Christmas trading strong for the garden sector

16:01:20 5th January 2010

The garden sector has recorded positive sales results over the busy Christmas period.

According to the Horticultural Trades Association's (HTA's) Retail Management Group, the industry notched up excellent sales despite fears that the recession and cold weather could impact sales.

Philip Evason, manager of Haskins Gardens Centres and chair of the HTA's Retail Management Group said: "The increase in foot fall we experienced during the year continued through the month of December with sales in the first 3 weeks notably strong.

"A variety of customer events proved popular during December such as table and Christmas tree decoration demonstrations and children's Santa parties."

Mr Evason's comments were supported by Andrew Maxted, the HTA's marketing director, who emphasised the optimism with which garden businesses would be going into 2010.

The HTA is the trade association for the UK garden industry, and its National Garden Gift Vouchers were the biggest selling line in garden centres, with sales for December up by 10 per cent.

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