tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2013-05-23:/spoga+gafa 04. – 06.09.2011MokoFeed2013-05-23T13:55:01+02:00tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-31:/2011/12/31/barbecue-sales-set-to-double-by-12331874/Matthewappleby2011-12-31T09:12:29+01:002012-01-10T14:09:32+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/weber/6083676" title="weber"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/676/6083676_414b98e0b4_s.jpeg" alt="weber"></a></p> <p>Weber MD John Cooper has looked ahead to 2012 for the Gafa Spoga blog and is "bullish" about the future of <strong>barbecue </strong>sales Europe-wide.<br> Cooper said: "The barbecue market has so much potential it's amazing. All of Europe is very undeveloped so we will be growing the market. It's not just a case of taking others' share. The potential is there just from taching people to barbecue properly. That's why we do so much education. In Norway the non-disposable barbecue market is as big as the UK but it has six million people rather than 60m. So the market is certainly not restricted by cold, wet or dark.<br> We're expecting the market to at least double in the next five to seven years in the UK and central Europe."<br> Cooper added that the barbecue market is exciting for garden centres because it is not mature.<br> Drivers include staycationing, events such as the Olympics and the UK Queen's diamond jubilee.<br> He said: "From our perspective, early indications for 2012 are very positive. We're pleased with pre-season so far. Retailers have to be ready for an early start as in the last two nyears. April was our best month of 2011. We're bullish but we are seeing the market diverge. The top end like us is doing ok and the bottom end is doing ok. It's the middle ground that is being squeezed. that's typical in any recessionary period."</p> <p>NEWS<br> <strong>Carrefour</strong> could sell its 50 per cent stake in franchisee Altis to fund part of its takeover of its main franchisee Guyenne & Gascoyne.<br> <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9f1edc0e-24be-11e1-bfb3-00144feabdc0.html">ft.com</a></p> <p>Britain is top of <strong>online</strong> purchasers in Europe with 79 per cent buying online. The Netherlands is second with 74 per cent. Some 46 per cent of Britons use mobile phones to buy online, doubled in 18 months. Germany has 73 per cent buying online, Sweden 71 per cent, France 70 per cent, Spain 37 per cent and Italy 27 per cent. Research is from Ofcom.<br> <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8955027/Britain-a-nation-of-online-shoppers.html">telegraph.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Shoppers </strong>will spend 40 per cent in town centres, 32 per cent in out of town malls, 16 per cent in local stores and 12 per cent online and by mail order by 2014, suggest studies by BIS and Verdict. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/31/barbecue-sales-set-to-double-by-12331874/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-29:/2011/12/29/report-reveals-changes-in-shopping-habits-12331324/Matthewappleby2011-12-29T09:26:45+01:002012-01-03T15:41:35+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/shoppers/6083315" title="shoppers"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/315/6083315_9071690b27_s.jpeg" alt="shoppers"></a></p> <p>According to a recent YouGov SixthSense Report, around nine in ten consumers have bought items via their computer at home or via a mobile digital device in the past six months. While using a computer is the default means of <strong>shopping online</strong>, using a mobile device is a much more niche activity.</p> <p>Those adults who are the most likely to own the latest gadgets and have the most positive attitudes towards modern technology are also the most likely to have engaged in electronic retailing, especially when using a mobile device.</p> <p>The purchases of books or DVDs and clothing/fashion items are the most common electronic retailing activities undertaken by consumers as a whole.</p> <p>The prevalence of online shopping shows that retailers now have to compete in a multichannel environment, meaning consumer expectations of service, prices and delivery are based on being able to switch one channel for another as well as one shop for another.</p> <p>If one channel/store fails to live up to expectations, demand can be switched to another. This is especially so in non‐grocery markets, where consumers are very willing to switch the source of purchase based purely on price, highly likely to use more than one retailer for purchases and likely to use a different retailer for electronic and bricks and mortar shopping.</p> <p>“Retailers will have to work even harder in future to stop consumers moving elsewhere. As today’s younger consumer ages, they will become even more intolerant of delays and won’t waste time taking their business elsewhere,” says YouGov SixthSense research director James McCoy.</p> <p>A price differential of 9‐10 per cent between stores will prompt a shopper to switch from the higher‐priced store to the lower‐priced store when buying a product sold in both outlets.<br> While 60‐70 per cent of adults are not prepared to pay any extra in order to get a product immediately rather than wait a few days for online delivery, around one in four to one in three consumers might be tempted to switch an online order for a store visit, if the price is right. See <a href="http://www.sixthsense.yougov.com/">www.sixthsense.yougov.com/</a></p> <p>NEWS<br> EU rules bar to employment say retailers<br> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2052685/Tesco-admits-shelving-temporary-staff-new-EU-rules-pay-conditions.html">dailymail.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Retail </strong>sales grow in December<br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16265074">bbc.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>GCA</strong> appoints new CEO<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/news/1109659/GCA-appoints-new-chief-executive/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/29/report-reveals-changes-in-shopping-habits-12331324/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-28:/2011/12/28/kim-jong-il-begonia-found-at-horticulture-college-12331242/Matthewappleby2011-12-28T09:09:34+01:002012-01-04T18:19:33+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/russell_sharp_2/6083244" title="Russell Sharp 2"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/244/6083244_fbccd2f56a_s.jpeg" alt="Russell Sharp 2"></a></p> <p>One of the most important aspects of the reign of the North Korean dictator, the late <strong>Kim Jong Il </strong>remains alive and well at a further education college on the outskirts of Northampton in the UK.<br> Dr Russell Sharp and his team of horticultural research staff at Moulton College have for the past year cultivated a Begonia named after the ‘dear leader’ of the hermit state. Begonia ‘Kimjongilia’ was bred by Japanese horticulturists to honour the dictator in the 1980s and has been used to reinforce his ‘cult of personality’ in communist North Korea ever since. It is thought that the cultivation of this ornamental Begonia is compulsory for North Koreans, despite chronic food shortages meaning that cultivation of a food crop is probably a better alternative. There is an annual flower show where Kimjongilia is the dominant flower in displays, with smaller displays of ‘Kimsungilia’, a variety of Dendrobium orchid named after the founder of North Korea and father of Kin Jong Il.<br> Dr Sharp has been studying Asian crops that could be cultivated on farms in the East Midlands and obtained tubers of the Begonia as a curiosity for his students to propagate. The researchers at Moulton College believe that they are the only people cultivating this variety in Great Britain.<br> He said: "The story behind this variety and how it is used is fascinating. It produces a lovely large red flower but does not live up to the hyperbole that is used to extol its virtues in North Korean propaganda, such as the songs that school children have to sing about the flower’s beauty."<br> The study of horticulture in North Korea is not just for novelty value as the political isolation of the country and subsequent trade embargos mean that it has had to produce food and ornamental plants largely free from outside assistance and petrochemicals. Therefore the study of their horticulture industry could give tips and strategies for the cultivation of food and ornamentals if ‘peak oil’ and ‘peak phosphorus’ is realised in future decades in the rest of the world.<br> Dr Sharp’s team of researchers spent 2011 travelling throughout East Asia studying the production of edible and ornamental crops in China, Korea and Japan. They are now focused on developing field trials of crops such as Chinese Yams, Bamboo and Burdock to meet the current demands for authentic Asian Cuisine. </p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>EU </strong>opt out risks jobs say business leaders<br> <a href="http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/news/opting-out-of-eu-risks-millions-of-jobs-warn-businessmen/1312.article">londonlovesbusiness.com</a></p> <p>Report reveals urban <strong>drought</strong> worry<br> <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-6593.2011.00296.x/abstract.">wiley.com</a></p> <p><strong>Christmas tree </strong>mould asthma report from university<br> <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2011/12/19/christmas-tree-syndrome-not-as-fun-as-it-sounds/?xid=gonewsedit">time.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/28/kim-jong-il-begonia-found-at-horticulture-college-12331242/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-27:/2011/12/27/rhs-sells-of-lawrence-hall-for-18m-12331193/Matthewappleby2011-12-27T09:46:51+01:002012-01-03T15:42:16+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/rhs_show/6083237" title="rhs show"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/237/6083237_76f5724a0e_s.jpeg" alt="rhs show"></a></p> <p>The Royal Horticultural Society has sold one of its London conference centres for £18 million<br> to Westminster School, who will use Lawrence Hall as a sports hall.</p> <p>The RHS plans to raise a further £9 million for a five years programme to redevelop its estate.</p> <p>The £18 million has come from granting a 999 year lease of the Lawrence Hall and Conference Centre.</p> <p>The RHS now plans to develop RHS Lindley Library & Hall, its horticultural science facilities, to build an inner city schools garden and to create RHS regional centres at RHS gardens or partner colleges and gardens. The first two centres are planned to open during 2012. It will also spend more on online, build two teaching rooms and a restaurant at RHS Wisley and develop RHS Hyde Hall.<br> <strong><br> NEWS</strong><br> <strong>US</strong> holiday sales forecast upgraded<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/nrf-upgrades-holiday-forecast-2011.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p>Garden centres get free bench cards from Ball<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/ball-hort-aib-free-bench-cards.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p>US Department of Agriculture is to reinstate the <strong>Annual Floriculture Report</strong>, along with several others that had been slated for elimination because of budget cuts. The agency’s decision came after Congress directed the National Agriculture Statistics Service in mid-November to reconsider ending the surveys, as part of USDA’s budget. The Society of American Florists campaigned to reinstate the report and Ball Horticultural said the survey of more than 10,000 commercial operations in 15 states was important to save.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/27/rhs-sells-of-lawrence-hall-for-18m-12331193/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-24:/2011/12/24/hiv-cure-hope-from-horticultural-tobacco-research-12331133/Matthewappleby2011-12-24T09:38:51+01:002011-12-24T09:38:51+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/professor_julian_ma_and_dr_chris_atkinson1/6083207" title="Professor Julian Ma and Dr Chris Atkinson1"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/207/6083207_746f655f24_s.jpeg" alt="Professor Julian Ma and Dr Chris Atkinson1"></a></p> <p>Plant specialists at East Malling Research (EMR) are growing genetically modified tobacco plants to produce a drug known to block HIV infection.</p> <p>EMR deputy chief executive Dr Chris Atkinson and Professor Julian Ma of St. George’s University of London - image: East Malling Research</p> <p> The plants have been transformed to produce a protein called cyanovirin-N, which research shows prevents HIV from binding to human cells.</p> <p>EMR is developing ways to grow the plants hydroponically and promote the release of the protein into the hydroponic nutrient solution through the roots.</p> <p>Using plants to produce the drug means it can be produced cheaply where it is needed, reducing transport costs.</p> <p>The research is being led by EMR deputy chief executive Dr Chris Atkinson and Professor Julian Ma of St. George’s University of London.</p> <p>Atkinson said: "Tobacco is an ideal non-food crop for this research thanks to the speed it grows and matures and our deep knowledge of its physiology and transformability, which has been the focus of scientific attention for more than 20 years."</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Arpolith</strong> looks for soil enhancer dealers<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2755:arpolith-looking-for-dealers-to-sell-granulate-soil-enhancer&catid=11:product&Itemid=251">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p><strong>Hines</strong> and Breeders partner<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/hines-growers-partners-breederplants.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p><strong>Garden centre</strong> sales pick up ahead of Christmas<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1109984/garden-centre-retail-sales-pick-ahead-christmas/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/24/hiv-cure-hope-from-horticultural-tobacco-research-12331133/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-22:/2011/12/22/garden-market-up-this-autumn-12331109/Matthewappleby2011-12-22T09:23:27+01:002011-12-22T09:23:27+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/xmas_trees1/6083200" title="xmas trees1"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/200/6083200_73a144b194_s.jpeg" alt="xmas trees1"></a></p> <p>The latest HTA Market Update reports garden centre and nurseries sales were up six per cent to the end of October.</p> <p>The HTA’s Garden Retail Monitor reports overall garden retail sales for September up three per cent and for October up 10 per cent.</p> <p>HTA director of marketing and communications Andrew Maxted said: "The garden industry has made the most of the mild autumn with core garden sales doing well. With increasing numbers of younger consumers taking an interest in their gardens this bodes well for underlying demand next spring."</p> <p>He added: "While the uncertainties in the Eurozone and the wider economic outlook are concerns for all of us, the garden industry is resilient and we can look forward to a boost from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics in 2012."<br> <strong><br> NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Container Centralen</strong> RFID report<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2756:exhibition-highlights-rfid-benefits&catid=54:events&Itemid=311">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p><strong>Yara</strong> in coop with OCP<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2754:yara-enters-global-cooperation-with-ocp-&catid=38:trade-show&Itemid=279">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p>Top marketing tips from US<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/cha-ching-12-20-the-garden-corner.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/22/garden-market-up-this-autumn-12331109/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-21:/2011/12/21/garvinea-promotions-to-hit-europe-12307557/Matthewappleby2011-12-21T09:27:37+01:002011-12-21T09:27:37+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/garvinea_presentatie_7/6073824" title="Garvinea Presentatie-7"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/824/6073824_dd33c74142_s.jpeg" alt="Garvinea Presentatie-7"></a></p> <p>Dutch plant breeder Florist will be promoting its <strong>Garvinea</strong> innovation around Europe in 2012.<br> The hardy gerbera flowers from spring till the first frost, is not sensitive to pests and diseases, can resist extreme outdoor conditions, gives up to 100 flowers a plant a year that can be picked and put inside the house in a vase and is available in 20 colours.<br> It can be planted directly in the garden as well in pots on a terrace.<br> In the last two years there have been trials in more than 30 countries.<br> The new Power Flower campaign will feature at Chelsea Flower Show in a schools growing competition in collaboration with The Sun newspaper. the competition will run in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium too, with a final event at Floriade in may.<br> Keukenhof will feature the plant this year in a 500sqm display and the plant will be shown around the UK in a customised VW van.</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> Container Centralen RFID workshop<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2752:container-centralen-announces-rfid-workshop&catid=52:business&Itemid=307">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p><strong>Garden centres'</strong> value assessed<br> <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/18/garden-centres?newsfeed=true">guardian.co.uk</a></p> <p>Garden furniture for <strong>National Trust</strong><br> <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business-news/business-news/2011/12/14/life-s-a-picnic-for-furniture-makers-55578-29949379/">dailypost.co.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/21/garvinea-promotions-to-hit-europe-12307557/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-20:/2011/12/20/environmental-investigation-agency-warn-over-keruin-and-balau-garden-furniture-12307472/Matthewappleby2011-12-20T09:12:40+01:002011-12-20T16:07:06+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/garden_furniture_factory_qui_nhon_vietnam_c_eia/6073792" title="garden furniture factory, Qui Nhon, Vietnam (c) EIA"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/792/6073792_9c7aa87f24_s.jpeg" alt="garden furniture factory, Qui Nhon, Vietnam (c) EIA"></a></p> <p>The Environmental Investigation Agency has launched a report into illegal Keruing and Balau <strong>garden furniture</strong> from Vietnam.<br> The report warns garden centre buyers and furniture companies to be vigilant about sourcing.<br> Since 2007, EIA has probed the illegal log trade between Laos and Vietnam, publishing two evidence-based reports exposing "significant" smuggling of keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) and balau (Shorea spp.) logs to Vietnam’s "voracious" factories, in contravention of Laos’ "clear yet poorly enforced" log export ban. Much of this wood was ending up in garden centres and household patios across Europe and America, says EIA.<br> An EIA representative said: "Again, rather than targeting one of the hundreds of companies involved, we advised consumers and importers in Western markets to steer clear of all Vietnamese outdoor furniture made with balau or keruing logs from Laos – again, until evidence was available demonstrating legal compliance with the laws of both Laos and Vietnam. As large sections of the industry are not able or willing to demonstrate where their balau or keruing originates, consumers and importers have been steering clear, and the message to the trade is clear." See <a href="http://www.eia-international.org">www.eia-international.org</a></p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Natwest</strong> funds garden centre purchase<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1109507/natwest-16m-funds-planters-garden-centre-acquisition/">hortweek.com<br> </a></p> <p>Holland <strong>orchid </strong>guide for dinner parties<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1109389/flower-council-holland-orchid-holland-debretts-produce-dinner-party-guide/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Wickes</strong> sales down<br> <a href="http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/24120-wickes-further-hit-by-low-consumer-confidence">retailgazette.co.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/20/environmental-investigation-agency-warn-over-keruin-and-balau-garden-furniture-12307472/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-16:/2011/12/16/final-bids-arrive-from-private-equity-for-garden-centre-group-12298323/Matthewappleby2011-12-16T09:55:50+01:002011-12-16T09:55:50+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gcgallotment_gcg/6070675" title="gcgallotment gcg"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/675/6070675_ce6c7add32_s.jpeg" alt="gcgallotment gcg"></a></p> <p>Private equity firm Terra Firma is among two buy-out companies believed to have submitted second-round bids of up to £300m to buy the <strong>Garden Centre Group</strong> (GCG).<br> Terra Firma, CCMP and possibly one other suitor placed second-round offers to acquire the retailer.<br> GCG chief executive Nicholas Marshall has told staff that the sale will not take place for several weeks and that retailers, including Morrisons and John Lewis, have dropped out of the running. Marshall is believed to have met Terra Firma founder Guy Hands this month.<br> First-round bidders Bridgepoint, Apax and Duke Street Capital have pulled out. </p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Peat review</strong> called for<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Ornamentals/article/1108186/campaigners-push-peat-policy-review/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Nature</strong> theme boosts US garden centre<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/cha-ching-12-13-hastings-nature-garden-center.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p>Garden <strong>trends</strong> 2012 revealed<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden1211-gardening-trends-2012.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/16/final-bids-arrive-from-private-equity-for-garden-centre-group-12298323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-15:/2011/12/15/increase-depressed-bird-food-sales-through-advice-says-rspb-and-retailer-12298087/Matthewappleby2011-12-15T09:32:11+01:002011-12-15T09:32:11+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/bird_food/6070607" title="bird food"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/607/6070607_516c3413ca_s.jpeg" alt="bird food"></a></p> <p>Beat <strong>bird food</strong> sales lows by gaving customers better advice, say bird protection groups and retailers.<br> Multiple retailer Pets at Home says warm weather and the poor economy has meant bird food sales are at a "record low".</p> <p>But Royal Society for the Protection of Birds representative Claire Thomas said feeding birds cheaper alternatives to bought foods could be dangerous: “Despite meaning well, people do need to be careful that they are not feeding wild birds the wrong food as they can be doing more harm than good.</p> <p>“For example, milk is one of the worst things to give to any bird. A bird's stomach is not designed to digest milk and it can cause serious stomach upsets, or even death. Birds can, however, digest fermented dairy products such as cheese. Mild grated cheese can be a good way of attracting wild birds to your garden.”</p> <p>Pets at Home added that bread had little nutritional for birds, leftover cooked porridge is very dangerous as it can glue a bird’s beak together when it dries and cooking fat which can damage feathers and is a breeding ground for bacteria.</p> <p>Pets at home's Maeve Moorcroft said: “Specialist bird food, fat balls and peanuts are best as they contain the right kind of nutrients that will keep wild birds happy and healthy.”</p> <p><strong><br> NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Belgian</strong> professional horticulturists announce AGM<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2745:avbs-announces-2011-annual-general-meeting&catid=54:events&Itemid=311">floracultureinternational.com<br> <strong><br> Garden centres</strong> Christmas displays are destination for 40 per cent<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2744:uk-garden-centres-full-to-the-brim-of-festive-ideas&catid=58:world-news&Itemid=317">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p><strong>Retail </strong>expert submits plan to Government to save High Street retail<br> <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/dec/13/portas-high-streets-disapper?newsfeed=true">guardian.co.uk</a><br> </a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/15/increase-depressed-bird-food-sales-through-advice-says-rspb-and-retailer-12298087/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-14:/2011/12/14/john-stanley-s-christmas-retail-highlights-12297976/Matthewappleby2011-12-14T09:17:14+01:002011-12-14T09:17:14+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stanleywheeelbarro/6070543" title="stanleywheeelbarro"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/543/6070543_beb77d5a55_s.jpeg" alt="stanleywheeelbarro"></a></p> <p>In the lead up to Christmas retail consultant <strong>John Stanley</strong> travelled through Europe and the Americas and found that retailers and businesses were coming up with novel ways of creating ideas and experiences for the consumer.<br> These are my top ten ideas he discovered<br> 1. Interactive Shop Windows<br> Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Old Strathcona Business Association created the “Return of Magic” for Christmas 2011. Nine retailers joined forces to create a Christmas destination with old fashioned Christmas windows. These included Santa’s workshop, nativity themes etc. It was not this though that is worthy of mentioning. It is how they integrated a traditional theme with modern marketing. At each window there is a MP3 Code where you can scan onto the Return to Magic website using your smartphone. The website then provides the story and history of the display you are looking at.</p> <p>2. Toys for Tickets<br> St Albert is a small city in central Alberta. Like many cities it has parking meters and consumers who will park illegally. One thing it does at Christmas though is “Toys for Tickets.” If you park illegally between November 15th and December 7th you will get a parking ticket, but you have a choice on how you pay the fine.<br> You can simply pay your money or you can give a toy gift to a charity for under privileged children.<br> This is how it works:<br> • The ticket must have been issued between the above dates<br> • You must pay the fine within the agreed time frame on the ticket<br> • The toy you gift in must be suitable for a baby or up to the age of a 16 year old<br> • The toy must be new and in the original toy box<br> • The toy must be to the value of a minimum of $25 and must be presented with the receipt<br> The authority has found that the average gift donated is valued at $40 and last year 70 per cent of those fined donated toys to the value of $4,200.</p> <p>3. Adding Value to Poinsettias<br> The Poinsettia has now become a commodity retail Christmas plant. You will find them in supermarkets, petrol stations, hardware stores and other retail outlets and as a result they have become price sensitive and are often sold at the cheapest price. But Holes Enjoy Centre in Alberta are adding value to the product and moving it away for the price point. A few Christmas trimmings and a bauble and you have a new non-price sensitive product. Christmas is an ideal time to move commodity products into added value zones and we need to think of other products where the same can be achieved. Chladek’s in Prague in Czech went one step further and sold 1m high Christmas tree shaped Poinsettias.</p> <p>4. Reward the Sales Team<br> ASDA are the UK sister of Wal-mart and one of the major supermarket retailers. They are also aware that it is the sales team that make the difference on the lead up to Christmas. In December it launched “The Twelve days of Christmas”. Every day on of the two weeks leading up to Christmas they handed out £10 gift vouchers to team members who delivered exceptional customer service. Apart from this they also passed on twenty pound gift vouchers to all the team along with a free Christmas meal. This is when team members are at their most stressed and the biggest benefit to the business. This is the time to reward the team as it brings in the most beneficial rewards.</p> <p>5. Delia Smith wins again<br> Delia Smith is the most trusted celebrity chef in the UK and works closely with Waitrose supermarkets. This year the business created Delia Day in November and promoted her as their food hero for Christmas. The real winning idea was to pick up on the trend of baking and create the Delia Smith Christmas Cake in a box. All the ingredients were placed in the box and all the customer had to do was add the egg and start mixing. This was a huge success. The key secret was providing a solution in a box. Something many retailers miss out on as a retailing idea that adds value to the consumer.</p> <p>6. Get Famous<br> The key to doing anything is you have to dare to be different. Take a walk through St Pancras station in London at Christmas and you would have seen the traditional Christmas tree in the station foyer. But, the live tree had been replaced by a 12.2m, 6,000 brick Lego tree created by Duncan Titmarsh, the UK’s only certified Lego Professional. The tree was made by two local schools, and therefore involved the local community.<br> The key is daring to be different. Taking a traditional idea and developing it to the next stage. The world’s largest Lego Christmas Tree is an example of this thinking process.</p> <p>7. Build on Nostalgia<br> Marketing has moved back to nostalgia as a result of the desire of the consumer to reflect back on the ”Good Old days”. As a result we have seen a surge in traditional markets and at this time of year the Christmas market in town squares across the world. Gloucester on the edge of the Cotswolds in the UK went one step further and created a Victorian Christmas market. All stall holders had to wear Victorian clothes and old Victorian equipment and props were brought in by the organisers. This included a traction engine and the memorable smell of the steam engine waffled through the air.</p> <p>8. Make Christmas Candles on St Nicholas Day<br> Chladek’s Garden Centre in Prague, Czech, is one of the must see Christmas shops in that city. On St Nicholas Day which is three weeks before Christmas, they had all their team dress up and get involved with the visiting children. They had a candle making session, but spread the components required to build the candle around the garden centre. This meant child and parent had to visit all parts of the store and see what was on offer. A simple idea, but something we often forget. We need to engage the consumer, but also get them to see the whole store.</p> <p>9. Facebook and Christmas Trees<br> Chladek’s also are the largest single seller of Christmas trees in the country. This year when a consumer bought a Christmas tree they were given a leaflet inviting them to take a picture of their decorated Christmas tree and place it on Facebook. The garden centre would then judge the best dressed tree. As social media becomes more acceptable by business we need to build more of these integrated marketing campaigns.</p> <p>10. Nostalgia is a Trend not a Fashion<br> In Livermore, Colorado a client has developed Miniature Living Gardens based on an idea that was introduce to the Chicago World Fair in 1893. The traditional miniature gardens were decorated to develop a Christmas theme. Next year will continue to be a year of innovation, but we need to blend nostalgia with new technology.</p> <p><strong><br> NEWS</strong><br> Plan to shift old <strong>Christmas</strong> stock revealed<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108010/Five-point-plan-shift-old-stock-Christmas-revealed-labels-company/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Wickes</strong> opens first high street store<br> <a href="http://www.diyweek.net/news/news.asp?id=15220&title=Wickes+opens+first+high+street+store">diyweek.net</a></p> <p>HTA plan <strong>retail packet seeds and mail order</strong> specialist group<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2748:meeting-paves-the-way-for-new-hta-specialist-group-for-seeds-and-distance-selling&catid=52:business&Itemid=307">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/14/john-stanley-s-christmas-retail-highlights-12297976/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-13:/2011/12/13/student-sees-hartman-garden-furniture-make-his-design-12292342/Matthewappleby2011-12-13T09:58:41+01:002011-12-13T09:58:41+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/paul_chris_big/6068269" title="paul & Chris big"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/269/6068269_9a8afcedb2_s.jpeg" alt="paul & Chris big"></a></p> <p>A competition launched by garden furniture company <strong>Hartman</strong> to identify talented student product designers has come up with a futuristic winning garden table and chairs which will go into commercial production.<br> Hartman had given third year BA (Hons) Design Studies students from Birmingham City University a brief to design a new collection for 2013.<br> Hartman selected Christopher Wall, 24, as winner. They judged the yet-to-be-named design - a resin weave modular table and chairs - as "contemporary, aesthetically pleasing, futuristic, and colourful".<br> He will win £1,000 and Liling Yao, who came second, will also see her design, named Rocking Chair, produced for Hartman’s 2013 collection and receive £500.<br> Hartman UK sales director Paul Facey said: “All the designs were exceptional and our job was very difficult. Each piece of work was professionally presented and totally blew us away. The winner and the runner up stood out particularly in terms of design, style, shape, usability and the wow factor.<br> “This competition was all about finding a design that could feasibly be brought to market, and we were stunned that we found so many designs that we could do that with. We can’t wait to see the amazing creations we’ve seen on paper become reality.”<br> Hartman asked students to consider commerciality and trends as well as material and production restraints such as shipping container sizes and durability. The product range needed to be suitable for manufacture in extruded, cast or pressed aluminium, or resin weave. </p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Ireland VAT</strong> is to go up two per cent to 23 per cent from 1 Jaunary 2012. Garden Centre Association Ireland representative Anne McKenna told hortitrends.com: "VAT receipts are significantly down and consumer confidence and spending is extremely low."</p> <p>CCMP in for <strong>Garden Centre Group</strong><br> <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/terra-firma--in-second-round-bid-for-garden-chain-6275833.html">independent.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Stewart </strong>to distribute Harcostar<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108524/stewart-wins-harcostar-garden-centre-supply-deal/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/13/student-sees-hartman-garden-furniture-make-his-design-12292342/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-12:/2011/12/12/china-attempts-to-combat-export-slowdown-12276040/Matthewappleby2011-12-12T09:55:10+01:002011-12-13T12:35:36+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/china/6061500" title="china"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/500/6061500_76b7565c03_s.jpeg" alt="china"></a></p> <p><strong>China's</strong> export slowdown will not significantly affect the country's economic growth next year, according to Pan Jiancheng, deputy director of the China Economic Monitoring Analysis Center at the National Bureau of Statistics.</p> <p>"Among the three key drivers of China's economic growth - investment, consumption and exports - the first two are expected to remain strong next year," Jiancheng said. "The contribution of exports to the overall economic growth will drop significantly," says a report released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences last week.</p> <p>Compared with the weakening demand in developed economies, developing countries may boast more growth potential.</p> <p>But China does faces "severe challenges" to its exports due to economic difficulties in key Western markets, the country's commerce ministry has warned.</p> <p>New data shows a sharp slowdown in export growth in November, the ministry said.</p> <p>Sales to Europe and the US, which comprise about 40% of total exports, were not expected to recover next year.</p> <p>"Foreign trade is facing a severe situation next year," Wang Shouwen, head of the foreign trade department of the ministry, said at a news conference in Beijing as the ministry released a white paper on China's foreign trade.</p> <p>Exports in October increased 15.9 percent year-on-year, the slowest growth in eight months.</p> <p>Chong Quan, deputy representative for China's international trade talks, said export growth in November slowed even more. </p> <p>Zhang Liqun, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said export growth will slow to 15 percent next year from an estimated 18 percent this year.</p> <p>Wang Shouwen with the Ministry of Commerce said the ministry will help exporters in terms of brand building, research and development, and sales networks.</p> <p>Vice-Premier Wang Qishan said recently that the government plans to reduce taxes and provide more financial support to exporters.</p> <p>The State Administration of Foreign Exchange will reform the management of foreign currencies involved in goods trade.</p> <p>The reform includes measures such as building a real time platform so the agency can process the majority of companies' applications online. The process of applying for export tax rebates will also be simplified, it said.</p> <p>China's trade surplus is expected to be $161 billion this year, with exports rising 20.4 percent and imports soaring 24.7 percent, according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.</p> <p>In the official white paper, the Chinese government reiterated that it does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus and that China is moving toward balancing exports and imports.</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> German garden centres flourishing<br> <a href="http://www.fediyma.com/de/nachrichten/nachricht/article///german-garden-centres-flourishing-1.html">fediyma.com</a></p> <p><strong>Garden Centre Association</strong> writes new strategy<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108510/garden-centre-association-reveals-five-year-strategy/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Christmas shoppers</strong> said waiting in for multiple deliveries and the frustration of chasing missing parts were some of the most annoying downsides to gift-hunting online as the number of people spending on the internet soared in the countdown to Christmas. Independent feedback forum Feefo's Top Ten:</p> <p>1 Poor communication from suppliers when deliveries are late or even cancelled.<br> 2 Not seeing the product before it arrives and it not living up to its description<br> 3 Having to wait in for signed deliveries costing supplier and customers<br> 4 Goods being damaged in the post<br> 5 Complicated returns procedures<br> 6 Missing parts - particularly from furniture but also toys and the difficulty tracking them down.<br> 7 Multiple deliveries and not being able to organise all parcels for one drop-off slot<br> 8 Accountability and being left with fake or goods below safety standards<br> 9 Unhelpful delivery drivers<br> 10 Having to provide too many details just to shop. Lengthy registration procedures. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/12/china-attempts-to-combat-export-slowdown-12276040/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-12:/2011/12/12/flying-brands-sells-glasshouse-to-rivals-as-channel-islands-growing-market-alters-12274493/Matthewappleby2011-12-12T09:31:56+01:002011-12-13T16:27:09+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/channel_islansds/6060850" title="channel islansds"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/850/6060850_954ea52acb_s.jpeg" alt="channel islansds"></a></p> <p><strong>Flying Brands</strong>, which owns the Gardening Direct brand, has sold its Meadow Springs bedding glasshouse on Jersey to Jersey Choice (Jersey Plants Direct) through CB Richard Ellis for £1.225m.</p> <p>The listed home shopping specialist, which is part owned by Sir Tom Hunter, said using the glasshouses only to grow spring bedding was inefficient.</p> <p>The group's remaining glasshouses will now be used to grow more bedding and will buy additional products from third parties in spring.</p> <p>Flying Brands has been performing poorly recently and a statement read: "Difficult trading conditions with performance in all divisions being below management expectations has led to pressure on the company's banking covenants. "The board has been seeking ways to realise the value inherent in the assets and businesses of the company both to ease short-term cashflow difficulties and also to enhance shareholder value. The disposals are the first steps in this strategy."</p> <p>Chief executive Stephen Cook added: "The bulk of the proceeds will be used to pay down debt and thus strengthen the financial position of the company. We continue to explore ways of securing additional working capital should the board consider this to be necessary or desirable."</p> <p>The end of the low value consignment relief VAT break for the Channel Islands on 1 April 2012 (HW, 18 November) is set to cause prices into the mainland to rise.</p> <p>NEWS<br> <strong>Dobbies</strong> plans new UK garden centres at Gillingham in Kent to open in spring 2012 with sites currently at planning stage at York and East Kilbride.<br> <a href="http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway_messenger/news/2011/december/2/thousands_want_new_jobs.aspx">kentonline.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Homebase</strong> sign up TV presenter for Chelsea Flower Show<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/news/1107042/TVs-Joe-Swift-secures-deal-Homebase/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong><br> Channel Islands</strong> grower plans tax response<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/news/1107040/Plug-grower-plans-Jersey-tax-response/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH">hortweek.com</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/12/flying-brands-sells-glasshouse-to-rivals-as-channel-islands-growing-market-alters-12274493/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-09:/2011/12/09/private-equity-only-left-in-running-to-buy-garden-centre-group-12274538/Matthewappleby2011-12-09T09:34:42+01:002011-12-09T09:34:42+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gcg_bridgemere/6060851" title="GCG_Bridgemere"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/851/6060851_72d50b7ecd_s.jpeg" alt="GCG_Bridgemere"></a></p> <p>The <strong>Garden Centre Group</strong> sale may not happen until after Christmas because the three private equity firms believed to be left bidding - Apax, Terra Firma and Duke Street Capital - want more time to look at the chain's books.</p> <p>GCG chief executive Nicholas Marshall has told staff that the sale will not take place for several weeks and that retailers, including Morrisons and John Lewis, have dropped out of the running to take over the 130-centre group.</p> <p>The £300m sale was due to complete by the end of the year. Second round bids went in last week.</p> <p>Garden Centre Group are believed to be happy that other retailers have pulled out, which would mean it was more likely Nicholas Marshall would continue to run the business. </p> <p>Bridgepoint has invested in Warren Haskins' former business HobbyCraft for £100m in 2010 but told Horticulture Week: "We’re not bidding."</p> <p>Duke Street Capital is a mid-market investor and has bought into Focus in the past.</p> <p>Apax owns Scandanavian garden centre group Plantasjen, while Terra Firma founder Guy Hands has confirmed his interest in GCG.</p> <p>NEWS<br> US gardening <strong>trends</strong> revealed<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden-media-2012-trends.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p>Prospectus directive amendments spell bad news, German retail investors warn structured product providers<br> <a href="http://www.risk.net/structured-products/feature/2127670/prospectus-directive-amendments-spell-bad-news-german-retail-investors-warn-structured-product-providers">risk.net</a></p> <p>Sterling falls v euro on contrasting German, UK data<br> <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/12/06/markets-sterling-midsession-idUKL5E7N63CL20111206">reuters.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/09/private-equity-only-left-in-running-to-buy-garden-centre-group-12274538/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-08:/2011/12/08/barbecues-and-garden-furniture-68-sales-increase-boost-bq-12260670/Matthewappleby2011-12-08T09:27:15+01:002012-01-03T15:47:47+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/b_q_store_b_q/6055078" title="B&Q store - B&Q"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/078/6055078_081b3fac8e_s.jpeg" alt="B&Q store - B&Q"></a></p> <p>Retail profit at <strong>B&Q </strong>UK and Ireland has grown by 20.6 per cent to £46m in the third quarter of its financial year, partly thanks to a 68 per cent increase in outdoor living sales</p> <p>Parent company Kingfisher said total sales grew 0.4 per cent (down 0.9 per cent like-for-like), with sales benefiting from the closure of Focus DIY in the second quarter. Sales of outdoor seasonal products were boosted by the warm autumn weather, with garden furniture sales up 68 per cent.</p> <p>Non-seasonal products sales dipped around four per cent.</p> <p>Total sales for the Kingfisher Group went up 3.5 per cent to £2,814m in Q3, and increased 1.3 per cent like-for-like.</p> <p>Group retail profit rose 13 per cent to £273m, driven by higher sales and continued margin initiatives, including more direct sourcing and the start of common ranging across the group, which also includes Castorama and Brico Dépôt in France.</p> <p>The company is now in the penultimate quarter of its four-year 'Delivering Value' programme, the key components of which include growing group sourcing, reducing working capital, driving up B&Q UK & Ireland's profit and rolling out in Eastern Europe.</p> <p>Kingfisher chief executive Ian Cheshire said: "There were a couple of benefits working in our favour. First, there was effect of Focus DIY [B&Q has bought 29 stores from the closed Focus group], and then there was the very odd weather. We sold as many barbecues at B&Q in the last week of September as in the whole month of June, which is very strange." </p> <p>The company, however, was able at the same time to sell a large number of winter-related products, including 1,500 sledges in the same week. Consumers, fearful of a repeat of last year's snow which caused chaos in the run up to Christmas, bought 78pc more grit and snow shovels in the quarter compared with last year. </p> <p>He added: "I'm enthusiastic about out longer-term prospects and the team here is excited about formally launching the second phase of self-help initiatives next year - 'Creating the Leader' - to drive more growth and shareholder value over the coming years."</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> French <strong>hydrangea</strong> conference announced<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2728:bhr-announces-world-hydrangea-conference&catid=58:world-news&Itemid=317">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p>Wrap provides peat reduction support<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2729:wrap-provides-garden-retail-support-on-peat-reduction&catid=52:business&Itemid=307">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p>How to communicate with garden centre customers<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden1111-retailers-customers-communication.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/08/barbecues-and-garden-furniture-68-sales-increase-boost-bq-12260670/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-07:/2011/12/07/new-wild-bird-food-companies-enter-market-12260489/Matthewappleby2011-12-07T09:54:39+01:002011-12-08T13:29:36+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/wigglybirdfeed/6057250" title="WigglyBirdFeed"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/250/6057250_b19408819a_s.jpeg" alt="WigglyBirdFeed"></a></p> <p>Locally-sourced wild bird food is becoming a trend for garden centres.<br> UK company Wiggly Wigglers says it has launched a UK-sourced product "to protect our environment and wildlife it makes sense therefore that the source of our seed should be as local as possible".<br> The new ‘greener’ product for feeding birds is an all-British seed mix andis thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.<br> The seed used in the new Wiggly range is sown, grown, cleaned and bagged by British farmers. It is a mixture of: black sunflower seeds, Indigo wheat plus unrolled oats, rapeseed, millet, linseed, canary seed and a little oyster grit.</p> <p>Heather Gorringe, owner of the Herefordshire Company, said: “People often only think of buying local when it comes to their food. Yet with bird food we are shipping product that should be grown here from all over the globe. It's time to think about how we can source locally, so that we can reduce transportation and therefore carbon. In addition the birds will get the benefit in the field (as they always get a feed before it is harvested) and the farmer will have more diverse crops which is of benefit to them and the environment.”<br> The product is available in a re-usable bucket, which also incentivises the customer to make a return trip whilst minimizing on packaging. The product is also available pre-packed in a 1kg box at RRP £3.29 and a large 12.75kg bag at RRP £22.95. After a launch with Webbs of Wychbold in Worcestershire, Wiggly Wigglers are looking forward to developing outlets with farm and garden retailers.</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>B&Q</strong> staff bag Christmas bonuses<br> <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/city-news/2011/12/02/b-q-staff-bag-3-500-bonuses-115875-23603630/">mirror.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Retailers</strong> meet green goals<br> <a href="http://www.wrap.org.uk/media_centre/press_releases/grocery_industry_on.html">wrap.org.uk</a></p> <p><strong>High street</strong> sales start early as internet panic hits retailers<br> <a href="http://internetagency.co.za/boxing-day-sales-come-early-high-street-panic-as-internet-stores-expect/">dailymail.co.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/07/new-wild-bird-food-companies-enter-market-12260489/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-06:/2011/12/06/fair-flowers-fair-plants-12274306/Matthewappleby2011-12-06T09:48:35+01:002011-12-08T13:01:30+01:00 <p>The sustainable plants initiative <strong>Fair Flowers, Fair Plants,</strong> supported by the EC and Horticultural Commodity Board, is reporting success in spreading its message Europe-wide.<br> A representative said: "With all the negative publicity of this year, from Ökotest to the<br> EHEC crisis, many consumers will have been made to feel insecure about 'green' products. As a result, it became very clear to florists and garden centres in Germany what can happen as a result, whether the consumer fears are justified or not. Therefor ekaflor 'adopted' FFP and 35 florists already became FFP participant.<br> The garden centre chain Bellaflora, with 24 shops in Austria, started selling FFP plants at the end of August. The plants are labelled with their own ‘Mit gutem Gewissen' label including the FFP guarantee and a tracing number.<br> Meanwhile, last September the Flower Label Program (FLP) certification scheme was successfully benchmarked with the Fair Flowers Fair Plants (FFP) standard. All FLP-certified producers can now market their produce under the FFP-consumer label, when they become an FFP participant.<br> Also in Austria the negative and critical publicity in the newspapers has encouraged florists and wholesalers to go for a good and fair guarantee in the form of Fair Flowers Fair Plants. The Blumenbüro Österreich, also FFP agent for Austria, has introduced a special florist concept and included FFP. </p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Garden centre</strong> told to remove Christmas decorations<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108007/garden-centres-told-remove-dangerous-christmas-decorations-look-sweets/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Klasmann-Deilmann</strong> GmbH has a new managing director. Moritz Böcking is taking over the responsibilities of Dr Hans-Georg Belka, who is retiring at the end of 2011. Mr. Böcking will act as joint managing director of the company together with Dr. Norbert Siebels, who has been managing director of Klasmann-Deilmann since 1990.</p> <p>Gardening <strong>trends</strong> for 2012 revealed<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden-media-2012-trends.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/06/fair-flowers-fair-plants-12274306/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-05:/2011/12/05/international-consultant-gives-seasonal-retail-tips-12266075/Matthewappleby2011-12-05T10:21:30+01:002011-12-06T17:31:57+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/john_stanley/6057236" title="john stanley"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/236/6057236_6c2edefb29_s.bmp" alt="john stanley"></a></p> <p>International retail consultant John Stanley says Christmas is the time to add on sell.<br> The Australia-based expert says: "Travelling the world it surprises me how many retail staff are caretakers rather than salespeople. We are told retailing is suffering, but how much money is lost once the consumer is in the store.<br> "Let's think about the basics. A consumer buys something. If the sales person now add on sells another selected product that is 60 per cent less that the cost of the product they have just purchased then there is a 60 per cent chance the customer will buy the add on product.<br> "Selling is about selling something and then selling something. Why have we got caretakers in retail stores when we are told we are in for a difficult Christmas trading period? Train your team in the basics of selling and make a difference this Christmas.<br> "Limiting the offer sells more. I love seeing retail signs that say “Limited 9 per customer” Why, it tells the consumer that it is a limited offer. The result is that they buy more than they planned to buy. It is always the simple signs that make a difference in a retail store. What can you limit the sales on to sell more?<br> "Marketing to men means using women in promotional literature. Sitting on the plane is always a good time to catch up on what is happening in magazines. There is still a lot of promotions using women to sell products to men. Why? It is simple, even in today’s politically correct climate research shows that if you use a women to sell a product to a man you will sell more. Often in magazines the man forgets what the product is while focusing on the woman. By the way it does not work when you use male models to sell product to women.<br> "Story telling beats data telling. I have just been into a store to purchase some products. I was told all the data I would need to be successful. I have also forgot most of the information I was told. Retailers tell stories as they can sell more products. People buy stories not data. How much data telling is happening in your store and losing sales versus the team members who are story telling. I remember and quote the story, but I do not quote the data."</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> Five point plan to shift <strong>post-Christmas stock</strong><br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108010/five-point-plan-shift-old-stock-christmas-revealed-labels-company/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Garden centres</strong> beat high street gloom<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108006/garden-centres-beat-high-street-gloom/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p>Garden centres told to remove dangerous <strong>Christmas decorations</strong><br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1108007/garden-centres-told-remove-dangerous-christmas-decorations-look-sweets/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/05/international-consultant-gives-seasonal-retail-tips-12266075/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-02:/2011/12/02/garden-centres-sales-up-three-per-cent-in-november-12260302/Matthewappleby2011-12-02T13:15:10+01:002011-12-05T13:22:56+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gc_buyer/6054985" title="gc buyer"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/985/6054985_b4e8ba47ab_s.jpeg" alt="gc buyer"></a></p> <p>Garden centre sales were 3.6 per cent for November and remain slightly up for the year after mild weather boosted sales of plants and bulbs.<br> But bird food and furniture and barbecues suffered, while Christmas sales began slowly.<br> Garden Centre Association chief executive Gillie Westwood said: “Pets and aquatics being down could be a cost issue because of the rising price of grain and the mild winter. People are holding back from expenditure but still want to go out as shown by the strong catering figures. Seeds and bulbs and plants are up because the weather has been so mild, which has galvanised people to garden in November as they wouldn’t normally have done.”<br> Areas that did best were outdoor plants (up 17 per cent), catering (up 12.9 per cent) and seeds and bulbs (up 12.8 per cent). Furniture and barbecues were 20 per cent down and are five per cent down over the year</p> <p><strong>NEWS<br> Garden centres</strong> can cash-in on supermarket interest<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1107047/garden-centre-site-development-plans-primed-supermarket-profit/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Poeppelmann </strong>plans legal action<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2722:poeppelmann-takes-legal-action-against-jiangxi-kangfei-plastics&catid=58:world-news&Itemid=317">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p><strong>John Stanley</strong> top 10 garden centre tips<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1100294/john-stanleys-top-ten-garden-retail-ideas-international-garden-centre-shows/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/02/garden-centres-sales-up-three-per-cent-in-november-12260302/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-12-01:/2011/12/01/rspca-bird-food-to-launch-into-garden-centres-12234760/Matthewappleby2011-12-01T09:06:47+01:002011-12-01T09:06:47+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/bird/6043703" title="bird"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/703/6043703_dc9f4856e7_s.jpeg" alt="bird"></a></p> <p>Licensing Distributor Sert-MST is to oversee the production and distribution of a new range of <strong>Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals</strong> (RSPCA)-branded wild bird and animal feed and accessories.</p> <p>The range for wild animals comprises bird seed and bird tables, wild animal food and packets of wild flower seeds. Under its Petbase arm, Sert-MST will also produce bedding for small animals and litter for cats and bird houses.<br> The first products will launch in January 2012 and roll out over the following few months. The company is hoping to secure listings in garden centres, DIY stores, pet retailers, independent pet shops and RSPCA centres. </p> <p>"Sert-MST has agreed to work with the Society to ensure all the products listed on this and any future licence agreement are manufactured for animal-loving consumers who really care about the welfare of animals, whether farmed, wild or domestic pets," said RSPCA trading director Cathy Snow.</p> <p>"We believe this will give the products a unique selling point. In addition, every product sold will be supporting the work of the RSPCA and helping us care for the animals in our many centres throughout England and Wales."</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Christmas </strong>tree thieves sentenced<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1106620/notcutts-garden-centre-christmas-tree-thieves-sentenced/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p>Top 10 cost saving measures for garden centres<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1106805/top-10-lean-tips-garden-centres-growers-outlined/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Meteor</strong> buys Amevo horticulture business<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2724:meteor-systems-acquires-amevo-techniek&catid=52:business&Itemid=307">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/12/01/rspca-bird-food-to-launch-into-garden-centres-12234760/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-30:/2011/11/30/christmas-tree-imports-pondered-12230465/Matthewappleby2011-11-30T09:14:31+01:002011-11-30T09:14:31+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/mosmcenteexmastrees1/6041917" title="MOSMcEnteeXmasTrees1"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/917/6041917_e289d2a5df_s.jpeg" alt="MOSMcEnteeXmasTrees1"></a></p> <p>The Minister of State at the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee TD, has urged families and households to “keep their money at home and support local forestry owners and farmers by buying home grown Christmas trees”. </p> <p>The Christmas tree market is worth €15 million to Irish forestry owners and farmers. Between now and Christmas around 100 growers will harvest 700,000 trees for sale on the domestic and export markets. About 300,000 of those will be exported, mainly to the UK and France. Christmas trees are grown mainly in counties Wicklow, Wexford and Carlow but also in counties Kerry, Tipperary, Roscommon and Dublin.</p> <p>Meanwhile, British Christmas Tree Growers Association secretary Roger Hay says most of the 8m Christmas trees will be homegrown. However, German demand is high and some UK retailers say Nordic quality is better because of glbal warming causing warmer winters.</p> <p>NEWS<br> <strong>B&Q</strong> has been named the worst online shop by the latest Which? customer survey, closely followed by Homebase. More than 11,000 Which? members rated 78 sites, looking at price, product range and delivery performance.<br> <a href="http://www.diyweek.net/news/news.asp?id=15115&title=Home+improvement+sites+bottom+of+online+shops+survey">diyweek.net</a></p> <p>Christmas online shopping reaches new heights<br> <a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/online_shoppers_spent_816_million_black_friday_comscore_says">maximumpc.com</a></p> <p>Glass tulip plant introduction shortlist announced<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2714:floraholland-announces-finalists-for-the-2012-glass-tulip-awards&catid=54:events&Itemid=311">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/30/christmas-tree-imports-pondered-12230465/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-29:/2011/11/29/trade-body-director-gwyther-leaves-suddenly-12229966/Matthewappleby2011-11-29T09:04:25+01:002011-11-29T17:10:11+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/david_gwyther/6041686" title="david gwyther"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/686/6041686_d45f2f2b53_s.jpeg" alt="david gwyther"></a></p> <p>Horticultural Trades Association director general <strong>David Gwyther</strong> has retired with immediate effect. He has run the 3,000 grower/retailer/landscaper member organisation since 1996.</p> <p>Gwyther will be spending more time at home and in France, whilst taking on some advisory and non-executive roles.<br> HTA president Carol Paris said: "David has made a huge contribution to the horticultural industry in the 16 years that he has been at the helm of the association and it has flourished under his leadership.</p> <p>"David’s guidance has seen the HTA develop a wide range of services and benefits for the members, including increasing gift voucher sales, improving training for retailers and growers, effective government lobbying and building excellent relationships with members and partners."</p> <p>She added that no successor is in place but the HTA will be advertising for a new director general soon.</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Garden centre </strong>to close after 45 years<br> <a href="http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Garden-centre-close-45-years/story-13977979-detail/story.html">thisisstaffordshire.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Fuel</strong> price hikes concern industry<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1105631/industry-figures-voice-alarm-impact-fuel-duty-increases-retail-outlook/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong><br> Michelle Obama </strong>writes gardening book<br> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/michelle-obama-cookbook_n_1030742.html">huffingtonpost.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/29/trade-body-director-gwyther-leaves-suddenly-12229966/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-28:/2011/11/28/garden-power-products-have-had-a-tough-year-after-a-12229886/Matthewappleby2011-11-28T15:50:49+01:002011-11-28T16:04:08+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/leafblower/6041660" title="leafblower"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/660/6041660_13ff594797_s.jpeg" alt="leafblower"></a></p> <p>Garden <strong>power product</strong>s have had a tough year after a strong 2010, according to the latest figures from GfK.<br> In 2010, the UK sector enjoyed an extended season thanks to longer periods of drier weather, while sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup helped drive sales of garden-related products as consumers looked to transform their gardens into entertainment spaces. </p> <p>The garden power sector in 2011 has reported volume declines of eigh per cent (year to date), but price increases have driven value growth to just under one per cent, particularly within lawnmowers and blow vacs. </p> <p>The year started off strongly with the extra bank holiday and Royal Wedding, said GfK, but this drive in sales wasn't maintained as the weather failed to live up to 2010. </p> <p>The value growth in lawnmowers has come through the rotary category, said the company, as consumers have moved away from hover offerings. This is despite rotary products commanding a much higher price point (44 per cent higher), as consumers perhaps try to get a longer life-span out of their purchases. </p> <p>The only category in garden power products not to suffer volume declines in 2011 is grass shears, as talk in the industry suggests consumers are turning away from decking and back to lawns, hence the growth in lawn-related products. This trend has also been seen within garden hand tools, said GfK.</p> <p>NEWS<br> <strong>Parliamentarians </strong>hear gardening industry concerns<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1105627/parliamentarians-hear-industry-concerns-all-party-parliamentary-gardening-horticulture-group-meeting/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>B&Q</strong> boss to find green business opportunities<br> <a href="http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/04444-kingfisher-task-force-to-find-green-business-solutions">retailgazette.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Retail </strong>consortium demands revival action<br> <a href="http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/4265770/Urgent-action-needed-to-revive-retailers-says-BRC.html">stockmarketwire.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/28/garden-power-products-have-had-a-tough-year-after-a-12229886/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-25:/2011/11/25/chinese-houseplant-passion-gives-hope-to-scotts-12204987/Matthewappleby2011-11-25T09:37:39+01:002011-11-29T19:59:13+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/breddy/6031665" title="breddy"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/665/6031665_0946a6e305_s.jpeg" alt="breddy"></a></p> <p>Scotts Miracle-Gro MD Martin Breddy has told has told the 12th annual reception of the British All-Party Horticulture and Gardening Group that China offers hope for the future of horticulture.<br> Breddy recently visited China and found houses of middle-income people had few luxuries and no gardens: “But the two non-essential luxury items they had were a TV and, on average, eight house plants for every household. They spend five hours a week looking after their plants and after food and shelter plants are an important discretionary purchase. It makes me realise horticulture can prosper in tough economic conditions.”<br> He added: “I would like to see policy used to support UK horticulture to ensure we stay competitive with European rivals."</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong></p> <p>Irish discount supermarket sources local<strong> poinsettia</strong><br> <a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/kfqlmhqlcwsn/rss2/">irishexaminer.com</a></p> <p><strong>US garden centre</strong> wins for lumberjack-themed charity event<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/cha-ching-11-22-wheatfield-nursery.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p>Supermarket poised for garden centre takeover<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1105185/morrisons-ready-booseys-garden-centre/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/25/chinese-houseplant-passion-gives-hope-to-scotts-12204987/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-24:/2011/11/24/potential-water-shortages-for-gardeners-12200886/Matthewappleby2011-11-24T09:42:09+01:002011-11-28T18:28:10+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/hose/6029586" title="hose"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/586/6029586_a3a0eda9e5_s.jpeg" alt="hose"></a></p> <p>Lack of rainfall could lead to increased sales of water retention products but could hit plant sales, say garden retailers.<br> The dry autumn has led some water companies to threaten drought orders, particularly in the south east of the UK.<br> Meanwhile, red, amber and black colour-coding systems used by Governments to signal terrorist threats could replace hosepipe bans and other drastic water restrictions.<br> The Horticultural Trades Association is trying to tie up an agreement with ministers and water firms on swapping the immediacy of bans for a more “phased” approach and aims to run pilot projects. HTA met with utility giants, Defra and Environment Agency ban enforcers last week.</p> <p>NEWS<br> Choose sustainable options, says designer <strong>Diarmuid Gavin</strong><br> <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/diarmuid-gavin-gardening-column/2011/10/29/gardeners-should-choose-sustainable-options-and-work-with-nature-115875-23522009/">mirror.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Online shopping</strong> on the rise<br> <a href="http://www.imrg.org/ImrgWebsite/User/Pages/Press%20Releases-IMRG.aspx?pageID=86&parentPageID=85&isHomePage=false&isDetailData=true&itemID=6289&specificPageType=5&pageTemplate=7">imrg.org</a></p> <p><strong>Retail footfall </strong>struggles<br> <a href="http://www.brc.org.uk/brc_news_detail.asp?id=2098hit industry">brc.org.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/24/potential-water-shortages-for-gardeners-12200886/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-23:/2011/11/23/christmas-tree-price-pressure-as-europe-wide-demand-grows-12200820/Matthewappleby2011-11-23T09:40:42+01:002011-11-29T14:26:40+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/christmas_trees/6029499" title="christmas trees"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/499/6029499_346ea75f35_s.jpeg" alt="christmas trees"></a></p> <p>Christmas tree wholesale prices are up at least five per cent but many garden centres are resisting increasing retail prices so they can beat the downturn.<br> British Christmas Tree Growers Association secretary Roger Hay said: “Wholesale prices have gone up a bit because of fuel costs and VAT increases but I’m hoping most growers will be sensible and try not to push the boat out with increases"<br> He added that prices this year generally are £1 or £2 more at the wholesale end, saying: “We’re estimating sales of 8m fresh trees this year, about the same as 2010 including imports. Imports are quite small because the Danish kroner and euro are 20 per cent worse than last year.”<br> Supplier Needlefresh MD Chris Hood said: “Prices up five per cent on average, or more for larger sizes but there’s great angst at both supply and retail level about putting prices up any higher but diesel is up, fertiliser is astronomical and labour is more expensive.<br> "At a Christmas Tree Grower Council of Europe meeting this spring they said there was no room for further increases in cost prices but the Germans said there was a shortage last year and they were prepared to pay more to get trees into Germany. Larger trees are like hens teeth once you get above 6ft its becoming impossible.<br> The signs are trees are still in short supply and because demand is high it indicates from our experience people are struggling to find trees and that would suggest a tree shortage. People must grasp that the Christmas tree market is European market and not just a UK market. The Germans have the major influence on the market because they are traditionally the biggest user in Europe. But few trees leave the UK because we can’t produce enough of our own here. Everyone I know is importing from Ireland, Denmark, Germany. France or Belgium.</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> <strong>Household </strong>finances at a low ebb<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1105104/household-finances-low-ebb-according-markit-monthly-survey/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Nesting Time</strong> solution marketing works for US garden centre<br> <a href="http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/cha-ching-11-21-rolling-green-nursery.aspx">gardencentermagazine.com</a></p> <p><strong>US plants</strong> lead the world, suggests pundit<br> <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/plants/8897292/New-plants-An-American-revolution.html">telegraph.co.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/23/christmas-tree-price-pressure-as-europe-wide-demand-grows-12200820/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-22:/2011/11/22/peat-ban-unenforceable-admits-ec-12205380/Matthewappleby2011-11-22T17:59:48+01:002011-11-22T17:59:48+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/compostgc/6031771" title="compostgc"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/771/6031771_af4fc88180_s.jpeg" alt="compostgc"></a></p> <p>EC Commission president Antonio Tajani has said that legally enforcing the proposed peat ban in England is currently incompatible with EU law because it could block EU trade.<br> Tajani said: “In general, the Commission supports national measures aiming at<br> environmental protection...however national measures restricting the use of a given product could constitute an obstacle to intra-EU trade. In order to avoid such obstacles, directive 98/34/EC2 establishes a control mechanism by which member states planning to adopt technical regulations are obliged to notify them at the draft stage to the Commission, which informs other member states and stakeholders. This allows the Commission, the other member states and economic operators to analyse the planned legislation and its compatibility with EC law. So far the Commission has not received formal notification of any such proposal from the UK authorities.”<br> A UK Government representative said: "We believe it is possible for peat to be phased out voluntarily, but if the targets are not being met we may consider other forms of intervention. This will be looked at in more detail by the Peat Task Force.”</p> <p><strong>NEWS</strong><br> The importance of <strong>peatlands</strong> for people and wildlife has been revealed with the publication of the findings of the IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.<br> <a href="http://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/news/189">iucn.org</a></p> <p><strong>Container Centralen</strong> lauded for low-noise products<br> <a href="http://www.floracultureinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2708:container-centralen-wins-innovation-award-for-low-noise-products&catid=52:business&Itemid=307">floracultureinternational.com</a></p> <p>First night flowering <strong>orchid</strong> discovered<br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15818662">bbc.co.uk</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/22/peat-ban-unenforceable-admits-ec-12205380/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-22:/2011/11/22/garden-furniture-company-beats-downturn-12200662/Matthewappleby2011-11-22T09:57:24+01:002011-11-22T09:57:24+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/whitedovecote/6029461" title="whitedovecote"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/461/6029461_4d87fb2cc7_s.jpeg" alt="whitedovecote"></a></p> <p>Garden bird tables and benches company <strong>Peter Smith Garden Furniture</strong> has restructured after a downturn in repeat orders over the last six months because of poor summer weather and the downturn in the economy.<br> But now the West Yorkshire-based company is hopeful of better sales after diversifying to incorporate its existing timber-framed houses business. Plans include manufacturing wooden office garden buildings at the 5,400sqm manufacturing siet.<br> Shareholder Sharon Sheard said: “Poor trading over the last six months and declining repeat orders has forced us to restructure. We couldn’t meet our payments but we now have cash from other sources to kick us off and get us going.<br> The Smith family has bought out the management team’s assets and business of Peter Smith Garden Furniture, which called a creditors meeting with a view to going into voluntary liquidation.<br> She said competition from Chinese bird stations had hit sales of their premium bird tables: “There’s still a market but it’s a luxury item and the public is not spending.”<br> She said flatpacking items would save transport costs.<br> Sheard added: “Everyone in our situation supplying garden centres is struggling with no repeat orders at the moment. With our overheads and lack of orders something had to give. We are looking positive now for 2012. We’ve made a lot of provisions over the last few months.”</p> <p>NEWS<br> <strong>Terra Firma</strong> confirms Garden Centre Group interest<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1104898/terra-firmas-guy-hands-says-garden-centre-group-offer-better-sex/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Gardenex </strong>targets Dubai and Pakistan in meet the buyer event<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1105087/dubai-pakistan-garden-centres-gardenex-meet-buyer-event/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>HTA</strong> say gift vouchers up 20 per cent<br> <a href="http://www.the-hta.org.uk/page.php?pageid=737">hta.org</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/22/garden-furniture-company-beats-downturn-12200662/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> tag:spogagafa.blog.co.uk,2011-11-21:/2011/11/21/plantasjen-owner-apax-private-equityin-to-buy-garden-centre-group-12181333/Matthewappleby2011-11-21T09:47:08+01:002011-11-21T09:47:08+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/gcg_bridgemere/6020017" title="GCG_Bridgemere"><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/017/6020017_72d50b7ecd_s.jpeg" alt="GCG_Bridgemere"></a></p> <p>Plantasjen owner Apax, John Lewis and Morrisons have joined private-equity groups interested in the 130-centre Garden Centre Group.</p> <p>The owner of the large Scandinavian garden centre chain, the supermarket Morrisons and retailer John Lewis are emerging as contenders to buy Garden Centre Group (GCG).</p> <p>GCG is also believed to have shown four private-equity groups around the chain, which is for sale at £300m.</p> <p>They include Terra Firma and Apax, but not Bridgepoint, which made a first-round bid.</p> <p>Second-round bids for the £250m turnover GCG are due before the end of November. Tesco is not involved, but it is thought that Morrisons may still be and John Lewis representatives have been seen at GCG.</p> <p>Lloyds Banking Group, which owns about 40 per cent of GCG, put the chain up for sale by appointing advisers at Rothschild and first-round bids were due in the middle of October.</p> <p>Apax bought Plantasjen in December 2006. Terra Firma has bought EMI and several pub and drinks companies.</p> <p>None of the retailers or private-equity groups would comment on the record about their interests in the group.<br> <strong><br> NEWS</strong><br> Planning delays for <strong>Peter Barratt</strong> garden centre takeover<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/Retail/article/1104320/garden-centre-group-give-peter-barratt-site-planning-delays-threaten-centre-takeover/">hortweek.com</a></p> <p><strong>Scotts</strong> hit by third quarter weather<br> <a href="http://www.hortweek.com/news/1103479/Scotts-Miracle-Gro-hit-weather-third-quarter/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH">hortweek.com</a></p> <p>UK <strong>Retailing</strong>: leading globally, serving locally is a comprehensive study of the current contribution of retail to the UK economy and wider society due out from the British Retail consortium and Oxford economics next week. This new piece of evidence quantifies its importance as a wealth creator, tax payer, jobs provider and innovator. It answers questions including: Do customers get a good deal? Are we as efficient as overseas retailers? Does retail pay its way? Do town centres have a future? Where next with multi-channel?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://spogagafa.blog.co.uk/2011/11/21/plantasjen-owner-apax-private-equityin-to-buy-garden-centre-group-12181333/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>