UK GARDEN RETAILERS MUST LOOK BEYOND THE SPRING PEAK TO GROW DEMAND, SAYS GLOBALDATA Garden retailers are missing an opportunity to drive year-round demand by concentrating promotional activity around the spring peak, when consumer purchasing is already at its strongest, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform. GlobalData’s latest report, “UK Retail Hot Topics: Gardening 2026,” reveals that 70.9 percent of consumers begin purchasing gardening products between March and May. However, younger shoppers offer retailers a route to more consistent demand throughout the year. Consumers aged 25-34 are the least likely to have access to a garden or outdoor space (69.2 percent have garden access), which helps explain why they are also the most likely age group to purchase gardening products all year round (35.7 percent). With less reliance on conventional garden spaces, demand among the 25-34 age group is more likely to come through smaller, lifestyle-led missions such as balcony planting, indoor growing, houseplants and grow-your-own projects, which garden centres can tap into to attract a new customer base and achieve more consistent revenue throughout the year. Ashley Adeyemi, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Spring will always remain the key trading period for gardening, but retailers cannot rely on seasonal demand alone to grow the category. Weather is still the biggest purchase trigger, but its influence is weakening, while replacement purchases, hobby gardening, and new outdoor spaces are becoming more important. Retailers must therefore create reasons for consumers, particularly younger shoppers, to engage beyond the traditional spring peak.” Reduced prices (47.2 percent) and percentage discounts (45.6 percent) are the most attractive types of promotional offers to consumers when selecting a retailer, but garden centres should use these offers to encourage follow-up purchases throughout the year, not just to win share during the busiest months. Consumers aged 25-34 are also the most responsive to spend-threshold discounts (42.7 percent), likely reflecting their status as newer gardeners. LONG-SERVING JOE DAVIES REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN BROOKE TO RETIRE AFTER 22 YEARS Joe Davies has announced that long-serving Area Representative Jonathan Brooke will retire in January 2027, bringing to a close an outstanding 22-year career with the employee-owned giftware company. Jonathan, who looks after customers throughout South West England and Wales, has been a familiar face to retailers across the region since joining Joe Davies in 2004. During that time, he has built countless long-standing customer relationships, become a trusted member of the Joe Davies sales team and played an important part in the company’s continued success. David Cree, Sales Director at Joe Davies, commented: “Jonathan has made an enormous contribution to Joe Davies over the past 22 years. His dedication to our customers, his professionalism and the way he has represented our business have been second to none. “Personally, I hold Jonathan in the very highest regard. He is one of the very best people in our industry and has become a valued colleague and friend to so many of us over the years. Whilst we’ll all miss working with Jonathan, we’re absolutely delighted for him as he looks forward to a long, happy and thoroughly welldeserved retirement.” As part of its succession planning, Joe Davies will shortly begin recruiting a new Area Representative to work alongside Jonathan ahead of his retirement, ensuring customers continue to receive the high levels of service and continuity they have come to expect. Jonathan will remain with the business until January 2027, continuing to support customers and helping to ensure a smooth handover to his successor.” www.joedavies.co.uk INSIDE OUT TOYS BECOMES THE NEW HOME OF PREMIUM CHILDREN’S RIDE-ONS Inside Out Toys has been appointed sole UK distributor for the award-winning Wheelybug and Trybike brands, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of premium children’s ride-ons. The appointment has been made by Co&Co Lab BV, the Dutch family business led by brothers Pim and Alex Coopmans. Co&Co owns an innovative portfolio of children’s brands including Trybike, CoConuts helmets, PL-UG Tent Kits and most recently Wheelybug, and has selected Inside Out Toys as its UK distribution partner for the next phase of growth. The move follows the forthcoming retirement of founder and joint managing directors of Hippychick, Julia and Jeremy Minchin, who have successfully represented Wheelybug and Trybike throughout the UK for many years. The transition is now underway, with Inside Out Toys preparing to begin processing trade orders from mid-August 2026, supplying retailers directly from its Northamptonshire warehouse. Existing stockists can expect a seamless handover, with continuity of supply, dedicated customer support and nationwide sales representation throughout the transition. The addition of Wheelybug and Trybike complements Inside Out Toys’ award-winning Jumini range, creating a portfolio that supports children from their very first ride-on through to their first balance bike. For retailers, it means access to multiple premium brands from one trusted supplier, backed by UK stockholding, knowledgeable sales support and excellent customer service. Julian Garner, Owner and Managing Director of Inside Out Toys, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Pim, Alex and the Co&Co team to represent Wheelybug and Trybike in the UK. These are iconic brands with an outstanding reputation for quality, innovation and longevity. Jeremy and Julia have done a fantastic job establishing them within the UK market over many years, and we are honoured to continue that legacy while investing in the next phase of growth. These brands have been carefully developed over many years and enjoy a fantastic reputation with retailers and consumers alike. We’re looking forward to building on that success, investing in the brands and helping more retailers grow their ride-on category.” 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=