ALBRIGHTON, England (Reuters) – Sales in the gardening industry in the U.K. grew to a retail turnover of over £5 billion in 2006 with nearly half of that being spent on horticultural stock, says the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
ALBRIGHTON, England (Reuters) – Sales in the gardening industry in the
U.K. grew to a retail turnover of over £5 billion in 2006 with nearly
half of that being spent on horticultural stock, says the Horticultural
Trades Association (HTA).
The trade association said the gardening industry has enjoyed good
growth due to an increase in home ownership, higher disposable income
and an aging population.
“Spring 2007 has given our industry a green light for renewed growth,”
says HTA commercial director Andrew Maxted. “There is a new generation
discovering its outdoor space, while keen gardeners too are spending
again on their lawns, borders, patios and plots after three extremely
difficult seasons.
Maxted adds the next phase of growth in the garden market will be
different from the early years of the decade. “Conspicuous consumption
is out, while a more measured, greener and increasingly environmentally
friendly approach will define consumer aspirations and should therefore
guide the industry’s response.”
Some operators may be tempted to view “going green” as just another
consumer fad, says Maxted, “but that would seriously misjudge the
current mood and ignore the underlying trend in all markets not only to
seek environmentally friendly products, but to expect retailers and
their suppliers to demonstrate sound environmental and ethical
practices.”
Such trends will be highlighted at the HTA’s annual conference Oct. 15-16, in Chester, England.
For more information, visit our Current Links section at www.canadiangardencentre.ca.
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