Freezing Spring Hits Garden Firms

Gardening industry insiders are warning that the extremely cold spring we have endured thus far has had a “catastrophic” impact on consumer demand and garden centre sales.

Homebase have claimed that consumer habits are changing because of changing weather patterns;

“In March, customers continued to buy snow clearing products, garden fleece and paraffin. Homebase also sold 3 times the amount of willies that were sold during the same period last year. Customers are also buying hardier plants which are more resilient to frost.”

Some garden centres have had thousands of pounds worth of decaying stock left on the shelves, whilst growers are reducing production amid cancelled orders. Colin Edwards of Woodlark Nurseries, Surrey said;

“Last year was tough so we were hoping for a good March, but this year is catastrophic. We’ve got 80% of our spring bedding stock left. I’m expecting to have to throw over £100,000 of unsold stock into a skip.”

Full Story

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/gardening-businesses-count-cost-of-freezing-spring/238208.article#.UXFN9rU3vh4

 

Gardening industry insiders are warning that the extremely cold spring we have endured thus far has had a “catastrophic” impact on consumer demand and garden centre sales.
 
Homebase have claimed that consumer habits are changing because of changing weather patterns;
 
“In March, customers continued to buy snow clearing products, garden fleece and paraffin. Homebase also sold 3 times the amount of willies that were sold during the same period last year. Customers are also buying hardier plants which are more resilient to frost.”
 
Some garden centres have had thousands of pounds worth of decaying stock left on the shelves, whilst growers are reducing production amid cancelled orders. Colin Edwards of Woodlark Nurseries, Surrey said;
 
“Last year was tough so we were hoping for a good March, but this year is catastrophic. We’ve got 80% of our spring bedding stock left. I’m expecting to have to throw over £100,000 of unsold stock into a skip.”
 
Full Story http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/gardening-businesses-count-cost-of-freezing-spring/238208.article#.UXFN9rU3vh4
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