Message from the Editor

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Finally, Spring has sprung! The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and at the time of writing, retailers are gearing up for one of the season’s key gift-giving occasions: Easter.

Garden centres in particular will be preparing for a busy bank holiday weekend, as green-fingered shoppers realise it’s time to plant, prune, grow and sow.

In fact, according to the March Market Update report from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), garden centre sales actually received an early boost in February, showing the value that consumers place on their gardens, despite challenging financial times.

As HTA CEO Fran Barnes says: “As we enter into Spring, we’re delighted to see a growing interest in garden centre retail, not only in increased spending on gifts and café visits, but also in core gardening supplies.

“It’s heartening to see that people recognise the many benefits of gardening, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which prompted many to take up this hobby, love their gardens, and appreciate the benefits of environmental horticulture.”

In this month’s issue, we have spoken to buyers at three leading garden centres to find out about their businesses, what’s selling well for them, and what their future plans are. We have also asked several companies that supply this blossoming retail sector for their predictions for product trends in 2023.

In the words of our regular columnist Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and gift, home, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, “no other nation more than Britain expects as much from the humble garden centre. And post-pandemic, garden centres are having their moment”.

And there is yet more retailer input as we revisit eight indies from across the UK who took part in last issue’s Retailers’ Panel, which was on the theme of Spring Fair hopes and expectations.

This time round, they have kindly shared their experiences of the February show. They reveal what caught their eye, from spotting new suppliers and stand-out products to some surprise finds (handmade skulls, anyone?).

Bryony’s fellow columnist, Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Elaine Hooper, also takes a retrospective look at some of the themes she noted during her visits to recent trade fairs. Sustainability was the number one focus, “and rightly so,” she says.

Talking of exhibitions, the next show season is coming up soon, and you will find previews of two - London Stationery Show and The Exclusively Show, which both take place at the Business Design Centre in London on May 16-17 and June 13-14 respectively - within the following pages.

Talking of dates, don’t forget about the next big gifting opportunity: Father’s Day on Sunday June 18. Check out our Product Focus for some inspiration on presents to spoil dads.

And, of course, there’s a new event to add to your calendar: the coronation of HRH King Charles III on Saturday May 6, which will be part of a packed weekend of celebrations.

How will your business be marking this historic royal ceremony? We always love to hear from retailers, so please get in touch if you would like to contribute to our Retailers’ Panel section.

We are also keen to hear from any readers who would like to take part in our features, interviews, and new pages. You can email me at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk