The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) has report strong sale for garden core in November , show a 6 % increment compared to 2023 , even when excluding café and restaurant sales . This growth was labour by a compounding of festive shopping and a racy catering crack . Notably , Christmas - have-to doe with products alone accounted for 26 % of full sales , commemorate a 21 % step-up compare to the same month last year .
Fran Barnes , Chief Executive of the HTA , commented : " Despite the volatile weather , garden eye have stay a welcome address for client , with a firm offset to the Christmas shopping time of year and the ongoing popularity of our members ' café and eating place offerings . Sales of real Christmas trees increase by 43 % , artificial Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree rose by 26 % , and catering sales develop by 9 % . It ’s plain that garden center supply a unique experience that keeps customers recall . Additionally , sale of Christmas luminance rose by 18 % , and tree diagram ornamentation increase by 15 % .
" While November feature five Saturdays and Black Friday , which may have shifted consumer spending to begin with , the rise in Christmas sales reflects a chirpy seasonal spirit . This is supported by consumer confidence improving by three point in November , aid by static CPIH inflation , which provide some backup man to home finances .
" Appetite for gardening remained unattackable , with sale of flora care product rising by 14 % and hardy flora , shrubs , and corner up 4 % compared to November 2023 . However , yr - to - date garden / horticulture sales event ended November 4 % down , highlight the challenges posed by the inadequate weather throughout 2024 .
" While year - to - date sales are up 1 % compared to 2023 , they fall to -1 % when catering is shut out . This calendar month ’s keep company State of Trade Review reveals significant cost pressures , with the Autumn Budget ’s increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage adjust to be the sector £ 134 million in 2025 . Two - thirds of members plan to increase cost , and many anticipate slim capital investment or apply recruitment freezes to manage these pressures .
" Our sector is facing some of the toughest economic pressures we ’ve find out in days . While garden snapper continually adapt and thrive , there is a limit to what they can endure . If our sphere does not invite support , the impacts could be devastating — not just for the economy , but also for our community and the surround . "
For more information : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.hta.org.uk
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