Woodmansterne

Unfortunately, 2023 will start as last year with attendance at memorial services for industry friends who were taken from us over the Christmas period. Paul Cooling died following a stroke on Boxing Day and Alastair Jackson succumbed to cancer between Christmas and New Year. Then news reached us that one of the original garden centre pioneers, David Rayner, the founder of Scotsdales, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 94 in early January. On behalf of all our readers we send our warmest thoughts to their families and work colleagues.

Back in January 2022 we predicted if we had a fine and mild spring, then sales could grow by as much as 10% and if the weather goes against being outside in the garden then growth may be as low as 2%. What we didn’t see coming at that time was the war in Ukraine and the ensuing hikes in energy prices and rampant inflation.

In the end the GTN Bestsellers All Products Volume Sales index finished the year down 3.4% on 2021, with plant sales volumes down by 10%. Veg 2 Gro products were one area that saw an increase year on year, up by 2%. Christmas sales volumes for the Top 50 Bestselling lines were 1.8% down on 2021, better than some anticipated, and we’ve had many reports of record days in garden centre restaurant and coffee shops so there is a hint of optimism for 2023. We do really need a mild and early Spring though!

As this issue goes to press GTN’s intrepid team of Christmas Awards judges were meeting to review the results from their visits to almost 100 garden centres to meet the teams nominated in The Greatest Christmas Awards. With the highest number of entries ever judged in our Christmas Awards the judges had fierce debate about who should be the winners, the teamwork and resultant standards of Christmas retailing were truly exceptional this year.

After some extra video sessions between the judges the results will be announced and certificates awarded on the Inspiring Retail Stage, Hall 6 at Spring Fair on Monday 6th February, starting at 5:00pm. There will be some refreshments available, so please do join us. We look forward to meeting you all.

4 Peter Burks back at the GCA – Interview with the new CEO

8 2022 in pictures – A look back at a challenging year 13 Gone but not forgotten – people we lost in 2022 14 A great year for Greenfingers 16 Christmas Sparkle – Inspiration from The Greatest Christmas Awards judging visits 20 Introducing Clever Pots 21 One to Watch – GTN visits a new centre in Southend 30 A healthy relationship with government – ORHG Column

2 Woodmansterne

7 STV International

15 Smart Garden Products

18 PATS

19 Kaemingk

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

Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Features Editor Anisa Gress anisa@pottinghsedpress.co.uk Digital Editor Neil Pope neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk Subscriptions Karen Pfeiffer karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk

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

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