UK garden center sales rise amid home décor growth

Garden center sales in the UK saw significant growth in July, with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reporting an 11% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a 6% rise in transactions and a 3% increase in average transaction values (ATV).

Key drivers for this performance include high demand for tools and equipment (+27%), BBQs and heating (+25%), and outdoor containers (+22%). The rise in ATV is also linked to the growing home décor market, which is projected to reach £1.82 billion by 2026. Consumers are increasingly engaging in “small-treat spending,” purchasing affordable decorative items like candles, vases, and seasonal accessories to refresh their homes.

Despite the strong July performance, HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes noted that extreme weather conditions—including record heat and drought—pose risks to future sales and plant health. Businesses continue to face pressures from employment costs and profit margins, even as sunny weather encourages spending on outdoor living spaces.