 4.

Nigel Wallis told GTN: “The whole team are chuffed to bits with the results, a great boost for all especially in these times, but also confirms what a great team we have here at Baytree and the commitment shown through the last 12 months. A big thank you from Reinhard, Vonny and all of the family.

“The Grotto was a great success; customers loved the online booking system and the one way system that Santa had put in place, all very safe

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“Christmas sales started early and then November was a bit worrying but as we came out of lockdown sales continued through to Xmas eve and we finished the year nicely.”

The judges said of the entry: “Baytree clearly showed that they are there for all seasons not just Spring – all you need for Winter garden care was showcased well.”

“Often a category that gets ignored at Christmas, but the Baytree team struck the right balance of trading core gardening without compromise, especially highlighting the gift potential of much of the range.”

On the winning tracks at The Old Railway Line The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Brecon is the home of The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team, sponsored by Garden Radio, The Greatest Christmas Pets Team, sponsored by Smart Garden’s Zoon and they are the producers of The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video, sponsored

by Premier Decorations “We were delighted to pick up 3 GTN Christmas Awards this year,” said Marketing manager Joe Aldworth, “which is amazing credit to our hardworking team. Despite such a challenging team they have still given their all to offer a special experience and excellent customer service when customers were able to visit.

“Winning the Greatest Christmas Pet Team and Food Hall Team was very fitting, as these were two areas of the garden centre that have stretched throughout the year. Both teams have adapted during various lockdowns and restrictions to get essential goods to our local community. Our essential food hampers were a lifeline to so

many during the first lockdown and a perfect example of how our caring, hardworking team have worked tirelessly to jump over any hurdle that has been thrown at us during 2020. to get our customers what they need.

“To win the best Christmas Video was icing on the cake. Our marketing team came up with an amazing concept to capture testing times as a result of COVID-19, including many Zoom calls with family and friends. We tied this into the idea of sending gifts from afar and how we could help send the perfect gift using our local and national delivery services.

“Despite challenging trading conditions, due to additional Welsh lockdowns for Garden Centre’s in Wales, we achieved strong Christmas sales. We achieved just over 17% growth for Christmas category sales compared to the previous Christmas period. This was achieved because of a proactive and creative approach by our team during very challenging trading conditions. Full credit must be given to the whole team who worked tirelessly to support the business through such a difficult year, ensuring our customers were cared throughout.”

The judges comments about Christmas at The Old Railway Line were: “A comprehensive food offer designed to inspire for Christmas purchases. Everything you could need to keep your pets happy at Christmas.

An atmospheric and engaging video showing the great product range and the magic of Christmas to appeal to children and adults alike.”

“Their festive appeal was much more than the

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décor. Their ‘treat food’ ranges and marketing had increased sales of some festive lines by up 600%! They maximised the demand for ‘feel good food’ at just the right time. We loved the smart festive staff uniforms. Strong ‘local’ provenance, clear signage to highlight categories, well placed on the customer journey with both commercial and attractive merchandising.”

“Their video seemed to work on every level, engaging and ‘endearing’ to build customer affection for the family appeal of the centre, commercial ‘pointers’ highlighting their range of products and services, great results from their Facebook analytics demonstrating very high view and reactions rates.”

“This charming and personal video captured the mood perfectly at this most difficult time, with The Old Railway team balancing perfectly the magic of Christmas with how they could help one celebrate.” > Watch the Award winning video at: https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OkvDK aK3rHE&t=9s

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January 2021 11

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

A star is born!

Jay Bunker has become an Instagram star, using the social media platform to drive huge sales levels of BBQ’s at Altons BBQ World in the run up to Christmas and as a result scoop The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team Award, sponsored by SOLEX. Jay’s team were also highly commended in The Greatest Christmas Social Media Award.

Check out his great social media marketing at: www.instagram.com/altonsbbqworld “We are over the moon to win this award and thank you to all who had a say in making this happen,” said Jay on winning the awards.

“I love what I do and the impact my Instagram has had on so many BBQers. It all started in March and the popularity of my page has blown me away and the amount of love I have had from the BBQ community is incredible.

“The customers and followers loved the ideas we come up with, all the shows, giveaways, celebrity cooking shows and all the live events we do and Secret Santa was another great idea I came up with sitting at home on my sofa and having some fun with

customers and getting them involved. We had so many people come in to take part and the response was amazing.

“The sales last year were just phenomenal and my Instagram played an enormous part of that, reaching people all over the world and connecting with people everywhere and really raising our profile.

“We are super excited about the year ahead and there is plenty more to come from us.”

The Greatest Awards judges were lavish with their praise too: “The Alton team are renowned for their proactive approach and authority when it comes to barbeque retailing and this continued right through the Christmas period with intensive use of social media.

“An innovative and entertaining approach to marketing BBQ’s at Christmas, encouraging great customer engagement.”

“Alton’s clever use of Instagram is a model other garden centres could develop to great benefit. If it can be used to sell a high volume of BBQ’s through the winter just imagine what it could do for gardening in the Spring!”

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GTN PROMOTION

Introducing the all new Whistler Grills Modular Outdoor Kitchen!

Introducing the brand new show stopping Whistler Grills Cirencester Modular Kitchen! Designed to allow the customer to create their very own bespoke outdoor kitchen, personally tailored to suit their home and budget.

This sophisticated stainless steel modular system is packed with many impressive features, including the free-standing Cirencester 4 or 6 burner grill, two of Whistlers finest BBQ’s. The kitchen can be made up of a wide range of modular units including a sink, fridge, trash bin and other drawer and cupboard units, allowing the customer to choose a design that fits their personal needs, creating their dream outdoor entertainment area.

The Cirencester range offers flexibility in design with its 45 and 90-degree corner units, allowing the customer to adapt their kitchen to fit any outdoor space. Once the

configuration decided, fi ti has h been b d id d butterfly b tt fl screws simply attach the units together.

With innovation and quality always at the forefront of mind, Whistler have introduced a brand new Laminam counter top material, a high-quality, robust material used for the following reasons:

causing a rust and corrosion free surface.

Adjustable levelling castors are also offered for all modular units, enabling the customer to adjust the height of each unit according to their patio or flooring, giving a level and professional looking finish.

The impressive and innovative modular system is set to hit the market in midFebruary and is sure to create a lot of interest, especially given the huge growth in expensive outdoor bespoke kitchens, the Cirencester System offers an affordable alternative. This exciting new range will be available through some of our key retailers; The BBQ Shop, BBQ Barn, Garden Box and Bedfordshire BBQ’s from February 2021. > For further information or interest, please contact Steve at steve@ whistlergrills.com or 07517996371.

• Scratch resistant • High strength • Wear resistant • Chemical resistant • UV resistant • Hygienic surface As we all know, the cooking surface is one of the most important parts of any BBQ, and for this reason Whistler Grills make their cooking grates out of 304 stainless steel due to its resistance to oxidization and corrosion,

www.whistlergrills.com Whistler Grills Limited Whistlergrillsltd_ @GrillsLimited

GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

Virtual Santa Trail wins Social media award for Groves Groves in Bridport, Dorset, were the acclaimed winners of The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea, sponsored by Glee, for their social media activity for their virtual Santa events.

Charlie Grove explained: “Because we could not run the Santa’s Grotto this year we decided to move our Santa online.

“Santa left a load of his things around the garden centre and he needed the children’s help to find them and save Xmas. The trail consisted of 11 rhyming clues leading the child onto the next. This is accompanied by a treasure map to help guide the children around d the centre.

“We then filmed a couple of video trailers to use on social media and a video for starting the trail and one for ending the trail. We then set up two screens in store. One to start the children on their way and one to finish, thank the children and assure them that Santa will stil be with them on Xmas eve. still “Children finished by entering en Santa present room and an Santa asked them on video to select a present as a thank you yo for their help.

“We also hosted a facebook live liv stream Q&A session with Santa S on Thursday night. The video v of which can be seen here h https://www.facebook. com/grovesnurseries/ c

WIN videos/166144501920745 “We had 700 views by the end of the session which lasted 45 minutes and children were able to ask questions.”

The judges said: “The story, content and the staged delivery of this marketing campaign stood out as an effective, well thought out and delivered project.”

“As a consequence of not being able to run their Christmas grotto this year, Groves immediately jumped into action and created an amazing virtual Santa campaign in house using social media to engage locally.”

Thank you… we can’t wait to visit you all next year!

The team at GTN are hugely thankful to all the sponsors who kindly donated prizes worth over £7,000 for the winners of this years virtual Greatest Christmas Awards.

Thank you also to the expert judges who dedicated so much time to review all the entries and decide upon the winners.

Steve Myatt is the Managing Director of Kiwiosity incorporating Retail Development, a company specialising in retail and business consultancy.

Steve has over 25 years experience at Senior level as professional retailer, event manager, QVC Brand Ambassador and roles in corporate governance. He owned his own Garden Centre for many years and is a past UK Garden Centre Association Chairman.

As a mentor for the Making it Happen Business Development programme for retail businesses he enables Garden Centre, Nursery owners, and senior managers, to make a real financial difference to their businesses.

Steve currently works with individual clients, clients in the Making it Happen programme and as a Consultant to the HTA Business Improvement Scheme in a number of UK regions. > Contact Steve on 07710 804593 or

14 January 2021

steve@retail-development.co.uk Andy Campbell has 38 years garden retail experience, 19 years as an independent business development consultant, 18 years chairing HTA business improvement scheme groups, 16 years undertaking GCA inspections and a commercial and challenging approach. Andy is confident he can make a real difference and add significant value to your business.

Andy says “As we start to emerge from the most uncertain trading period in the history of garden centre retailing, the time is right to take a long hard look at one’s business, to determine whether it is fit for purpose in this new commercial trading environment.” > Contact Andy on 07788 567011 or andy@ andycampbellconsulting.co.uk Roger Crookes has been working in the garden centre trade since 1977 and supporting the trade as a free-lance consultant since 2006.

Although experienced across all departments and categories of the garden centre business, Rogers’ current focus is often within the plants and ‘core gardening’ categories: He aims to help retailers develop and present their ranges to engage new gardeners, motivate teams to have a commercial approach, and the wider trade

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

to work together to convert those new gardeners’ life lifelong committed garden centre customers. > Contact Roger at rogercrookes@ icloud.com Trevor Pfeiffer is Editor of Garden Trade News and creator of The Greatest Awards for garden centre teams back in 2008. Passionate teams of excellent staff have been the king pin of great garden centre retailing for many a year, but now, more than ever, teamwork and great leadership is making the difference and keeping our retail sector vibrant, relevant and essential.

We are so grateful for all the entries we received virtually this year, but next Christmas we want to get back out on the road to come and visit you all. What fun!

SELECT

CARD CATEGORY MANAGEMENT

Grow your card sales sustainably W-Select offers you a one-stop solution for the planning and management of your greeting card assortment. Partnering with the best of British publishers, we ensure plastic-free packaging and the reduction of glitter and microplastics.

As a publisher, Woodmansterne offers ground-breaking environmental credentials, including…

• Our unwrapped cards save half a million pieces of throw away plastic weekly • Our cards are printed with vegetable inks on paper from sustainable forests • Our envelopes are made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste • Our UK manufacturing and distribution keeps our carbon footprint low • We have removed all glitter and microplastics from our products We would love to explore how we can help your business grow and become more sustainable.

Get in touch 01923 200 600 or sales@woodmansterne.co.uk

FUNDRAISING FOR GREENFINGERS CHARITY

A New Year update from Greenfingers

As 2021 unfolds the team at the Greenfingers Charity is looking ahead to another year of FUNdraising and new garden builds. In a year which sees the charity’s biggest fundraising day, Garden Re-Leaf Day, turn ten the next 12 months are set to be a busy year for the charity and its supporters.

There is no question that the current Covid-19 pandemic will throw many challenges at the charity, however it remains optimistic that its supporters will continue to dig deep as they did throughout the last year.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers said: “It would have been perfectly understandable if people chose to not support us in the same

16 January 2021

way that had previously as the impact of the ongoing pandemic has placed significant financial pressure on many. However, we have been blessed with such incredibly generous and selfless supporters, with many continuing to go above and beyond to support the charity and the work we do in children’s hospices across the country. We were truly blown away by the generosity of

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our supporters during the last 12 months; generosity which is enabling us to continue our much-valued work throughout 2021.”

Looking ahead to this year, Greenfingers has ambitious plans as work continues on three incredibly exciting gardens at Haven House in Essex, Ty Hafan in Penarth, Wales, and St. Oswalds in Newcastle, with many more hospices joining the waiting list as the

FUNDRAISING FOR GREENFINGERS CHARITY

therapeutic benefits of spending time in the garden has come to the fore during the Covid-19 crisis.

Linda added; “Designed by Tom Hoblyn, Victoria Wade and our very own garden project manager, Holly Harrington, these gardens are set to transform the garden spaces of each of these hospices, and we hope will transform the lives of the children, their families and the staff at these. We know from previous projects just how important these garden spaces are, and how much their role has developed during the pandemic. We want to do everything we can to ensure that life-limited children, their families and their carers continue to enjoy and benefit from these stunning gardens.”

Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021 Since its inception in 2012, Garden Re-Leaf Day has been a key event within the garden retail calendar. Each year hundreds of people from across the industry, including suppliers and retailers, come together to undertake an incredible series of fundraising events.

During the last nine years the event has raised in excess of £650,000, all of which has gone towards helping the charity design and create gardens in children’s hospices throughout the country.

This year the event will celebrate its 10th anniversary, with the Greenfingers Charity hoping the garden retail sector will come together once again to help celebrate in style. Like many events, Garden Re-Leaf Day will no doubt look a little different this year and will take on virtual elements to enable more people to get involved from the comfort of their own homes and offices, and to ensure the necessary social distancing can be maintained.

To make things a little easier for individuals and teams working within strict Covid-secure measures, the window off FUNdraising can be extended to the whole of March, with the official date for Garrden Re-Leaf Day being 19th March. This ex xtra flexibility provides more opportunity for supporters to enlist the support of frie ends, family and their local communities, to make the 10th anniversary a great one.

The much-loved Sponsored Walk an nd Cycle Challenge will be shaped differe ently this year, with participants invited to walk or cycle from their homes or offices. The normal 10 and 20-miles walk and 100-- mile cycle goals will remain, though new id deas are welcomed! Why not go floral or drress up in green to generate some buzz in your

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

local area or commit to walking or cycling further throughout the whole of March to raise even more for Greenfingers?! The possibilities are endless.

Speaking ahead of Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021, Linda Petrons, said: “Whilst it’s very unlikely that we can be together to celebrate Garden Re-Leaf Day’s special birthday, we do hope that our supporters will join us from the comfort of their own homes and offices to get involved in this year’s event. With a whole month of FUNdraising, we are excited to see what activities people will undertake.

We’re already hearing of sponsored walks and runs, including virtual relays that are bringing together people from all corners of the country, as well as virtual quizzes, cake sales and some incredible feats of endurance all in the name of Garden Re-Leaf Day. Whatever you do, please know that we are endlessly thankful for the support and cannot wait to cheer you on this March!” > To find out more about the wonderful work the Greenfingers Charity undertakes please join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media https:// www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @ Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.

January 2021 17

CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY

It’s Christmas buying time,

but not as we know it

After for what many centres was a record Christmas, garden centre Christmas buyers are working their way through a variety of showroom visits and virtual showroom tours in the absence of Harrogate and Spring Fair trade shows.

Here’s GTN’s guide to some of the showrooms and products that can help you make your buying decisions for 2021,, plus the annual GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Christmas Products Chart.

Using weekly Epos data from a panel of garden centres GTN’s Bestsellers Christmas analysis closed the year with volumes of the Top 50 Bestselling lines down by 3.9% vs 2019. We thought some of that drop may have been due to Christmas sales in some centres starting earlier than usual, GTN Bestsellers Christmas Chart starts

at the end of September every year, but analysis of the Top 100 points to a different explanation as to sales trends.

In the GTN Top 100 Christmas products for 2020 the sales volumes of the Top 10 lines were 31% down year on year but the volumes of the products ranked 11 to 50 were up by 15% and the lines from No 51 to 100 up by 6%.

When you combine that with the fact that

the t total number of Christmas lines in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data for 2020 were up by 8% we can see fo a picture of greater depth of sales across a wider portfolio of products. ac Will that trend continue for 2021? Or will impulse purchases of 20 personalised lines, which make up pe the Top 10, jump back up if catering has re-opened by then? > For sure GTN will keep a close eye on the trends in the weekly GTN Bestsellers analysis, but for more insight as to consumer trends for Christmas 2021 take a look at the Trend Bible presentation that was part of Glee’s Festive Focus Day. The recorded session can be accessed via the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter: www.gardentradenews.co.uk

New Outdoor Living Collection 2022 As of the 29 th of April

Garden furniture | Solar lights | Fountains | Planters | Garden statues

Book your digital appointment now WWW.KAEMINGK.COM

18 January 2021

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

As a year of unprecedented challenges across all industries drews to a close, elho continued to grow and further its reputation as one of the leading synthetic container suppliers in the UK.

Full UK sales rep coverage

elho’s commitment to its customer service is highlighted with the appointment an experienced new sales rep to cover the south west, meaning the company now has full UK coverage.

Innovation

Despite lockdown, elho has continued to innovate, design and create, ensuring that its new product launch plans are unaffected. The 2021 product launches continued as intended and the 2022 lines will be announced earlier than ever at spoga+gafa, with the show now taking place in May. This continued drive and growth helps push the sector forward and sees the company firmly placed as a leader of it.

Unaffected supply chains

This commitment to its customers is further demonstrated as the flow of product and supply of stock to garden centres has remained steady, with lead times being unaffected even by lockdown measures. elho has been working hard to ensure that it has been able to easily fulfil demand, which has been at unprecedentedly high levels this year.

Sales manager, David Nicholson said: “We have fully caught up with the high demand over the last five months (70% higher) and we are back to delivery rates of 95%. We have made extra investments in extending our production and warehouse capacity. Our stock levels are higher than normal this time of the year to support customers the best we can and we will further build extra safety stock for the new season.”

Expansion of garden centre offering

The elho sales team now has full UK coverage.

The elho Group brand is also launching easyday in January, to offer more variety to garden centres and meet the demand for an affordable, basic range that others have been unable to meet. The range includes a watering can, flowerpot, trough and balcony planter, with RRPs starting at £2.99.

For more information on any of the above and for details about stocking the new elho collections please contact david.nicholson@elho.nl.

CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY Whimsical creatures from the ‘Santa’s Toy Shop’ ran

A wreath from the ‘Deck the Halls’ range

Ascalon Launches Virtual Showroom for Christmas 2021 Ascalon have created a stunning virtual showroom for buyers to explore at their own pace, featuring all 12 of Ascalon’s new ranges for 2021, with full products then available on their website. Helpful staff are just a phone call or email away.

To access the showroom, you’ll need to request Ascalon for a link.

New Ranges for 2021 Ascalon revealed their ’12 Ranges of Christmas’ earlier in the season. Collections range from the traditional red berries of Deck the Halls, to the novelty creatures of Santa’s Toy Shop, the luxurious shades of Winter Jewels, and the natural focus of Woodland Yuletide. All ranges

are featured in the new festive brochure, with a full product listing available online.

Ascalon’s mix of popular products and new lines allows you to repeat your existing best-sellers and find your next ones in a vast range of garlands, wreaths, tree trims, candle rings, standing figures and more.

Family-run Ascalon have been supplying Christmas decorations to garden centres, gift shops and businesses across the UK and Europe for almost 30 years. > Information: www.ascalon.co.uk.

To receive a link to the virtual showroom or a digital/physical copy of the brochure, or for further information, contact sales@ascalon.co.uk.

Products from the ‘Oh Holy Night’ range

20 January 2021

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

The Magic of Christmas at Floralsilk Floralsilk are investing all their time and effort into preparing their 6,500 sq.ft. showroom in Bourne, Lincolnshire, which opened to the trade on 9 January.

“We’re delighted that so many customers have already booked in to see our Christmas and Floral 2021 ranges during the first quarter of next year,” said director Stephanie O’Flaherty. “We’re fully booked for many days throughout January and February but there are still windows available for customers not yet booked in. It will be the first time many of our customers have been to us here and we’re quite confident that once they have seen what an incredible space we have and how accessible we are from most parts of the UK, that they will come and see us again.”

The team have put together inspirational themed displays to convey their eight Christmas themes for 2021, embracing the magic of Christmas through the wonder of the natural world and its elements to bring a sense of community, responsibility and simplicity to Christmas. “It’s a ‘back to basics’ post-pandemic feel that speaks of hope, growth and renewal,” Stephanie added. > Information: www.floralsilk.co.uk, where you can log in or register.

To book a showroom visit, call 01778 425 205 or email sales@floralsilk.co.uk

Brilliant gifts, naturally

dcuk.com | 01803 866316 | mail@dcuk.com

RSW International Ltd Following the success of their 2020 Christmas collections, award winning and the Garden & Leisure industry’s go to supplier of Christmas Crackers & Tableware RSW International Ltd have increased their ranges in readiness for 2021 season. Their 2021 Collection will include a wider range of their popular Eco (recyclable) crackers, Table/Gaming crackers and Tabletop Accessories.

Following feedback form their loyal client base RSW are continually working with their factories to ensure that where possible product being produced is sustainable.

For information please contact; Lee Kennerley (Head of Garden & Leisure) Mobile 07940567615 Email kennerley@rswint.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY

GTN Bestsellers Christmas Chart This year

Last year

SUPPLIER – Product description – BARCODE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

New

HISTORY & HERALDRY Personalised Christmas Elf - 886767320519 SUKI Angel/Snowman Personalised Hanging Decoration - 5053154290020 HISTORY & HERALDRY Personalised Gingerbread Hanging Decoration - 886767243818 LINDT Teddy Bear 10g - 96022078 SUKI Personalised Reindeer Hanging Decoration - 5053154249981 HISTORY & HERALDRY Personalised Christmas Storybook - 9781780707419 SMART Three Kings Gonk Glo-Kert Battery Operated Grey/Red - 5050642055529 SUKI Personalised Unicorn/Dinosaur Hanging Decoration - 5053154259324 SCENTSICLES Christmas Tree Assorted Fragrances - 846396011080 JENO Floral Gold/Red/Silver Holly Pick - 5056055375520 STEENLAND Gold Net Chocolate Coins 100g - 8718800003696 THE MILFORD COLLECTION Scented Pine Cones - 5035221004624 PLAYWRITE Christmas Jingle Stick - 5016064095239 STEENLAND Chocolate Coins 70g - 8718800006482 KAEMINGK Willow Xmas Tree Ring Grey 28cm - 8718533139648 WAX LYRICAL Home for Christmas Reed Diffuser - 5015802212082 PREMIER Xmas Metal Hooks - 5050882177166 WAX LYRICAL Holly Jolly Reed Diffuser - 5015802212068 WAX LYRICAL Under Mistletoe Reed Diffuser - 5015802212099 JENO Poinsettia Clip Gold/Red/Silver - 5056055375735 WIDDOP Christmas Hand Soap - 5017224897823 KONSTSMIDE Fibre Optic Santa With Sledge & Reindeer - 7318304205001 SAGE DÉCOR 11cm Clip On Robin - 5036059333245 KAEMINGK Micro Led String 60L Silver/Warm White - 8720093047820 PLAYWRITE Gingerbread Man Swop Point Crayons - 5016064092603 ALBERT Premier Chocolate Gold Coins In Net 75g - 5413368000752 THE MILFORD COLLECTION Cinnamon Cones & Berries - 5035221009186 PREMIER Gold Metal Wreath Hanger, 30cm - 5016971013975 KAEMINGK Christmas Tree Wicker Ring Large - 8718533139631 LINDT Chocolate Snowflake - 42394082 SMART Three Kings Super-Furry Winter Gonk, Red - 5050642058148 GRANDMA WILDS Embossed Christmas Tree Tin - 5019605009481 MACKIES Pigs in Blanket Crisps - 5039378002588 JENO Robin Pick - 5056055375506 THE MILFORD COLLECTION Pinecone Refresh Oil 15ml - 5035221006710 ALBERT Premier White Chocolate Coin Net - 5413368000769 LINDT Mini Snowman 5 Pack 50g - 4000539740503 WAX LYRICAL Cracking Christmas Reed Diffuser 180ml - 5015802212075 KAEMINGK 30 Gold/Silver/Champagne LED Lights - 8720093047813 LINDT Children’s Advent Calender - 5012454067282 MACKIES Turkey & Stuffing Crisps - 5039378002182 PLAYWRITE Magic Snow with Shovel - 5016064104863 FOSTERS Treat Co Chocolate Gold Coin Net - 5023944055337 ADAMS Gutter Hooks Sub Zero pack of 50 - 37063201105 KAEMINGK Willow Xmas Tree Ring Brown 28cm - 8718533139679 ARMITAGES Good Boy Dog Advent Calendar - 5000239103911 FESTIVE Luxury Holographic Thick Tinsel 2m - 5020244028825 LOTUS IMPORTS 3 Green 18cm Butterflies - 5032859200336 KAEMINGK Owl Glass Bauble 6cm - 8719152702930 KAEMINGK Micro LED Ball with Rope Battery Operated 14cm - 8718532664462

3 1 6 4 5 New

8 9 11 Re-entry

13 10 89 24 New New

59 New New New

92 New New Re-entry Re-entry

44 25 61 12 New New

93 48 15 75 New New New

27 New

20 7 Re-entry New

36 21 New

23 New

Volume Sales Change Highest New Entry

Increase Increase Highest Re-entry Increase Highest Climber +50% Increase

+100% Increase

+100% Increase

+100% Increase +100% Increase Increase Increase +50% Increase

+50% Increase Increase +50% Increase

+100% Increase

Subscribe to the weekly GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter and get the most up to date garden centre market sales information to stay ahead of new trends as they happen.

22 January 2021

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Increase

TOP 100 CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY

21st September to 20th December (weeks 39 - 51) 2020 This year

51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Last year

SUPPLIER – Product description – BARCODE

60

LOTUS IMPORTS Small Festive Fruit Pick - 5032859245191 KAEMINGK Rose On Clip with Glitter 14cm Blue - 8718533496017 LOTUS IMPORTS Large Festive Pick - 5032859245184 CGB GIFTWARE Christmas Present Wish List - 5034142708291 KAEMINGK Micro LED Ball with Rope Battery Operated 10cm - 8719152580903 KAEMINGK Mini Tree with Jute Sack - 8716128805459 SWIFT Silver Peacock Fern Spray - 5029316450786 KAEMINGK Blush Pink Enamel Bauble 80mm - 8718533344653 KONSTSMIDE Reindeer, 23cm, Battery Operated - 7318301582037 KAEMINGK LED Tealights White pack of 6 - 8717427245274 PREMIER Colour Your Own Christmas Hanger 20cm - 5050882275886 KAEMINGK Silver Shatterproof Baubles 60mm - 8718533552027 NJ PRODUCTS Winking Reindeer Tissues - 4037698132191 KAEMINGK Micro LED Ball with Rope Battery Operated Warm White - 8718532664455 SNOWTIME Battery Operated 8cm Acrylic Snowdog - 5029936892232 KAEMINGK LED Acrylic Mini Tree Colour Changing Battery Operated - 8718532512640 PREMIER Ornament Hooks Twin Pack Green - 5050882224846 NJ PRODUCTS Christmas Puppy Tissues - 4037698232051 JENO Glitter Poinsettia Bush - 5056055375322 KAEMINGK Glass Pinecone Bundle Pink - 8719152776979 BELFINE Santa with Red Hat Lolly 35g - 5425001014118 IMAGE ON FOOD Gingerbread Reindeer - 5034865709025 LINDT Chocolate Santa Sleigh - 4000539726408 KAEMINGK Glass Pinecone Bundle 6cm - 8719152702688 BELFINE Gingerbread Man Lolly - 5414730418199 SNOWTIME Battery Operated Colour Change LED 8cm Acrylic Snowman - 5029936677006 KONSTSMIDE White Santa LED Water Lantern - 7318304364203 KAEMINGK Shatterproof Bauble Tube of 10, Blush Pink 60mm - 8718533552133 LOTUS IMPORTs Traditional Berry 3 Stem Pick - 5032859245139 KAEMINGK 60 Warm White Micro Led Lights - 8718532525183 BELFINE Reindeer Chocolate Lolly - 5425001005376 KAEMINGK LED Acrylic Figures, Battery Operated - 8720093712155 KAEMINGK 60 Cool White Micro LED Lights - 8719152896868 PREMIER Ribbon Burgundy 6cm x 2.7m - 5053844105788 JENO Log/Cone/Berry Pick - 5056055375568 KAEMINGK Glass Baubles, pack of 10, Blush/Velvet - 8719152776962 LINDT Santa’s Little Helpers Christmas Chocolates - 4000539701221 PREMIER 25cm Advent Candles White/Ivory/Red - 5053844010037 HISTORY & HERALDRY Personalised Angel/Snowman Hanging Decoration - 886767124810 HISTORY & HERALDRY Christmas Eve Box - 886767290119 KAEMINGK 7m Holly Leaf Garland with Berries - 8711277204870 PREMIER Gold Poinsettia Pick - 5053844236635 IMAGES ON FOOD Reindeer & Santa Gingerbread - 5034865701319 KAEMINGK LED Winter Scene - 8718533922660 GISELA GRAHAM Glass Egg Mini Red/Green/Gold - 5030026001311 PREMIER Wine Glass Hanging Decoration Clear/Gold - 5053844191545 PREMIER Robin In Nest Pick - 5050882276395 PREMIER Bauble Bow Pick - 5053844263853 KAEMINGK Small Gutter Hooks, pack of 24 - 8718532675802 KAEMINGK 100 Micro Lights Warm White Silver Wire - 8720093047844

New New New New New

99 New

46 17 98 New New New New New

45 Re-entry New New Re-entry

18 30 New Re-entry

39 New New New New Re-entry New New New New New

42 Re-entry

2 New Re-entry

86 16 New New

63 New New New New

Volume Sales Change Increase

Increase

Increase

+100% Increase

+100% Increase

+100% Increase

+100% Increase

Increase Increase

A years subscription costs just £145. Sign up on-line using the GTN Bestsellers link on www.gardentradenews.co.uk or e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

January 2021 23

CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY

3

4

1

Festive New Products 2021 1. 35cm Foldable Christmas Eve Storage Boxes • 3 designs available: P034723/P034724/ P034725 • £8.50 List prices • Case 6

3. P036402 100cm Santa stop stake in dump bin e • Now includes interchangeable indoor base • Dump bin includes free demo product • Dump bin x 40 pieces • £340 per dump bin/£8.50 per pack

2. P035788 45cm battery operated wooden oval winter scene • £13.00 List price • Case 6 • Full colour box packaging • Part of a range of lit wooden scenes which are new for 2021

4. Firefly Lights – Best selling flickering flame lights • New packaging for 21 • New FSDU options • New colourways 5. Rainbow Digital Cone Tree • 120cm/150cm/180cm sizes available • Colour changing • Digital light effects • Remote controlled • Part of our new Rainbow Digital collection

Festive Showrooms Festive main (head office) showroom – open now Ty Coch Way, Cwmbran, South Wales NP44 7EZ http://www.festive.co.uk/showrooms/ Festive London (Enfield) showroom – open from 18th January Parkview Nurseries, Theobalds Park Road, Crews Hill, Enfield, EN2 9BQ http://www.festive.co.uk/showrooms/ Festive virtual 3D showroom tour A fully 3D showroom walkthrough which allows the user to view our Wales showrooms. The virtual showroom tour has been product pricing information, key products highlighted and product videos. http://www.festive.co.uk/showroom/ virtual-showroom/ > For all appointments or for links to the 3D showroom please contact 01633 627300 or email info@festive.co.uk

24 January 2021

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

festive.co.uk For more information, follow us on:

SHOWROOMS NOW OPEN

WALES - LONDON - VIRTUAL Festive.co.uk/Showrooms

FOR INFORMATION

ON ORDERING OPTIONS Festive.co.uk/How-to-order or call 01633 627 300

CHRISTMAS DIRECTORY

Purpose Built Christmas Tree Showroom for Norfolk Leisure Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle’s purpose-built Christmas Tree Showroom, open to all trade customers, offers an opportunity to view the full range of 2021 National Tree products.

To answer the COVID-19 concerns many, the Norfolk Leisure team have worked innovatively to create a brand-new virtual showroom that customers can access at any time from the comfort of their homes, showcasing every product and listing the main features and technical information.

“The success of the virtual showroom has been outstanding,” they tell us, “so we will continue to develop this year after year. Many of our customers have shared positive experiences of using the virtual showroom, finding the features simple and easy to use.”

Lows

Lows are a leading national importer and distributor of all types of design led and inspirational products. They include a huge collection of seasonal and festive decorations, bespoke basketware, stainless steel lanterns and tea lights. We have many of our own brand names such as Glenweave, Classic Lanterns, Buri Art and Vintage Reindeer Co. Please register and login at:

www.lows.co.uk sales@lows.co.uk 01382 229251

PRE ORDER CHRIST TMAS 2021 T

Stars for Europe Stars for Europe (SfE) is a marketing initiative founded by European poinsettia breeders Dümmen Orange, Selecta One, Beekenkamp and Syngenta Flowers, supported by MNP Flowers.

The initiative began in 2000 with the aim to promote and secure long-term poinsettia sales in Europe. SfE activities are currently taking place in 22 European nations.

Stars for Europe UK press office Hornby Whitefoot PR Phone: 07851 610573 Mail: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk Web: www.stars-for-europe.eu

Heaven Sends’ Christmas 2021 at Sutton Coldfield Heaven Sends’ Christmas 2021 collection is available to preview and pre-order at their Sutton Coldfield showroom in the West Midlands.

New product is showcased alongside best-selling everyday, home and gift ranges. Spanning two floors, the showroom is even more expansive than their usual standout displays at Harrogate Christmas & Gift and NEC Spring Fair. The entire collection can be browsed in a relaxing atmosphere with refreshments… with all the convenience of a location that’s only about 20 minutes away from the NEC. For those unable to travel, there will be virtual showroom visits available, alongside the usual buying options of a visit from their on-the-road ‘angels’, who are on hand to adapt to buyers’ preferences.

To help follow government Covid guidelines, showroom visit places are limited and are still filling up. Appointments are available seven days a week. > Information: www. Heavensends.com OR call 0121 351 7457. To book a visit, email sales@heavensends.com Address: One Maybrook Business Park, Maybrook Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1AL.

RSW International Following feedback on their 2020 Christmas Tabletop Collections, RSW International Ltd have extended their ranges in readiness for the 2021 Christmas season. The 2021 Collection will also include a wider range of matching items including gifts and decorative items to make any Christmas table stunning for a festive feast.

Please see our advertisement on Eco Friendly Crackers.

26 January 2021

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

CH HRISTMAS DIRECTOR RY

Among the new products for 2021 are: • Cumberland Fir: already popular, this is the ideal traditional style tree with a stunning life-like appearance.

• Snowy Nordmann: the perfect addition to a modern home, due to its quirky natural shape. A dusting of snow sits on the Feel Real branches, an exclusive life-like feature.

• Shimmery Bristle Pine has similarities

to a traditional pre-lit tree, scattered with pine cones and with silver glitter sprinkled on the branches to add that extra touch of sparkle.

• Mulberry Fir: full and fluffy whilst still having that natural shape. Featuring the National Tree Feel Real Tip Technology, the branches are amazingly life-like with an added frosted glow.

• St Nicholas Spruce: a traditional natural-shape tree featuring Feel Real branches and pre-lit with Dual Colour lighting, allowing users to choose from 10 different light functions, including warm white and multi-colour. > Information: www. norfolkleisurelifesyle.com, where you can sign up for the trade long-in.

Light up Christmas 2021 with NOMA NOMA have launched a virtual interactive showroom to showcase their catalogue of Christmas lighting.

“We recognised that trade customers may find it difficult to experience the magic of stepping into a NOMA showroom, due to national lockdowns and travel restrictions,” said Marketing director Frank Kaminski.

NOMA’s platform uses the latest technologies in 3D photography scanning, normally used for architecture, engineering, or construction, to create an immersive digital environment that is compatible with most mobile and desktop devices, and virtual reality headsets. headsets

NOMA has also unveiled a selection of app-controlled lights, bespoke colour synched outdoor characters, as well as the new range of “Starry Nights” trees for Christmas 2021.

• Spectrum App Lights Customise multiple NOMA Spectrum Lighting sets with the Spectrum Lights Application for iOS and Android. The superior colour changing light system offers smart lighting technology at your fingertips.

• Colour Changeable Characters & Lights Users can go wild with colour using NOMA’s new range of colour controlled outdoor festive light strings and characters including crocodiles, swans, stags, and even a giant giraffe.

• Starry Nights features NOMA’s flagpole tree kits, wall trees, and door-trees.

• Wand Controlled Magic Candles is a range of new magic wand-controlled floating candles. > Information: www.noma.co.uk, where you can request a catalogue, register for an account and book a showroom tour.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

January 2021 27

VIEWPOINT

United PLANT Kingdom BOYD J DOUGLAS-DAVIES, HTA PRESIDENT

The closing of the door on 2020 leaves us with many lessons. The biggest of which is that working together we can achieve so much more than working apart. Many a time it has been spoken of but never before has it happened in the way the industry came together from March onwards. From the moment lockdown one was announced the HTA, GIMA, RHS, GCA, NFU, GMA, APL, LOFA and many more worked closely to present a united front to government on why horticulture has a critical part to play in the current and future health – mental and physical – of the United Kingdom.

As we all know, the arguments were strong and garden centres were the first to be allowed out of lockdown in May. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of the pandemic was mimicked across the UK when Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland broke ranks and closed garden centres later in the year. Despite the strongest lobbying from the HTA and others this has yet to be reversed and right now I can understand why operators in those countries are feeling hard done by. Nevertheless, let’s not lose sight of the fact that these were short term decisions taken to deal with local challenges and the hard work, and benefits achieved, carried out in the spring and summer of 2020 will live on much longer than the pandemic.

We must continue to work together to maximise the opportunities and minimise the challenges. Presenting all the benefits of a United Plant Kingdom to the media, consumers and legislators will build on the work we all did in the last nine months.

‘The Peat Issue’ won’t go away.

Government is under immense pressure to make a meaningful change. As an industry

28 January 2021

we must be part of that decision process. The consumer is changing, faster than ever before, and we need to understand how they will shop in 5, 10 and 20 years from now. Change is inevitable – it has always been so – and we need to embrace it rather than fight it, united we stand… divided we fall!

Our appetite for international travel has been subdued and it will certainly take years to recover. In the void we have a nation of staycationers and time rich plant buyers. Let’s make sure we are educating them every week of the year on the pleasure to be

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gained from plants. Alan Titchmarsh g and David Domoney are presenting a a wonderful series of reasons to be in w the garden at the moment through t their Sunday morning programme t Love Your Weekend on ITV. What are L you doing to entice people towards y plants right now?

Whether you are p a grower, retailer, landscaper or manufacturer I urge you to take to m social media now and inspire the s nation to think of plants 365. n Looking ahead… The start of 2021 couldn’t c have been any bumpier.

English E garden centres remain open w whilst the other nations maintain l lockdowns.

The message, UK wide, i stay at home and only travel for is e essentials so even centres that are o open are seeing a dramatic drop in t trade.

This has left growers with a c completely different dilemma to the o one they faced in April 2020 – then t they had a crop but their route to m market was cut. Now the issue centres a around ‘to plant or not to plant, will t there be a market?’ I believe there will be, it will be bigger and better (the sun always shines in my world!) and we will need more plants than ever before. Europe is not an easy place to buy from so even more will be sourced locally. Please plant and prepare for a great Spring 2021. Without UK growers, garden centres will never satisfy the demand in this green and pleasant United Plant Kingdom. > The Horticulture Trades Association is the UK industry’s leading membership organisation. It welcomes all sectors of horticulture – to join please contact services@hta.org.uk.

Dear Customers as we celebrate Jagram’s 30th anniversary, we wish to especially thank the 476 companies around Great Britain that have chosen to buy our products.

Despite the pandemic, it’s business as usual at Jagram, as (punctually and at reasonable prices) we continue to deliver quality timber products to UK Garden Centres, Garden Building Display Centres, Timber Merchants, and Distributors. &%-#$ (!* )!/ (!*/ .!#",+#.+' AGATA agatag@jagram.com.pl GARY gary@uksales-direct.co.uk STEPHEN 667mega@gmail.com DAVID gbigmum@googlemail.com MATEUSZ mateuszf@jagramcom.pl

www.jagramgroup.com

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VIEWPOINT

2021 – another year of challenges & opportunity for garden retail VICKY NUTTALL, DIRECTOR OF GIMA As I write this, the UK has been plunged into another national lockdown. With garden retailers in England currently allowed to remain open (and long may that continue) during Lockdown 3.0, our main focus as an industry remains getting ready for the season ahead; a season that we hope will see the country engage with gardening en masse again.

But first, the garden retail industry has a few hurdles to tackle.

For many, lockdown is not the only issue they are facing. The entire supply chain is currently under enormous pressure as we head into spring.

Continuing heightened demand, coupled with the impact of Brexit and the logistical challenges that presents, means suppliers are having to walk a difficult path; working harder than ever to ensure that stock is ready to go and that early delivery of said stock can be fulfilled to help retail customers prepare for the inevitable influx.

We issued a rallying call to the industry early last year asking for transparency and open lines of communication between retailers and suppliers and, I’m pleased

to say, it appears that this advice has been heeded. Feedback has highlighted how both parties are now working closely to manage stock holding together, with suppliers carefully forecasting warehousing and stock movement to ensure that early delivery and ongoing stock updates can be efficiently managed. The flexibility of suppliers to meet the various needs of retailers is, certainly, commendable and I hope the work that has gone into ensuring as smooth a start as possible to the season is appreciated by those it sets to benefit.

As we look a little longer-term, the road ahead remains a bumpy one for the supply chain. Ongoing container issues will cause some disruption to product availability, with the resulting price increases colouring much of the conversation. Although not a surprise to anyone, it will be a bitter pill to swallow for some. Extended lead times - particularly for packaging - continue to be an issue, with triggers, bottles and sprayers in particular hardest hit, thanks to the demand generated by the pandemic-related sanitisation needs. Despite the incredible efforts

of suppliers, we’re likely to see gaps in supply; and retailers are asked to demonstrate patience and flexibility, where substitutions are concerned.

It’s also worth mentioning that suppliers will also be subject to ongoing staffing availability issues thanks to the ongoing pandemic, including social distancing measures which will limit the number of people allowed to be on site at any one time. Together, these aspects can have a huge effect what a supplier is physically capable of achieving.

Let’s not forget that Brexit is also adding an extra level of complexity, particularly for those suppliers trying to deliver to Northern and the Republic of Ireland.

The new phytosanitary requirements and regimes are causing problems and delays for many. Our dedicated Transition Hub remains open to anyone needing advice and support on the requirements– please visit www.gima.org.uk/gima-uk-transitionhub for more information.

Despite all the challenges we are currently faced with, we must take some comfort in the fact that predictions show a buoyant season ahead. An early Easter, coupled with consumer enthusiasm, will hopefully lead to significant sales that will continue long into the season. As always, GIMA remains open to its members and are here to help navigate current conditions and add value with our programme of business support tools. Please do reach out if you need assistance.

For now, let me wish you all the best luck for the coming weeks. I know it’s tough out there, but the resilience of the garden retail sector continues to astound me, and I have every confidence that, together, we will ride this storm. > For further information about GIMA, please call (01959) 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

30 January 2021

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