Garden centre closures are "devastating" British growers who were at peak production ready for the gardening season when the Government closed ‘non-essential’ retail, including garden centres. After non-essential retail was told to close by the Government to help slow the spread of coronavirus, ornamental growers have been left with millions of pounds worth of losses. West Sussex Growers Association’s John Hall said the closure of garden centres was expected. He added: "Broadly speaking, those growing food are doing ok though orders are volatile but their trading and supply chain is working reasonably well. But on the ornamentals side they are deeply worried and it’s a job to see where this is going to go now. It could not have hit ornamentals at a worse time. It is absolutely devastating right at peak sales and delivery time for garden centres and sheds." Home and hardware stores have won an exemption, as have food stores, pet shops and some service retailers such as petrol stations, garages, funeral parlours, pharmacies and supermarkets/food stores. Dobbies Garden Centres is opening on the basis that it is 70% food, pets, home and hardware, while the HTA campaigned on for garden centres to open because they sell plants and garden products which are good for people and the environment, particularly in a lockdown. Homebase is open and B&Q is preparing to re-open on 25 March, but it is thought they may not open their garden centre areas as they wait for Government clarification on whether they can sell plants and gardening as well as DIY products. B&Q owner Kingfisher saw a 37.7% increase in sales last week as the weather improved and people prepared for the lockdown. Florna Plants’ Ian Howard said: "We’re coping with it with difficulty like everybody else. Garden centres have all cancelled their business as they have closed down. We’re cancelling young plant supplier orders – we’ve said we won’t delay them and we’re cancelling. We’ve informed customers…we hope to be able to supply them at some point in the future." The Lancashire bedding grower has let go 45 agency staff and […]
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