2024 Garden Centre Industry: Adapting to Change and Embracing Opportunities
As 2024 draws to a close, we would like to touch on how the global garden centre industry, a brother of DIY and Home Improvement industry, has continued to adapt and evolve in response to shifting consumer demands, economic challenges, and technological advancements. From sustainable practices to the rise of digital tools, this year has marked significant growth and transformation within the sector. Let's look closer into some of the key developments shaping the industry and explore where it's headed.
Consumer Trends: A Growing Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability has been a dominant theme in 2024, with more consumers opting for native plants and eco-friendly gardening practices. The 2024 Garden Trends Report from the Garden Media Group highlights “Eco-Optimism” as a central theme, with younger consumers leading the charge for environmentally conscious products and practices. In response, garden centres have expanded their selection to include sustainable gardening solutions, such as native plants and water-efficient landscaping tools.
Indoor gardening and small-space solutions are also on the peak of popularity. As urban living becomes more prevalent, people are looking for ways to incorporate greenery into smaller spaces. Innovative products like container gardening kits and vertical garden systems are making it easier to incorporate gardening, even in apartments and small homes.
A survey by Garden Center magazine indicated that 54.3% of Gen Z and 56.4% of Gen Y respondents plan to spend more time gardening in 2024, with 71.2% of Gen Z and 76.2% of Gen Y intending to plant more and expand their gardens. This suggests a strong consumer interest in gardening as a means of connecting with nature and promoting sustainability.
Technological Innovation: Bringing Gardening into the Digital Age
Technology has become a game-changer for the gardening world in 2024. From smart irrigation systems to automated plant care devices, technological innovations are making it easier for gardeners to stay on top of their plants’ needs. Many companies are integrating digital tools into their offerings, allowing customers to monitor their gardens remotely. Online gardening platforms have also surged in popularity, providing access to expert advice, plant purchases, and virtual communities.
These advancements appeal to a tech-savvy audience, especially younger generations who value convenience and precision in their gardening practices.
Market Performance: Continued Growth Amid Challenges
The global garden centre market remains strong, acceding $100 billion in 2024. This growth is driven by increased consumer spending on gardening products, alongside a growing interest in home-based horticulture. The rise of outdoor living has also contributed to this growth, as more people fill their outdoor spaces with plants, furniture, and accessories.
However, the industry has faced some challenges. Inflation and rising operational costs have had an impact on many garden centres. Some large retailers, such as Dobbies Garden Centres in the UK, have had to close stores as part of restructuring efforts aimed at improving profitability. Dobbies, the UK's largest garden centre chain, announced the closure of 17 stores by the end of 2024. This decision follows a ￡105.2 million pre-tax loss for the year ending March 2023. The closures are part of a broader strategy to address underperforming stores and reduce operational costs. Dobbies has offered affected employee’s roles within other divisions, such as Tesco, to mitigate job losses.
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Similarly, in Australia, Oxley Nursery , a beloved establishment in Brisbane, has recently closed after 30 years of service. Owner Andy Roy cited personal reasons and a shift in focus to family commitments as the driving forces behind the closure. The 8,926-square-meter property, which has long been a go-to spot for plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts, was sold to make way for residential development.
Moving Forward: Adapting to Change in the Garden Centre Industry
The garden centre industry is navigating through a period of transformation, adjusting to shifting consumer demands, economic challenges, and emerging trends. As sustainability, digital tools, and changing consumer preferences shape the landscape, garden centres will need to stay flexible, connected to their communities, and responsive to new market realities.
As the demand for products that promote well-being and a connection to nature grows, garden centres are finding themselves at the intersection of lifestyle, sustainability, and technology. The coming years will likely bring a mix of challenges and opportunities, with businesses needing to balance eco-conscious values with the drive for innovation. Ultimately, the success of garden centres will depend on how well they adapt to these shifts while continuing to offer spaces that foster well-being and enrich people's lives.
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