Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

Garden Centre Retail ISSUE 50

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PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

June/July 2020

MOVING ON

POS T COV I D -19 THE A-Z OF

GARDEN FURNITURE

Plantarea SPECIAL

SOCIAL DISTANCING

WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL SCREENS FOR SAFETY

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ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT

THE URBAN88 FROM BUCKETBARROW

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LATEST PRODUCTS

COOKING, FIREPITS, WEED CONTROL, ARTIFICIAL PLANTS & FLOWERS

32 04/06/2020 17:00

Opening SHOWROOM & WEBSHOP 16 th of June 2020 A video appointment is also possible!

Come see what’s new!

Solar lighting Fountains Garden Furniture Home & Garden deco W W W.KAEMINGK.COM Advert template.indd 35

03/06/2020 22:16

W elco m e

WELCOME TO...

Garden Centre Retail W

elcome to the June/July issue of Garden Centre Retail magazine. In what has been the toughest time in recent history for businesses and public health, it’s also become clearer to see in this period how important gardens and gardening are to the population. There were calls early on in the lockdown period to reopen garden centres, with social distancing provisions in place. Facebook gardening groups have seen huge increases in members; and everyone is having a go at growing their own fruit and vegetables. This may be due to the time the public has on its hands, but I found it very interesting that it was the garden that was turned to first.

There are also positive signs for business too. Many of the garden centres I have spoken to over the past two months have introduced new ways of selling within days, proving that this industry can react quickly to survive. Tills may not have been ringing as often or as loudly as perhaps they may have been if the COVID-19 pandemic had not have gotten in the way, but there has been revenue incoming.

Hopefully, there has been enough to keep the businesses going, ready for the season to save itself over the coming weeks and months.

Congratulations to those of you that have got through the hardest part of the lockdown, good luck to those of you still going through it, and well done for doing your part in ensuring public safety by helping people get into the garden as much as they can.

This issue also represents our 50th issue since the inception of Garden Centre Retail in March 2014. We see this as a fantastic achievement, and it goes to show that there is still a place in the world for printed media. Our style of reporting, which is educational, informative and inspiring, will continue to drive Garden Centre Retail forward and will focus on technology, retail trends, horticultural knowledge and everything else you’ve come to expect from your copy of the magazine. We hope to see you still valuing what this magazine offers in another 50 issues.

See you in a couple of months,

Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 ADVERTISING Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Sales manager – Tina Savelle tina.savelle@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 584

Joe Wilkinson Managing editor, Garden Centre Retail joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com

Horticulture Careers – Ben Cumberland Tel: 01903 777 570 ben.cumberland@eljays44.com PRODUCTION Design – Kara Thomas

Well done for doing your part in ensuring public safety by helping people get into the garden as much as they can

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Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd MANAGEMENT Managing director – Jim Wilkinson Director – Lisa Wilkinson Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson MARKETING AND CIRCUL ATION Client relations – Amber Bernabe amber.bernabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 581 Subscription enquiries – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Garden Centre Retail is published bimonthly by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2020 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, non-commissioned photographs or manuscripts.

@GardenRetailUK Garden Centre Retail Garden Centre Retail www.gardencentreretail.com

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EDITORIAL Managing editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577

Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

Cover image ©Happy Plants

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Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA

Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

Joe and the GCR team

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We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

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05/06/2020 08:27

GREENHOUSES WALL GARDENS COLD FRAMES ACCESSORIES

For more information contact your nearest retailer or visit vitavia.co.uk @VitaviaLtd Advert template.indd 36 Untitled-3 1

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info@vitavia.co.uk 03/06/2020 22/01/2020 22:19 14:36

C o ntents

Garden Centre Retail ISSUE 50

•

PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

June/July 2020

MOVING ON

POS T COV I D -19 THE A-Z OF

GARDEN FURNITURE

CO NTE NT S NEWS

BUSINESS

06 NEWS

A round-up of the latest news from the sector

10

10 COVID-PROOFING MEASURES

A three-step guide to help make your garden centre a more secure place for customers during the pandemic

12 PROTECTING EMPLOYEE

WELLBEING DURING COVID-19

Ways to protect staff’s wellbeing when working throughout the pandemic

14 GOING PAPERLESS

38

Tips to simplify bac office operations from Chris Fisher, ECI’s UK operations director, to aid in a succeessful summer

PLANTAREA SPECIAL 16 A SHOPPABLE AREA

Stagecraft provides tips on how to make the most out of your centre’s displays

19 PLANTAREA DIRECTORY

A variety of forward-thinking suppliers for potential future buys

www.gardencentreretail.com

Contents-6.indd 5

Plantarea SPECIAL

SOCIAL DISTANCING

WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL SCREENS FOR SAFETY

ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT

LATEST PRODUCTS

COOKING, FIREPITS, WEED CONTROL, ARTIFICIAL PLANTS & FLOWERS

THE URBAN88 FROM BUCKETBARROW

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30

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JUNE/JULY 2020

PRODUCTS 26 GIMA

Director Vicky Nutall talks about how the sector could now become stronger

27 GARDEN FURNITURE

What LOFA members have to offer

30 ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT

Urban88 wheelbarrow and bucket kit

32 LATEST PRODUCTS: FIREPITS ew ranges of some the finest and most inspiring firepits

35 LATEST PRODUCTS: WEED CONTROL

A varied selection of new weed control products

38 ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS

The latest impressive and trending choices to decorate your space

40 OUTDOOR COOKING

Top outdoor cooking equipment for summer 2020

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

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05/06/2020 09:17

N ew s

NEWS CENTRE Tong Garden Centre steps in to help create lockdown TV garden

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he team at Tong Garden Centre responded quickly to a request from a TV production company to provide plants to create a lockdown garden.

With regular filming of ITV’s Love Your Garden suspended due to coronavirus, Tong Garden Centre stepped in to deliver peat free compost and plants to presenter Katie Rushworth’s Baildon home for her to create a grow your own garden for a new series, Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh.

Capitalising on the rising interest of growing your own food, the three-part series sees Titchmarsh, along with fellow Love Your Garden presenters share insider tips and tricks on growing fruit and vegetables at home.

The Love Your Garden team worked on their own plots to turn them into productive gardens, including creating a vegetable patch from scratch, an edible terraced garden and an indoor

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Garden centres and plant r wers fi ht r s r i a

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arden centres and plant growers are expecting to make huge losses as they can’t sell stock due to coronavirus.

Nurseries have had to close as they are not deemed essential under the government rules on the movement of people designed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

However, the spring is a key sales period for growers, who say they will have to throw away stock.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands has closed its plant nursery and

Four Oaks trade show 2020 cancelled

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pizza-themed herb garden for the kitchen.

Tong’s commercial director, Sharon McNair coordinated the project with the production company’s researcher: “Having worked in partnership with Katie Rushworth for the last four years, we were delighted to help out and look forward to seeing how she has used the plants that we provided in her garden.

“We know that Katie shares our keen interest in the environment, so we were pleased to provide her with Happy Compost, our new peat free multipurpose compost, to give the plants a good start.” www.tonggardencentre.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

coffee shop. The farm shop is open and operating a home delivery service.

Andy Dicks, one of the managers, said about a third of the staff had been furloughed but there were a lot of volunteers helping out.

He said the 100,000 geraniums in the nursery would have to be thrown away.

Sheeplands now offers dedicated priority slots at the farm shop for different customers. www. harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

our Oaks has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Trade show on 8-9 September, unfortunately in the same year it would have been celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary.

It says risks to exhibitors and visitors would have been too great under the present circumstances, even with the most stringent controls. The deciding factor has been the 14-day quarantine period at UK airports. As 35% of exhibitors, plus a high percentage of visitors, come in from Europe, the event would not have been viable with this restriction in place, and Four Oaks says it could not have delivered the quality

show that the industry has come to expect.

After speaking to a cross section of the 260 companies booked in to the show, Four Oaks says the general feeling has been one of relief as many staff have been furloughed until October.

It says: “The three weekly government reviews do not guarantee a way forward, so the decision had to be taken now for the sake of our loyal exhibitors who invest so much in the show.”

The dates of Four Oaks 2021 will be 7-8 September, when it will be able to properly celebrate its 50 th event. www r a s tradesh w c

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04/06/2020 16:39

N ew s

Notcutts chooses Eurobrick for its interiors

Laylocks Garden Centre extension unveiled as centre opens

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E

urobrick Systems has been leading the brick slip cladding sector for 30 years.

Its specially designed interiors system, I-Clad, offers a space saving, lighter weight, real brick alternative to traditionally laid masonry.

Eurobrick-Clad is a popular choice for creating stylish interiors, so it’s no surprise that the successful garden centre chain Notcutts has chosen to use it on their fit out pro ects in recent years. urobric first supplied Notcutts in January 2014 for an interior fit out at its garden centre in Pembury, Tunbridge Wells. Since then, it has supplied a further five pro ects

with the most recent being for a new 300-seat restaurant in Ditchling, East Sussex, completed in summer 2019.

Eurobrick supplied around 150m2 of its I-Clad system as part of the Ditchling refurbishment. The system was installed by one of Eurobrick’s approved installers, ML Brickwork (Southern).

For all six of the Notcutts pro ects, urobric supplied Whitby Red slips from its Classic Range. Whitby Red is an attractive, tumbled brick which adds character and warmth, making it a popular choice for interior designs. www.eurobrick.co.uk

Dobbies reopens 12 Scottish stores

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fter updated guidance from the Scottish Government that garden centres may open, Dobbies Garden Centres reopened 12 stores in Scotland on 29 May. The safety of team members and customers remains Dobbies’ number one priority and social distancing measures have been implemented to allow the Scottish stores to operate safely.

There will be a limited number of customers permitted in the stores at one time. A queuing system will be in operation outside the

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stores, with two-metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations will be available at the entrance of all stores.

Protective screens have also been installed at tills and customers will be asked to pay with card or contactless, where possible. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members, who will also receive training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe. Rigorous daily hygiene routines will continue throughout the

aylocks Garden Centre was finally able to throw open its doors late-May to welcome back customers and unveil its enhanced experience.

Work on a 470m² extension to showcase an improved product range was completed earlier this year, but its planned launch was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Further to garden centres being given the green light to reopen this wee , sub ect to social distancing and safety measures, the centre on Bromyard Road was able to show off its new look.

Hannah Warr, manager at the family-run centre, says: “We have been so excited to unveil this development, which marks the first stage of our long term plans to increase retail

stores. The restaurants and soft play areas will remain temporarily closed.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, says: “We welcome this updated guidance from the Scottish Government, enabling us to reopen our 12 stores across Scotland on Friday 29 May. “The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies’ number one priority and following advice from the government, Horticultural Trades Association and British Retail Consortium, social distancing measures have been implemented.

range, improve ambiance, and enhance customer experience. But, like every other business in the world, we hadn’t factored a global pandemic into our plans.

The garden centre field has been hit hard by the pandemic. Being closed for seven weeks at one of the most critical times of the year has had a devastating effect, but we have taken every step possible to introduce ways to protect customers and staff as they explore the centre, and we hope that we will bounce back well from the crisis.”

Hannah added that the larger retail area allowed the business to increase its outdoor living, furniture and barbecue ranges. www.laylocks.co.uk

“We began reopening our other UK stores on Monday 11 May, and we have now successfully opened 56 stores across Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

“It has been a very positive start to trading, with customers most interested in buying plants, gardening products and outdoor furniture, as they are keen to spend time in their gardens this spring.

“I would like to thank our team members and customers for their understanding during these uncertain times.” www.dobbies.com

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

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04/06/2020 16:46

N ew s

‘Summer in the garden’ focus for new Onduline MD

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en months in, and Onduline’s managing director, Paul Duffy is looking up – and that’s not just because the business he’s in charge of is one selling roofing solutions.

His plan to re-energise the long-established Onduline uilding roducts is shaping up well, and in his sights is building even stronger relationships with garden centres, large and small. nterest in in the nation s gardens has risen incredibly since the lockdown was introduced,” says Paul. oupled with an extended period of good weather, it’s created the perfect environment for people to get out there and give their garden buildings a makeover.

The company s global strategy is focused around ‘summer in the garden’, which the UK has very much led on and today forms around 60% of our UK sales.”

When Paul took up the managing director position in August last year, he brought with him over 20 years’ sales experience in the construction materials sector.

While maintaining a profitable position, sales in the UK in recent years had been solid rather than where they could be. Paul has addressed this by reshaping the UK team, making a series of new appointments and establishing a revised structure. All this alongside introducing a fresh, sales-led strategy.

So, with a new direction established, Paul has laid the foundations for a resurgent Onduline in the UK. e says The ob ective is to achieve sustained and profitable growth, and stay ahead of our competitors.

We ll do that by reaching the right customers; that means reinforcing our core markets and developing new ones. arden centres will continue to be an important part of that and it’s something we’re keen to build on. A growing number of garden centres now promote and offer new garden sheds and garden buildings, but very few offer the materials to renovate them and this is a growing market with lots of potential.

They are at the heart of their local communities and one of the first places people choose to go when looking for somewhere to visit.” www.onduline.co.uk

Designer Outlet Cotswolds unveils ies a shi arde ce tre

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new garden centre next to the planned Designer Outlet Cotswolds development will be a flagship obbies arden Centre – the largest Dobbies in the South West.

It was announced in June that obbies arden entres has signed an agreement to lease with Cheltenhambased developer Robert Hitchins Ltd to open the , sq ft flagship garden centre next to J9 of the M5 near Tewkesbury.

The garden centre, off the A46, will feature an extensive plants and gardening department, food hall, cookshop, pet department, table service restaurant, soft play area for kids, its own 500-space car park and much more. raeme en ins, chief e ecutive officer at obbies arden entres, says The new garden centre will be our fourth largest in the UK and the jewel in the crown for the South West region. ot only do we want to delight our customers with our plants and gardening offer, but also feature a variety of other attractions and product ranges. With such an excellent location,

Fire rips through Johnson’s Garden Centre

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arge plumes of smoke could be seen coming from ohnson s arden Centre in Fishtoft at the beginning of April. Fire crews were at the scene of a huge blaze at Johnson’s arden entre near oston.

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Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to the scene at 11.24 on the morning of 5 April.

Residents claim smoke could be seen from quite a distance.

Staff working at the store rushed in to get live animals to safety as the blaze broke.

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

Employees pulled the animals clear of danger.

This is despite hearing two e plosions as the flames too hold. Others chose to try and contain the blaze themselves.

The Lincolnshire Police said olice were called to

right on the junction of a busy motorway, we look forward to welcoming local residents, passing motorists and visitors to the region.”

When fully open, visitors to Dobbies will be drawn through the store entrance by the visual appeal and aroma of house plants.

The store will feature a large food hall with on-site bakery, butchery and an eyecatching ambient grocery offer, including fresh fruit and vegetables.

Additional attractions include a 500-seat table service restaurant with an extensive menu, cookshop building on an award-winning format, a pet department, plus an extensive plant area with a wide range of plants for all seasons. www.dobbies.com

ohnsons arden entre at 11.39 this morning. We currently have two units there and are assisting fire and rescue. eople may need to be evacuated.

There are two fire crews at the scene and two more are on their way.”www. johnsonsofboston.co.uk

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04/06/2020 16:45

JUNE/JULY 2020

BUSINESS 10

PROTECTIVE SCREENS COVID-prooямБng your garden centre

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PROTECTING EMPLOYEES Ways to protect staff wellbeing in lockdown

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GOING PAPERLESS Paperless in a post-pandemic economy

Business Cover.indd 9

05/06/2020 08:35

B u s ines s Pro tectiv e Screening

A 3-STEP GUIDE TO

COVID-PROOFING YOUR GARDEN CENTRE With the recent guidance from the government that garden centres can reopen after weeks of lockdown, making sure social distancing measures are properly implemented will be a priority for many businesses around the UK. Here are three top tips to implementing effective COVID-secure measures: 1 Identify your high-risk areas Many garden centres will be looking to reopen in the immediate future, and there will be a lot of changes needing to be implemented in a very short amount of time. Be realistic and accept that you are not going to be 100% safe before you reopen; your responsibility is to follow government guidelines and take all reasonable precautions to keep staff and clients safe.

A key part in this is identifying the higher-risk areas within your facilities and taking steps to mitigate them. These will differ from store to store, but will include points where every customer will pass through, such as tills, checkouts, entrances and exits.

Depending on the layout of the garden centre and how customers flow around the facilities, there may be bottlenecks where people are grouped tighter together; these are clearly higher-risk areas.

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2 Implement physical social distancing barriers nce you have identified the areas within the store that you need to focus on, you need to consider the options available to you to mitigate these risks. One of the more effective ways to ensure social distancing takes place is social distancing barriers.

Social distancing barriers can be used for two main purposes: 1. To physically direct people flow in areas that may need a one-way system. You can use barriers to block off certain routes. Another popular use for social distancing screens is to join them together to form a queuing system, allowing a number of people to wait in line without breaching the 2m distancing guidance.

2. To act as a sneeze-guard. The main application is useful at the tills between the member of staff and the customer, but the screens can be used for this purpose wherever people may be facing each other.

Some social distancing barriers are available with castors as well, allowing you to redeploy them around the stores as requirements change. n added benefit to having physical screens in your store, is that as well as genuinely making the environment a safer place, they send a clear message to both staff and your customers that your centre is taking social distancing seriously.

Social distancing barriers

3 Disinfect Data is still being compiled by scientists1, so it is unclear at the moment whether COVID-19 spreads more on air-bourne particles, or by being transmitted via surfaces. What is clear though, is that transmission

via surfaces is a real risk. You will struggle to stop people touching surfaces, so it is important that common touchpoints are regularly wiped down with disinfectant.

Providing handsanitising stations at the entrance to the store and encouraging customers and staff to regularly use it will also mitigate the risk of transmission via surfaces.

1

https://www.livescience.com/how-covid19-spreads-transmission-routes.html

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04/06/2020 17:14

THE GARDEN TRADE FAIR COLOGNE, 06.− 08.09.2020

VISIT THE WORLD‘S BIGGEST TRADE FAIR FOR GARDEN LIFESTYLE In these current times, it is becoming clear to most people how important having one’s own patch of green is – the garden has become an indispensable place of retreat. Outdoor living must also continue to play its crucial part in reviving the industry. That is why we are working flat out to make sure spoga+gafa, the largest platform of the green industry, takes place from 6 to 8 September 2020. The safety of exhibitors and visitors will always be a priority, and we will implement extensive measures to ensure this. We look forward to welcoming you and to experiencing an inspiring trade fair!

Secure your tickets now at: www.spogagafa.com/tickets Tel. e-mail

+44 1425 48 68 30 info@koelnmesse.co.uk

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03/06/2020 22:42

B u s ines s Pro tecting E m plo y ees

PROTECTING A EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

t the beginning of May, garden centres across the UK could reopen for business. Now, garden centre operators are under pressure to change their working conditions so they can keep their inventory moving and make up for any income losses during the spring season.

Digging deeper than the bottom line, however, reveals that the pressure is not exclusive to business owners. The pandemic is also impacting employees, many of whom carry the burden of keeping the business running during these anxiety-provoking times. So, what can managers do to ease employee troubles?

DURING COVID-19

Dr Nicola Davies discusses the importance of ensuring staff feel safe and supported while working through this pandemic

More than ever, employees need access to safety, security and support

It’s important to adopt a holistic approach that considers the physical, psychological, and even the social demands of the new work environment.1 More than ever, employees need access to safety, security and support.

Safety measures n important first step is to ma e operational adjustments, such as creating sanitation stations and physical distancing rules, to prioritise employee health and safety.

For example, at Carmarthen Garden Centre in Wales, employees who greet incoming customers wear complete personal protective equipment (PPE). To reduce person-to-person encounters, customers follow a one-way route through the garden centre.2 Haskins Garden Centre in Sussex has also reorganised its layout and put up signage reminding customers to observe proper distancing and not to touch anything they don’t intend to buy. Employees schedule restocking for when customers are not around.3

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Pro tecting E m plo y ees B u s ines s Assign a pandemic coordinator our company could benefit from creating a hotline, assigning a pandemic coordinator or, at least, ensuring someone is available to address any COVID-19 concerns.4 A pandemic coordinator is responsible for answering employee questions on health issues, workplace protocols, or company assistance relating to COVID-19.

To really hone the holistic approach to management, companies can also use this time to focus on employee development.

The pandemic coordinator can arrange online classes and workshops for employees to learn new skills in plant care, production, logistics, workplace safety, and IT. More importantly, coordinators can provide access to mental wellness resources to help employees cope with the stresses of the pandemic. Managers can cement this further by including the learning outcomes from these online activities in assessments of employee performance.

Maintain social connections At Haskins Garden Centres, and many others, employees are asked to perform their jobs alone, where possible, to reduce physical contact.5 Employee break times are also staggered to limit the number of people having a break at the same time. Such steps are necessary but could severely reduce employee work satisfaction and wellbeing.

Garden centre operators can learn from other industries when it comes to maintaining a sense of connection during social distancing.6 For example, the performance marketing company Merckle hosts virtual coffee mornings and happy hours, the online advertising company PubMatic hosts virtual trivia nights, and the IT company CubeIQ has weekly virtual workout classes. Giving employees these opportunities will remind them that they belong to a team.

Secure team morale The marketing platform LiveIntent has created Slack user groups designed to support employees as they adapt to workplace changes – and to keep staff morale at a high. Each user group

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Constant communication Constant communication is essential, whether that be keeping staff updated on the changing situation, providing information and advice, or simply asking

comprises members in a workspace who may wish to talk about a particular topic or be alerted about news on that topic, whether it be social, work-based or coronavirus-related. This is an example of ‘human-centred management’ and helps create a space for people to share ideas, challenges, and victories.

The pandemic is also impacting employees, many of whom carry the burden of keeping the business running during these anxiety-provoking times

how employees are coping. Managers must regularly touch base with both individuals and teams to ensure all employees are kept in the loop and are experiencing some form of one-on-one communication.

Prior to the pandemic, garden centre operators e pected to sell a significant amount of inventory over the spring season. Instead, the government’s mandated lockdown has forced many operators to compost millions of plants.7 This is understandably demoralising to employees who had planned and worked hard for this season, so extra effort to boost morale is needed, such as rewarding staff for their sacrifices.

Reward the sacrifices Walking around the garden centre to observe and enquire about plants or produce is an intimate part of the customer experience. This means that employees at the frontline of retail are to some extent still exposed to other people despite social distancing protocols. Although garden centres are typically spacious enough to fully satisfy the physical distancing recommended by health authorities, managers must nonetheless ensure that customer-facing staff and those making deliveries are not only protected but also adequately rewarded.8 For example, Amazon employees receive increased payments for the risk that comes with continuing to work.9 Share customer feedback Many people in the UK are turning to home gardening as a relaxing and healthy outdoor activity during this time of heightened stress and anxiety.10 Subsequently, many garden centres are actually experiencing a surge in orders for home delivery. As part of a holistic, reward-based system, managers can share customer feedback with employees, painting them a picture of how gardening, and consequently their continued work, has made a positive impact to the lives and homes of customers.

Thriving after the pandemic Focusing on employee wellbeing can help your company move forward after the pandemic. In fact, it can even help you come out stronger and better as a business.

Post-pandemic, what employees will remember and perhaps even cherish is how their employers took care of them during a difficult time. This will help build resilience and loyalty among your team – key components of a thriving garden centre business. ◗ Koss, S. (May, 2020). How leaders can protect employee wellbeing during COVID-19. EY. Retrieved from: https://www. ey.com/en_gl/workforce/how-leaders-can-protect-employeewellbeing-during-covid-19 2 Lee, J. (May, 2020). Coronavirus lockdown: Why garden centres reopened first. BBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.google. com.ph/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-52638002 3 Haskins (2020). Reopening Risk Assessment – COVID-19.

Haskins. Retrieved from: https://www.haskins.co.uk/reopeningrisk-assessment-covid-19/ 4 Koss, S. (May, 2020). How leaders can protect employee wellbeing during COVID-19. EY. Retrieved from: https://www. ey.com/en_gl/workforce/how-leaders-can-protect-employeewellbeing-during-covid-19 5 Haskins (2020). Reopening Risk Assessment – COVID-19.

Haskins. Retrieved from: https://www.haskins.co.uk/reopeningrisk-assessment-covid-19/ 6 Davies, N. (2020). COVID-19: A Review of How to Protect the Entire Pharma Supply Chain. Trusted Writer. Retrieved from: https://trustedwriter.com/product/a-major-review-of-how-toprotect-the-entire-pharma-supply-chain/ 7 Lee, J. (May, 2020). Coronavirus lockdown: Why garden centres reopened first. BBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.google. com.ph/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-52638002 8 Logan, S. (May, 2020). UK garden centers hit by COVID-19 in peak season forced to destroy plants. CGTN. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/newseu.cgtn.com/ news/2020-05-09/UK-garden-centers-hit-by-COVID-91-inpeak-season-destroy-plants-Qkyv1w4Jxe/share_amp.html 9 Amazon (2020) How we’re taking care of employees during COVID-19. Amazon. Retrieved from: https:// blog.aboutamazon.com/company-news/how-amazonprioritizes-health-and-safety-while-fulfilling-customerorders?utm_source=incom&utm_medium=things&utm_ term=thg03262020&utm_content=COVID-19_safety 10 Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment (April, 2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19): garden centres - letter from the Minister for Rural Affairs. The Scottish Government. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19garden-centres---minister-for-rural-affairs-letter/ 1

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04/06/2020 14:30

B u s ines s O ffice E fficiency

GOING PAPERLESS

With the nation embracing gardening during the COVID-19 lockdown, Chris Fisher, UK operations director at ECI, looks at how retailers can simplify their bac office operations to prepare for a successful summer

IN A POST PANDEMIC ECONOMY

G

arden centres have certainly received more mainstream press coverage than usual as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the crisis worsened, and nonessential shops closed their doors, garden retailers faced the bleak prospect of having to throw away perishable stock that had taken months to grow, despite high demand from the public. It was, however, heartening to see the outpouring of support on social media and the speed at which some centres began selling their plants online and delivering to local customers.

Seasoned and novice gardeners alike have found solace in creating attractive outdoor spaces during these uncertain times, so it’s perhaps no surprise that viewing figures for ardeners World reached record highs of 3.6 million.

When garden centres reopened again, we saw images of people queuing around carparks waiting to get in and fill up on plants.

Although clearly welcome, there are challenges to contend with this summer too. Social distancing and frequent cleaning are non-negotiable, of course; yet these measures put extra pressure on staff who have to manage it, and require investment in new signage, barriers and extra cleaning products.

This is why anyone looking to capitalise on customers’ appetite for gardening will first need to ma e sure every part of the business is wor ing as efficiently as possible. When your centre is full of people looking for advice on plants, the last thing you want is for staff to be stuck in the office, loo ing for a customer order or supplier invoice that has been filed away. After all, it’s valuable time that could be better spent refreshing displays, re-

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Going paperless.indd 14

stocking shelves, upselling or even running in-store tutorials – all tasks that create new sales opportunities and add value to your service.

Using a central platform to manage documents electronically is an effective way of reducing unnecessary admin for staff and could help off-set some of the additional costs you might now be incurring. iven that a team of 25 can spend more than

A good document management system is the backbone of any successful business

£13k on paper (including wasted sheets) a year, the savings are already significant before factoring in the cost of toner and printer maintenance.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, it is estimated that office staff lose one in documents. As well as the obvious security risks this brings, the time spent looking for them equates to £95 per sheet.

Reducing your reliance on paper brings other benefits for your garden centre.

Those with trade customers can speed up payments and improve cashflow by sending invoices electronically. Not only do you

save on paper and postage, you can also be confident none have slipped through the net.

Stocking the right products is critical at the moment and sifting through last year’s sales records may not tell you what people are looking for right now. Trends are ever-changing and now, thanks to lockdown, buyer behaviour will be different too. You may see people buying in bul as they finally embar on ambitious gardening projects, or younger customers inspired by what they’ve seen on Instagram.

By storing your documents centrally, you can access them along with other key information from your mobile.

Knowing exactly what inventory you’ve got in one store or across multiple sites tells you what’s selling well, so you can make fast but informed decisions when placing an order with wholesalers.

This means you’re able to meet current demand without ending up with surplus stock.

COVID-19 has caused widespread disruption to the garden retail sector, and wider economy, and the coming months will prove crucial in recouping revenue from when centres were closed.

A good document management system is the backbone of any successful business, helping to keep printing costs down and improve everything from purchasing decisions, customer service and cashflow.

No matter how small it seems, any inefficiency is costly. y ironing them out now, you’ll have a strong foundation on which to drive sales and increase loyalty, putting you on the path to future growth.

For further information on ECI Spruce, which includes a document management system, visit https://www.ecisolutions. com/en-gb/builders-merchants-software/ spruce/horticulture-software. ◗

www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 11:57

JUNE/JULY 2020

PLANTAREA Ball Colegrave

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A SHOPPABLE AREA Stagecraft: Making the most out of your displays

19

PLANTAREA DIRECTORY Various suppliers for potential future buys

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04/06/2020 18:00

Plantarea Special Stagecraft

MAKING THE PLANTAREA

A SHOPPABLE AREA Stagecraft shares tips on how to maximise the benefits of your garden centre retail displays

G

arden centres have evolved significantly over time, with retail areas becoming much more about customer e perience. etail areas have become destinations of colour and fragrance that invigorate the senses and are designed to ma imise time spent at the store and ultimately increase sales.

Stagecraft has been at the forefront of the garden centre retail display industry for over years, innovating quality displays designed and built specifically for the garden centre industry.

We understand our customers need to create visually stunning retail areas that offer practical

Creating a well presented ‘destination’ will create an environment that people will want to come back to, time and time again

and functional solutions for stoc management. lso plant care, maintenance, shelf life and layout of a retail area are vitally important both internally and e ternally. eing innovative with your approach is critical to converting what could be a single transaction into multiple sales and to encourage return visits. f a customer has a good e perience, they are more li ely to recommend the retailer to others and to return themselves. ustomers e pect much more on their visit than they did five or ten years ago. visit to a garden centre is part of regular life and owners of garden centres have become more and more conscious of displaying their plants in the best possible way to ma imise sales. bviously, the quality of plants is something that a centre will always want to be proud of, but also creating a well presented destination will create an environment that people will want to return to time and time again.

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Stagecraft Plantarea Special and houseplant retail area. Our ‘hot tip’ has to be houseplant sales! With the ever-growing popularity and demand for houseplants, we have developed an extensive range of visually stunning displays that can be tailored to suit every aspect of your needs.

Our expanding houseplant display range offers practicality, functionality and oozes class. The range incorporates flood trays for practicality and our perimeter units, wall units and hanging arrangements can be combined to create eye-catching hotspots with POS/branding. This also allows display solutions which complement accessories and linked sales.

Bedding tables have always been a stalwart of the garden centre; however, many centres aim to create unique types of displays for differing varieties of plants.

Alternative shapes like hexagons and octagons can create interesting focal points and can draw the customer’s attention to special promotions. These hexagon and octagon-shaped tables are often nested together in sets of three, and strategic placing can create pockets of uniqueness and interest throughout a centre’s plantarea. This can be a relatively small investment to create a dynamic change and bring a sense of theatre to presenting your plants.

Having tables of multiple heights can create interest and also break up the repetition of straight lines. Different heights can have practical as well as aesthetic benefits. Some taller plants might require shorter benches and vice versa for smaller plants. Taller tables may allow better accessibility and avoid the need for too much bending or perhaps bringing smaller plants closer to the eye line.

The challenges are to create displays that both inspire and allow plants to be displayed in the most practical way.

Individual garden centres often have their own unique requirements and style.

Our design and sales teams are able to use their experience working with the customer to achieve the most effective solutions to their specific needs.

Two and three-tiered displays may offer a centre the opportunity to display an

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increased number of plants over a similar footprint to a standard display table. This can resolve an issue if space is lacking or create extra selling space for high turnover products to reduce the rate of replenishment, as our three and four-tier displays have been designed to fit trays perfectly. The addition of castors offers a mobile display that saves space and can be moved around the retail area or to the front of store to create a promotional hot spot.

There is always the need to supply specific displays for specific requirements.

Garden centre plants are not just limited to small bedding plants and often supply a wide variety of plants from tiny pansies to small trees.

Stagecraft has embraced these diverse requirements and offers a comprehensive range of display equipment including bedding tables, tiered displays, hex displays, flood tables, displays for climber plants, hanging baskets and tree bays.

As well as a comprehensive outdoor portfolio, there is also an extensive range of interior designs including houseplant displays, timber and metal display tables, shelving, wall units, full counters and retail checkout areas. The promotion of indoor areas is not just limited to Christmas but also other key times of the retail calendar that drive increased footfall, such as Mothering Sunday, Easter and even Halloween.

There has never been a better time to develop and invest in your interior plant

Alternative shapes like hexagons and octagons can create interesting focal points

In addition to the permanent displays in the garden centre, short-term promotions are also becoming increasingly popular.

The use of trestle tables create the type of ‘pop-up’ display that can respond to seasonality. They can also be used temporarily and be easily moved around to suit short-term seasonal promotions.

Whatever your requirement, Stagecraft is the expert in both advising and supplying the full spectrum of garden centre displays. We have a design and sales team that specialises in garden centre retail display and will work with you to develop your perfect display solution. We pride ourselves on providing a service tailored to suit the needs of our customers. ◗

Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

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04/06/2020 15:49

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW OUR SPECIAL OFFERS ON....

EXTERIOR DISPLAYS INTERIOR DISPLAYS HOUSEPLANT DISPLAYS WWW.STAGECRAFT-UK.COM

Advert template.indd 38

RETAIL DISPLAY DESIGN MANUFACTURE & INSTALLATION

SALES@STAGECRAFT-UK.COM

01686 629096

03/06/2020 22:48

D irecto ry Plantarea Special

PLANTAREA

DIRECTORY GCR has gathered some of the UK’s forwardthinking suppliers to turn to for your garden centre products

BALL COLEGRAVE LTD

B

all olegrave remains the first choice for high quality and innovative plug, liner, bareroot and seed products to the commercial plant industry.

An exclusive partnership with leading plant breeders from around the world and local trialling on our world renowned Trial Grounds ensure our business offers its customers an extensive and continuous stream of gamechanging new product solutions and retail ideas to stimulate and excite the market.

Award-winning varieties such as the Downy Mildew resistant Impatiens Beacon®, the amazing trailing Pansy Cool Wave® and the Xylella-free, seed-raised Lavender Blue Spear, are just a few examples of these recent innovative genetics.

Garden centres are provided with a wealth of great tools and opportunities to help make their seasonal plant displays a powerful selling area. This includes: visits to our summer display gardens, plant combination and colour theming ideas, 140 free downloadable posters and high impact colour labels for over 2,000 our top performing plug varieties to ensure the retail bench always has a professional and consistent presentation.

FARPLANTS W

hether you are looking for herbaceous, shrubs, herbs, bedding or grow your own; Farplants has the perfect plants for you.

The Farplants Group are the trusted outdoor plant supplier to hundreds of garden retailers throughout the UK, growing over 11 million plants a year. Choose from more than 2,000 varieties – all having been selected for their outstanding performance, sell-through and bench appeal.

The friendly field sales team is on hand with e pert advice, and is ready to help you fill your benches with amazing eye catching colour and stunning foliage.

• Easy one-stop shopping from our vast range • National one trolley minimum delivery • Inspiring and colourful POS • Exclusive varieties and new retail concepts Contact: Tel: 01243 553311 Email: wholesale@farplants.co.uk www.farplants.co.uk

Milton Road, West Adderbury, Banbury, OX17 3EY Tel: 01295 811833 Email: info@ballcolegrave.com www.ballcolegrave.co.uk

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Plantarea Special D irecto ry

B

ased in Formby, on the North West coast, Happy Plants are a trusted bedding plant supplier to garden centres across England, Scotland and Wales.

Formerly known as Porters Fuchsias, the family-run business was established in 1985 and, in recent years, has become particularly well known for its mixed baskets and containers, as well as its prominent use of recyclable packaging. Generating return custom through strong branding and long-term garden performance is Happy Plants’ main priority, with all stock grown in to bigger-than-average formats and loaded with slow release fertiliser as standard.

Whilst the business built its name on fuchsias, its experience extends to a whole host of plants which are supplied throughout the year to garden centres and other nurseries.

The business has evolved with the needs of the industry over the years. A previous winner of the prestigious ‘Bedding Plant Grower of the Year’ award, the current nursery is based on a si acre site, comprising five acres of modern glass with thermal screens, container benching and boom irrigation.

Contact nat@happyplants.co.uk for more details

HAPPY PLANTS T

HAWKESMILL NURSERIES

he Hawkesmill Nurseries team has produced perennials, wildflowers, grasses, ferns, herbs, vegetable and strawberry plants for over 44 years. It knows just how important it is to ma e a firm commitment to its customers of offering eco-friendly trays and pots for their plants. The family-run business combines traditional heritage with the modern needs of today when it comes to ‘green’ growing innovations for plants.

Available in a range of pot sizes, with six-packs and planted containers also offered in season, the wide and varied range of plants are also supplied with colourful POS and labels.

Hawkesmill provides quality seasonal plants to garden centres, retail nurseries, and more recently, landscapers and garden designers alike.

Tel: 01676 532334 Email: sales@ hawkesmillnurseries.co.uk

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04/06/2020 16:15

What is Strulch Strulch © is a light and easy to use garden mulch made from wheat straw for organic gardening. A patented process is used to ‘preserve’ the straw so that it lasts for up to two years and gives an earthy brown colour.

Strulch has a neutral pH and can be used throughout the garden on borders, raised beds, around cultivated fruit and on vegetable plots.

• Spend less time weeding Strulch reduces weed growth by up to 95% • Save water Strulch helps retain moisture around plants • Improve your soil Strulch enriches soil and its structure • Use all around the garden Strulch is suitable around flowers, shrubs, fruit and vegetables • Save time and money Strulch, the straw garden mulch, lasts up to two years, spreading the cost, saving water and fertiliser, making your plants grow healthier and stronger and giving you more time to relax.

• Slug and Snail deterrent The physical properties of Strulch together with the embedded minerals deters slugs and snails

Want to stock Strulch - The Straw Mulch with Slug and Snail Deterrent?

Visit our website to see how we advertise our stockists. Our extensive advertising campaign generates ‘hits’ on our site.

Each bag covers 3 x 1sqm. Minimum order 1 pallet x 48 bags delivered within 3 working days. Discounts for multiple pallets.

Call for a quotation: 01943 863610

www.strulch.co.uk 01943 863610 info@strulch.co.uk

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03/06/2020 27/08/2019 22:51 12:33

Bathgate offer retailers a comprehensive range of high-quality horticultural products

Unrivalled nationwide delivery service available for quantities ranging from a single pallet through to a full load.

01270 762 828

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

01270 762 828

01270 762 762828 828 01270

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk bathgatehorticulture.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk

01270 762 828 01270 762 828 01270 762 828

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

sales@bathgatesilica.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk

bathgatesilica.co.uk

the biological choice

Liquid Biostimulants & Mycorrhizal Fungi Suitable for Organic Growing Lower Chemical Inputs Sustainable and Natural Ingredients Biologically Active Organic and Vegan Friendly

Full range of plant specific liquid feeds

rootgrow.co.uk • 01795 411527 • sales@rootgrow.co.uk Manufactured under the License granted by the Royal Horticultural Society Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

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04/06/2020 14:47

D irecto ry Plantarea Special

HOPE PLANTS H

ope Plants was set up by Matthew and Camilla at the beginning of April after Camilla lost her job as head of sales for a large horticulture business.

The pair work from home whilst looking after their three young boys.

Their mission was to support the local growers, save plants from going in the bin and provide some much-needed happiness to the local community. After a post went viral on Facebook, the business now has over 19k followers and has successfully delivered plants to over 500 doors.

Orders are placed via the company website and delivered within a few days. Hope Plants delivers to Chichester and the local surrounding areas, specialising in bedding plants, compost, grow your own, hanging baskets, perennials, and promotions. www.hopeplants.com info@hopeplants.com

JOHNSONS OF WHIXLEY GARDEN CENTRE SALES J

ohnsons of Whixley Garden Centre Sales is a leading provider and grower of hardy garden plants and trees, supplying to garden centres and other independent horticulture retail outlets across the UK for over four decades.

The business’ heritage as highquality wholesale nursery growers helps it to understand what consumers want and ensures that their exacting standards are consistently met. A huge stock holding means it can cater for all needs and respond efďŹ ciently to mar et demand. rown on The Johnsons of Whixley North Yorkshire site, its hardy plants are carefully tended and prepared for sale by experts, providing value, functionality and impact.

Email: paull@nurserymen.co.uk Tel: 01423 332309 Visit: www.nurserymen.co.uk/garden-centre-sales

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04/06/2020 16:16

Plantarea Special D irecto ry

KNOWL PARK NURSERIES

K

nowl Park Nurseries is a wholesale grower of hardy perennials trees and shrubs situated with easy access from Junction 25, M62 in Yorkshire.

The business supplies the trade and retailers with top quality plants at competitive prices. Stock is expertly packed and delivered locally using the business’ own transport.

Knowl Park Nurseries specialises in contract growing plants to meet your needs. The range of plants is so vast that the company can supply plants of interest all year round in quantities to meet your demand.

For a full stock list and all sales enquiries please contact sales@knowlpark.co.uk or call 01924 492645

LAURICA PLANTS L

aurica Plants is a specialist bay tree nursery located in Jabbeke, Belgium. The Devisch family company cultivates and sells superior quality bay trees.

For more than 25 years, Laurica-plants has been a trusted partner for various garden centres. Laurica-plants has built up a European reputation as a prompt and reliable supplier of Belgian and high quality bay trees. Quality is the hallmark of the company. This guarantee, combined with perfect service, ensures that Laurica Plants remains the market leader.

The selling season for bay trees as patio plants is primarily in spring, but may extend throughout the year. Each plant is provided with a Laurica label. The manual removal of all weeds, washing the pots, as well as the administering of a final pruning are all essential actions, and are just as important as extra watering. In order to prevent damage during transportation and to avoid manipulation, all bay trees on stems are provided with a suitable protection for the stem.

The nursery prides itself in producing a large and standardised supply of uniform plants and a professional service to all clients. very plant sold is provided with a certificate of origin to guarantee the nursery’s high-quality standards. www.laurica.be

SEIONT NURSERIES S

eiont Nurseries is a wholesale grower of exciting new varieties of shrubs and perennials in plugs and P9 pots. t supplies to plant finishers and grower retailers across the UK and Europe.

The most popular lines include: Heuchera, Hardy Ferns and Cordylines, and the biggest selling single line is Cordyline Pink Passion, which is a market-leading variety.

Other top lines include: Escallonia Golden Carpet, Eryngium Neptunes Gold and Dryopteris Jurassic Gold. www.seiontnurseries.com

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www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 16:18

JUNE/JULY 2020

PRODUCTS 26

GIMA Creating a stronger industry as the sector re-awakens

27

GARDEN FURNITURE What LOFA members have to offer

30

ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT Urban88 wheelbarrow and bucket kit

32

FIREPITS

35

WEED CONTROL

38

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS Impressi e c oices to decorate your space

40

OUTDOOR COOKING op outdoor cooking e uipment for summer

Products cover.indd 25

ew ranges of some t e finest and most inspiring firepits aried selection of new products

05/06/2020 08:49

G I M A U pd ate

A

s I write this column, garden centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and finally Scotland have re-opened, which is great news for all concerned. But where does that leave us for the rest of the season? What will be the ‘new normal’ for 2020 and 2021?

A recent report by Euromonitor International unsurprisingly predicts 2020 to be a challenging year for home and garden retail, with some challenges trending into 2021 due to depressed incomes and housing markets in a recessionary environment. On a more positive note, however, they predict longer term opportunities in the DIY and garden products market as households shift to smaller projects in their homes and gardens.

There is no doubt that there is huge pent-up demand for gardening in the UK. My local greengrocers and supermarkets have been selling more plants and gardening products than ever. Friends and family are suddenly sharing pictures of their first time grow your own efforts.

Online retailers have been inundated with orders, resulting in having to refocus operations to fulfil demand, or even capping daily orders. With perfect spring weather thrown into the equation, frustration felt by garden centre operators has been palpable.

There is no doubt that there is huge pent-up demand for gardening in the UK For suppliers, controlling costs and saving money is critical to continued survival. Whilst they have continued to operate to support other sales channels, they have also been working under difficult circumstances with reduced staffing due to absenteeism and furloughing. It has been challenging for everyone, but many have already set up COVID-secure workplaces with social distancing protocols in place and are operating and ready to support the sector as it re-awakens.

Having a multi-channel sales strategy will have helped some suppliers, but it by no means makes up for the loss of their often substantial garden centre trade and they are now waiting for the supply chain and payments to start flowing again.

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Garden Centre Retail June/July 2020

THE NEW NORMAL

The COVID-19 crisis has brought the industry together. Now, let’s come out of this situation stronger as the sector re-awakens.

By GIMA director, Vicky Nuttall

It’s imperative that retailers take their responsibility to pay their suppliers just as importantly as paying their staff. I’m pleased to say that on the whole, we have seen positive open dialogue between suppliers and their customers, with agreed payment plans and money starting to filter through, albeit slowly. et s hope we also see the larger, high profile retailers ease the purse strings now centres are reopening and pre-season payments get cleared.

There’s no doubt that the supplier and retailer interface will definitely take a different shape in the short term.

We’ve all become experts in using digital meeting tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Perhaps digital showrooms and virtual presentations will take the place of traditional sales tools for now, but we will have to wait and see if they become more common practice in the long term.

But what about 2021? In line with Euromonitor’s prediction of an increase in DIY and gardening projects, Scarlet Opus, a leading trends agency, also predicts that people’s gardens and outdoor spaces will become their haven of calm; a place of wellbeing and escape. During the summer of 2020, citizens will appreciate the emotional value and potential of their outdoor spaces more than ever before.

As life settles into a new reality during 2021, with people strapped for cash and overseas holidays seen as an expensive luxury, consumers will need outdoor spaces to serve many functions and satisfy many desires. The typical holiday experiences of poolside relaxation, alfresco dining, exotic escapism, adventure and connection to nature will all have to be achieved in outdoor rooms and gardens at home. Scarlet Opus has been delivering 2021 trends content for GIMA members via a series of webinars in May, and this will continue during June where

they will explore the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on consumer behaviour and how that translates into garden and outdoor product, colour and design trends.

Now, with the green light for the restart, the hard work begins in earnest for garden retailers as they try to navigate social distancing measures and manage the safety of their staff and customers, many of whom will be in the vulnerable category. Throughout this crisis, I have to say, I’ve been impressed but not surprised by the care and concern that both our customers and our members have shown to their staff – treating them like part of an extended family and taking their duty of care responsibilities seriously.

It has made me proud to be working in this industry. They say a crisis brings out the best in people, and I hope that it has also brought our industry together for all the right reasons. et s hope we can all come out this stronger and more united than ever.

To find out more about Scarlet pus s trends webinars, or for further information about GIMA, please call (01959) 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk ◗ ABOUT

The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation of around 150 members representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry.

The range of services and support provided for members is extensive, offering something for all members, regardless of size or heritage.

www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 12:01

acific Lifestyle

L O F A G ard en F u rnitu re

AtoZ of

GARDEN W FURNITURE finds out more about LOFA and the high standard of garden furniture its members offer

Classic wooden

Wood • Natural • Warm • FSC Certified • Durable • Recyclable

Wooden garden furniture is a classic, natural choice that will complement most gardens. ustic or modern, light or dar there are lots of options. ll members supply products that are made from FSC Barlow Tyrie ertified wood from managed forests, so all wooden furniture is sustainable and also completely recyclable.

hen it comes to garden furniture, the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association is the specialist in this field. has over members, all dedicated to providing fantastic outdoor leisure products to the industry.

Its experts work diligently each year, using their combined knowledge to bring you the best designs, the best value and the safest products to the mar et.

The main criteria for all furniture supplied by LOFA members is that it is safe, durable and well-built, without sacrificing comfort or style. The array of furniture it offers covers all sizes and budgets. 

Elegant rattan weave Rattan • Low maintenance • Durable • Comfortable • Natural looking • Weather resistant

esin weave rattan furniture is the ideal buy for recreating the relaxed look of a traditional country garden. t is lightweight and easy to move around – which is handy for all those sun worshippers. t is also durable and easy to clean so will last for many years.

A good selling point for rattan is buy once, but buy well.

Versatile metal

Modern and fuss-free plastic

Aluminium • Low maintenance • Lightweight • Weather resistant • Recyclable

Resin • Lightweight • Weatherproof • Scratch resistant

etal garden furniture is perhaps the most versatile of all materials for garden furniture. t can be traditional in style thin intricate wrought iron to modern and industrial.

Metal integrates easily into any kind of garden, from country cottage to rooftop terrace, and powder-coated for a colour finish. t s easy to clean and maintain and fully recyclable, which is good to mention when talking with potential customers.

Daro

es, plastic furniture can loo great. ffering the durability and weatherproof qualities to rival that of its natural counterparts, plastic is light and extremely easy to clean, making it a great option for those that have ids. ot all plastics are made equal, though; go for a resin or low-density polyethylene, which is very durable or furniture that is made out of recycled plastic or marine debris. ecycled plastic tic s all the bo es when your customers are conscious about the Scancom amount of plastics in our oceans and saving the planet.

Hartman UK

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G ard en F u rnitu re L O F A

he ri ht fit

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Furniture comes in many shapes and sizes, from dining sets that seat 12 right through to bistro sets just for two.

Having a good range of garden furniture will cater for all outdoor needs. As this year has proved, more people will now be working from home and outside if they have the space in the garden, so make sure that you can offer the right table for the right need. e a der R se

utdoor office des s or those who like eating al fresco, need a good sturdy table that is easy to clean. But always remember the fit, add an e tra one metre all round on top of the tables measurements so that chairs can be pulled out comfortably and safely.

And in a small garden or on

er sca

a balcony, a round table will allow more people to be seated as a round table takes up less space.

Cushions are also important, they need to be safe but also easy to clean.

A lot of LOFA members are now offering weatherproof cushions which can be left outside all summer long, so no need to dash outside if there is a summer shower.

Plus, there are also a few cheeky design twists to look out for, reclining chairs, ad ustable tables, fire pit tables and blue tooth parasols. And who doesn’t love an accessory... LOFA members also supply mood lighting, chimeneas, fire pits, s, garden ornaments, candles, garden art and outdoor bluetooth speakers.

LOFA Assured is an initiative to ensure all cushions sold by LOFA members comply with trading standards and the government’s Fire Safety Regulations.

In partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards and FIRA, LOFA have been on a long journey putting this initiative into practice. All LOFA members that manufacture furniture were subjected to an educational audit scheme and all their cushions have been tested by FIRA to make sure they are compliant with the current government Fire Safety Regulations. The audit requires the members to have full traceability on all cushions that they supply into the UK marketplace.

LOFA are now looking to work with retailers across the UK to help them ensure they have performed all due diligence in their purchasing process and are stocking safe and compliant cushions on their furniture. Look for LOFA Assured swing tags on all garden furniture cushions to ensure they meet current regulations. LOFA (Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association) have over 70 members all dedicated to providing fantastic outdoor leisure products. For more information visit www.lofa.co.uk

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eis re

a act rers a ds iers

Are your cushions LOFA Assured?

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LOFA furniture manufacturers and suppliers • Kettler • Alexander Rose • A & E Leisure • Leisure Plan • Leisuregrow • Ascalon • Lifestyle Garden • A.Mir • Barlow Tyrie • Maze Rattan • Mercer Leisure • Bramblecrest • Pagoda • Charles Taylor • Norfolk Leisure • Culcita acific ifestyle • Daro • Quest • Desser • Riley • Europa Leisure • Extreme Lounging • Showpiece Design • Signature Weave • Firmans Direct • 4 Seasons Outdoor • Southsea Deckchairs • Garden Furniture • Supremo Global • The Cane • Glendale Industries • Garden Impressions • The Old Basket • Hartman UK Supply • Innovators • Tom Chambers International • Zest4Leisure • John Robertson LOFA BBQ manufacturers and suppliers • Alfresco Chef • Landmann • BBQ Gourmet • Lifestyle • Beefeater Appliances • Cadac • Outback • Campingaz • Primo Grill • CharBroil • Quan • Firepits UK • Quest • Garden Furniture • Summit Global • Tramontina • Grakka • Universal • Kadai Innovations • Kamado Joe • Weber • Kettler • Whistler Grills LOFA accessory manufacturers and suppliers • Premier • Rotospa Decorations • Tripod • Fallen Fruits Home • Gardeco • Waspinator

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04/06/2020 16:05

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25/03/2020 03/06/2020 09:58 22:54

Pro d u cts B u ck etB arro w

URBAN88 WHEELBARROW & BUCKET KIT Bucket system Work safer, easier and faster – interlocking buckets keeping materials separate and easier to handle. The moulded shape of the barrow means the buckets hook securely in place whether you use one or all four. Take your compost right into the border or have a bucket next to you as you weed. Slot them back in and off you go. Got areas a barrow can’t get to? Now you can take what you need out the barrow easily in the buckets, ideal for split level gardens. Unlike a conventional barrow, you can empty bucket loads directly into a garden waste bin.

Bucket

uc ets are square profile, quality buckets that integrate easily and accurately into URBAN88 trays for fast and efficient material management, loading, movement and distribution. They are made from thick 2.5mm polypropylene, reinforced with additional ribbing for durability.

Internal and external litre markings and rounded corners provide accurate material measurement, mixing and pouring. Moulded hand grips enable easy and efficient load carrying, and the bevelled lip reduces spillage when filling buc ets ne t to each other ideal when filling in the barrow or pushed up against a wall.

Scoop Collect, move and place materials quickly and easily with the URBAN88 ultipurpose Scoop. ts volume integrates into the front of the URBAN88 tray with weight supported over the wheel for improved balance. A wide mouth, reinforced aluminium edge and two hand grips, make it ideal to be used as a hand shovel. Great for fast and accurate material collection, movement and distribution. The scoop doubles as a large, strong dustpan. The aluminium edge is angled for debris collection, while two rear foot platforms allow the pan scoop to be steadied on the floor while you sweep into it.

Barrow/Tray Compact in size, yet large in load carry capacity – the URBAN88 features an strengthened polypropylene tray.

With no bolt holes inside, the tray is fully waterproof and smooth bottomed – no more catching the bolts with a shovel as you empty it, or bolts rusting through.

The boxy design maximises the capacity while keeping it narrow for easy manoeuvrability, even in tight spaces. The large flat base and low centre of gravity make it stable to load and move.

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Launch date: August 2020 RRP: £189 Manufacturer: BucketBarrow

Tel: 01522 712195 Email: info@bucketbarrow.co.uk Web: www.bucketbarrow.co.uk

Build Designed to last, the URBAN88 is built on a sturdy box section frame with integrated non-slip comfort grips. Front braces and built-in tipping bar keep it stable even when emptying. The heavy duty wheel is fitted with a 100mm-wide four ply tough tread tyre and mounted through oversized bearings for smooth rolling longevity.

www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 16:11

Lofa Assured is an intitiative to ensure all cushions sold byintitiative LOFA Members Lofa Assured is an to ensure comply with sold current Government all cushions

by LOFA Members Fire Safety comply withRegulations. current Government Fire Safety Regulations.

To find out more visit www.lofa-assured.co.uk To find out more visit www.lofa-assured.co.uk In Partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards and FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association).

In Partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards and FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association).

www.lofa-assured.co.uk

www.lofa-assured.co.uk

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22/05/2020 03/06/2020 12:50 22:56

L ates t Pro d u cts F irepits

FIREPITS Katori Firepit La Hacienda • Classic deep bowl design • Black steel frame • Copper effect paint finish • Protective mesh lid included • Modern update on a classic design

Woodland Fire Globe Fallen Fruits • 57.5 x 57.5 x 66cm • Provides heat and light • Casts stunning shadows when lit Stylish rust finish • Gives an outdoor focal point even when not in use RRP £349.99 www.fallenfruits.co.uk Norfolk Firebowl, black Ivyline • Perfect for creating a warm and cosy atmosphere outside • Provides a contemporary addition to any alfresco area • Square shape with a raised stand • Attractive focal point makes it perfect for entertaining guests

RRP £199 www.lahacienda.co.uk

Recycled Firebowl Kadai • Kadai brings together the traditional skills of Indian artisans with innovative British design • Includes a stand and grill to make a cooking bowl • Repurposed from oil drums • Hand cut metal plates are riveted for added strength and durability • Has more than 40 awardwinning accessories

RRP £99.99 www.ivylinegb.co.uk Kalos Universal Fire Pit Kettler (GB) Ltd

RRP From £215 www.kadai.com

Rosa Garden Stove Norfolk Leisure • Handmade in Europe • 2mm - 5mm thick crude steel Wood fire with log storage • Ash drawer for easy cleaning • Modern design with chimney

• New for 2020, the Kalos range includes both lighting and heating • Ideal when the evenings get colder, this perfect centerpiece creates warmth as well as ambience • Universal design to coordinate with all different styles of furniture (Palma Corner set shown below) • Easy to use with electric ignition • Glass guard, lava and pipe cover included, as well as protective cover so it can be left outdoors all year round RRP £749 www.kettler.co.uk

RRP £285 www.norfolkleisure.com

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www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 11:46

EUR MEDIA PRINT APPROVAL FORM ASSOCIATES LTD SPECIALIST MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS

CUSTOMER: SALLY MOORE

PLEASE READ THIS : PLEASE CHECK PROOF VERY CAREFULLY: Every care has been taken to follow your instructions,

but the final responsibility for the accuracy of this proof rests with you the client - in the case where there are errors on the printed job which were not alerted to on the attached proof - it is solely the client’s responsibility.

DATE: 26/10/18

ADVERT TO APPEAR IN: GARDEN TRADE SPECIALIST ISSUE 6

THETHE WHEAT BAG WHEAT BAGCOMPANY COMPANY

Our Wheat Bags are all handmade in Wiltshire, England and Our Wheat Bags are all handmade are filled with English wheat. All in designs are unavailable in Wiltshire, England and are filled unscented or lavender using the finest English Lavender buds. are with English wheat.

All designs

unavailable in unscented or lavender using the finest English Lavender buds.

They can be either heated in the microwave

aches, pains, and for They canfor besoothing either heated in therelaxation microwave or chilled to treat headaches and or soothing warmth aches, pains, relaxation and warmth Bespoke display available. chilled toinjuries. treat headaches and stands injuries.

Bespoke Please enquire. display stands available. Please enquire.

PADI PILLOWS PADI Pillows.

Unit 1, St Martins Courtyard, Lane, Unit 1, St Martins Courtyard,Chapel Chapel Lane, Zeals, A versatile, hands-free stand perfect for holding any mobile A versatile, hands-free stand perfect for holding any mobile Zeals, Warminster, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6NZ Wiltshire, BA12 6NZ device on your lap, in bed, the kitchen or on public transport. device on your lap, in bed, the kitchen or on public transport.

Tel: 01747 840499 The Padi Pillow is suitable for Ipads, tablets kindles, phones & phones & The Padi Pillow is suitable for Ipads, tablets kindles, booksdevice and keeps youratdevice stable almost•any angle. • Helps books and keeps your stable almost anyatangle.

Helps Aromaglow Ltd T/A The Wheat Bag Company Aromaglow Ltd T/A The Wheat Bag Company relieve R.S.I. • Ultra lightweight • Ideal travel pillow Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk relieve R.S.I. • Ultra lightweight • Ideal travel pillow • Shop and• Shop and Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk surf with ease • Made in England • Over 50 Designs available surf with ease • Made in England • Over 50 Designs available www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Tel: 01747 840499

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04/06/2020 14:46

Industry construction experts Fordingbridge have introduced their latest product designed specifically to aid the Garden Centre industry.

Having consulted with customers and having heard the strains they are currently facing with regards to allowing for safe social distancing, the firm have developed a new product to provide a solution now, which can also be repurposed for future use. Their new walkway system provides a bright, weather protected area for your customers with no need for any groundworks. It is not only efficient and quick to install, but also flexible for the future.

Once its requirements as a walkway have passed, the structure, either in its entirety or in 5m sections can be permanently redeployed elsewhere in the store. You may join them together for a covered plant area, you may position it outside your restaurant; the choice is yours.

Speedy solution for queuing in comfort The walkway uses unique ‘Flowerpot Foundations”; designed specifically for quick, temporary installation with no need to reinstate any groundworks once removed. Covered in artificial grass, the top of the ‘Pot’ is left open to plant up with your latest plant stock, creating not only a warm welcome for shoppers, but also providing you a fantastic merchandising opportunity.

The 3m span of the roof is covered by their industryfavourite Opal 60 fabric, so you can be assured the area will be bright and well protected, but with reduced UV for your customers comfort and safety.

The customer facing gable end of the canopy can also be branded with your logo, to add further to the welcome.

Find out more on both the available steel and timber options today.

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01243 55 44 55 info@fordingbridge.co.uk www.fordingbridge.co.uk

Flexible/temporary - easy to reposition/reconfigure for future use N EW

Ensure customers can enter your store in comfort

T!

Flowerpot foundations No groundworks, digging, or disruption

04/06/2020 10:52

W eed C o ntro l L ates t Pro d u cts

WEED CONTROL Weed Control Centre – Merchandising Concept Treadstone Products

Job Done, Glyphosate Free – Garden Ultrafast Weedkiller SBM Life Science

• Offers three different grades of weed control fabric • A simple 1-2-3 format to demonstrate three levels of weed control: 1- weed control fabric, 2- patio and decking cover or 3- rough ground cover • Holds 104 assorted rolls in less than sqm of floor space • Includes full-colour header board with tips for installation • Includes three large shelf boards detailing the different grades of fabric, and each of their uses

• Glyphosate free • Effects seen in one hour • Targets a wide range of garden weeds, as well as moss and algae • Unique ‘see where you have been’ formulation • Available in 1L and 3L RRP £4.99 www.protect-garden.co.uk

Roundup NL Weed Control Concentrate 280ml Evergreen Garden Care • Glyphosate-free, super concentrate weed control that naturally breaks down in soil • Kills clover, chickweed, common groundsel, black nightshade, sowthistle, black medick, annual meadowgrass and mayweeds Suitable for use of flower beds, vegetable patches, paths and patios • Can be used to clean up ground before planting • Treated areas can be re-planted or re-seeded after three days

RRP From £3.99 to £11.99 www.treadstoneproducts.com

Green Power Evolution Hozelock • Eliminates weeds without the use of chemicals • Destroys the weed in seconds with a thermal shock • Precise weed control thanks to its protective cone • No need to bend down, with a simple push button start and an ergonomic handle to provide comfortable usability RRP £59.99 www.hozelock.com

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RRP £19.99 www.lovethegarden.com

MossOff Chemical Free VivaGreen • Non-chemical (plant-based product) • Outperforms chemicals • Effective, easy to use and long-lasting • Truly safe to children, pets, plants and pond life • Incremental autumn sales due to preventative action RRP POA info@johnsonslawnseed.com

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L ates t Pro d u cts W eed C o ntro l

Weed Stop Fabric Garland Products – Worth Gardening Ltd • Stops the growth of weeds • Ideal for under wood chippings, mulch or decorative stones • Easy to cut and plant through • Excellent water permeability ives good air flow for healthy plants and soil RRP £17.25 (promo RRP: £11.99) www.garlandproducts.com

Ecofective Weed + Moss Killer Sipcam Home and Garden

Weed Free Plus Neudorff • Visible results within one day of treatment • Long lasting control against the regrowth of tough weeds – it stops roots growing • Active ingredient content 31.02 g/l pelargonic acid, 4.95 g/l maleic hyrazide • Effective against a wide variety of annual and perennial weeds and grasses • Treated areas can be replanted after just one day

• Fast active glyphosate free weed and moss killer • Ideal for hard surfaces including patios, paths and driveways • Visible results withing 24 hours • Advanced acetic biodegradable formula • 1 litre provides up to 35 sqm coverage

RRP 750ml trigger bottle – £6.99, concentrate 520ml – £10.99 and 1020ml – £19.99 www.neudorff.co.uk

RRP £4.99 www.ecofective.uk.com

SBK Vitax • The only weedkiller containing triclopyr • Glyphosate free • Systemic weedkiller which kills right down to the root, preventing regrowth • Kills the toughest of weeds, such as brambles, nettles, thistles and tree stumps • Ideal for treating neglected, noncrop areas RRP 250ml concentrate – £9.96, 500ml concentrate – £15.59, 1 litre concentrate – £25.88, 750ml ready to use spray – £7.78 www.gardenworld.co.uk

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Strulch – the straw mulch for organic gardening Strulch Limited erified for organic gardening • Stops weeds from germinating, cutting down the need to weed • Keeps moisture in the soil • Improves soil structure and drainage • Also acts as a deterrent to surface-feeding slugs and snails RRP POA www.strulch.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 12:05

100% recyclable packaging

01458 442688 www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk

DURSTON GARDEN PRODUCTS LTD, AVALON FARM, SHARPHAM, SOMERSET BA16 9SE

Conduct your restaurant so everyone will want to play in it again.

Inspire customers back into your restaurant without losing atmosphere or capacity.

Screen solutions to operate your seating safely without compromising your interior in a great range of designs.

Also mobile collection screens for ‘no contact’ table service.

We can also help adapt your restaurant with our free layout planning service.

Call 01242 263444 we’re here to get you trading again!

CREATING PEOPLE INSPIRED SPACES www.abbeybusinessinteriors.co.uk

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04/06/2020 12:41

L ates t Pro d u cts A rtificial F lo w ers

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vailable in five colours ive flower heads • Realistic look and feel vailable with three or five flower heads RRP £59.99 www ae i

a R ses t as wers td au flowers for floral artists • Beautiful, natural detailing • Curated range

COSMOS Mezu Silk Flowers

• Botanically correct • Quality foliage and stems RRP POA www at as

• Advance technology has increased the quality and realism • Seeing an increase in consumer demand • Non-allergic • Cost effective • Long term alternative to fresh flowers

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RRP POA www e si

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• Realistic aloe vera omes with white ceramic pot on a blac stand • Helps enhance wellbeing RRP £17.99 www ra si

RRP £99.99 www a ac c

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Latest Artificial flowers.indd 38

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• UV protected for exterior use • Large 1m x 1m panels • Simple to create landscapes inside or outside n easy way to bring the outside in our different designs available to suit varying budgets

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www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 12:08

SUBSCRIBE TO

THE

W E D N E S D AY WORD

New and second hand aluminium benching: Fixed, Semi rolling, mobile and sales benches.

VALEKA BV • Heliniumweg 14 • 3133 AX Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Tel: +31-10 599 74 02 • info@valeka.nl • www.valeka.nl

GardenCentreRetail.com

Email laura.harris@eljays44.com to sign up for the weekly newsletter brought to you by Garden Centre Retail

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FOLLOW US! Garden Centre Retail

@gardencentre.retail

@gardenretailuk

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04/06/2020 15:17

L ates t Pro d u cts O u td o o r C o o k ing

OUTDOOR COOKING Premium Large Corten Quan UK Ltd

Attitude 2100 LX Campingaz

• A piece of sculptural garden art, an innovative BBQ, and a warming firepit in one single product. ontrolled and fle ible cooking on the outer hotplate, or traditionally grill over the fire.

• Provides an amazing central focal point to any garden party.

• Encourages users to cook a vast variety of dishes in different ways, far more so than a traditional BBQ. • Striking looks – makes a real design statement within the users’ outdoor space.

• Offering a compact package of sleek, urban styling combined with pioneering, precision cooking.

• Powerful Blue Flame two-burner system and Even Temp® Technology - can reach over 250°C, so food cooks evenly.

• Illuminated safety controls tell when the gas is on and the one-touch InstaStart® ignition brings the barbecue to life.

• Versatile cooking and grilling options are offered by Campingaz’s ingenious Culinary Modular Accessory system.

• InstaClean® System – For easy cleaning and dishwasher use.

RRP £299.99 www.campingaz.com

RRP POA www.quangarden.art

Beer Barrel Grill Tramontina • A reinvention of the drum barbecue grill.

• Combines the tradition and passion of barbecue heritage with a more modern, safer design.

• Rolled edges stainless steel handles making it comfortable and easy to transport or carry.

• Only 1.5 kg of charcoal required.

• Innovative design, created and patented

by Tramontina.

• Easy to assemble.

RRP £49.99 www.tramontina.com

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efire Wood Pellet Grill Weber Grills

Weber s first wood pellet grill.

• Combines over 70 years of e pertise from Weber’s grill masters.

• Capable of reaching high heat searing temperatures, as well as the perfect low and slow conditions.

• Heats up quickly and delivers precise temperatures of 95°C to 315°C. • Unique auger and hopper system features a short gravity-fed path to the heat source.

• Includes Weber’s Connect app to enable smart grilling.

RRP £1,190 www.weber.com

www.gardencentreretail.com

04/06/2020 14:22

O u td o o r C o o k ing L ates t Pro d u cts

Alfresco Chef Ember Wood Fired Oven Alfresco Brands uic fire set up ready to coo in ust minutes. aintains temperatures of and higher. inch pizza is ready in seconds. uelled by iln dried hardwood or wood pellets. ortable with removable chimney and foldable legs.

Citi Chef 40 Cadac utomatic iezo gnition with single high performance burner. eramic coated rill late. our stable legs with rubber feet to prevent slipping. onvenient carry bag included. vailable in four colour options S y lue, lac , etallic lue, lint rey.

RRP www.cadacinternational.com

RRP www.alfrescobrands.co.uk

Cook King Garden Grill Norfolk Leisure The oo ing garden grill is an e cellent solution for anyone who li es to spend time outdoors.

The gridiron allows a large amount of food to be coo ed, while the stability of the tripod ensure it can be set up on a variety of surfaces.

The height of the grill may be easily ad usted with a wheel, located on top of the tripod.

RRP rom www.norfolkleisure.co.uk

Fire Pit/BBQ Fallen Fruits ightweight fire bowl which can be used as a barbecue. as a contemporary stylish loo . in design gives warmth. ses an artificial stone with , which is heat and fire resistant. vailable in two sizes RRP rom . www.fallenfruits.co.uk Everdure Hub Kettler (GB) Ltd harcoal flavour without the hassle ready to coo in minutes than s to the ast lame ignition system. g rated capacity rotisserie feature with rotiscope technology. legant contemporary design. omes with free protective cover. hrome grills with cool to touch handles, porcelain enamel firebo , large storage area behind two double lined doors.

RRP , www.kettler.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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04/06/2020 14:22

A d v erto rial

A CREATIVE

SOLUTION TO SEE OFF

DEBT WOES Few sectors have been hit harder than garden centres as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The fates conspired to lock down the UK just in time for the Easter weekend and into the prime spring months – our industry’s Christmas shopping. To cap it all, this spring has been one of the sunniest on record, which under normal circumstances would have created a booming period in trade for garden centres.

Sadly, this has put many garden centres under severe financial pressure through no fault of their own. If this description fits your business, then this is a possible solution that may be of interest...

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04/06/2020 09:01

A d v erto rial

W H AT W E C A N O F F E R . . .

Capital release via Sale and Leaseback LRI LLP and Arkwright & Co. have recently advised business owners in selling their premises and advising on bespoke lease terms for them to remain in occupation thereafter.

As the name suggests, this is simply a method whereby the owners of the garden centre business (assuming the property is owned) sells the freehold interest to an investor. The investor then allows the garden centre to remain in occupation operating their business while agreeing a lease and a rent.

What are the benefits to the garden centres?

• Cash injection to assist with cash-flow.

• Remain in occupation for as long as you like.

• Help draft the lease terms to ensure it suits your business needs.

But won’t we lose control of our property?

We are acutely aware that many garden centres are family owned businesses built up over decades and this is not a decision to take lightly.

• Set the lease term you wish from 5 years to 25 years plus.

• Statutory protection via the 1954 Landlord & Tenant Act, providing the automatic right to renew the lease at expiry.

What are the benefits to investors?

You may ask whether there is a market for this given the current circumstances to which the answer is a definitive yes. Now more than ever investors are looking for long-term, secure income in well run businesses. The target market here are those who will be supportive landlords and in it for the long-haul; they are not looking to make a ‘quick buck’.

This proposal is designed to provide a complementary solution for both parties.

Service and company background LRI LLP (www.lri.uk.com) are offering a two-tiered service: 1) to advise on the value of freeholds, rents and lease terms and 2) to source an investor/buyer for the freehold interest.

LRI and commercial partner John Arkwright & Co. (www.johnarkwright.co.uk) each have over 15 years’ experience in commercial property acquisitions, disposals and management and are well placed to advise on this process. We have a RICS valuation surveyor on the team and an extensive network of investor contacts to ensure we find the right buyers.

If this is a proposal that might suit your business, then please get in touch with Henry Lloyd-Roberts or Bertie Arkwright for an initial assessment with no commitment.

CONTACT

Henry Lloyd-Roberts T: +44 (0)20 3908 6986 M: +44 (0)7813 654 844 E: henry.lloyd-roberts@lri.uk.com W: www.lri.uk.com Bertie Arkwright BSc (Hons) MRICS Director T: +44 (0)20 7495 7090 M: +44 (0)7500 079 190 E: bertie.arkwright@jarkwright.co.uk

115 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NQ | Tel: 020 7495 7090 Fax: 020 7495 7091 | www.johnarkwright.co.uk

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04/06/2020 09:02

Meet the garden retail community 15-17 September 2020 NEC Birmingham UK

The UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show Discover more at www.gleebirmingham.com

Connect with us on social Advert template.indd 44

@Glee_Birmingham

@Glee_Birmingham

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