The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) says that year to date (up to end of October) garden centre sales are five per cent ahead of 2012.
Sales have been ahead of 2012 levels since May with September figures 4% up and October 3% up.
The HTA says this is good news for a year which had a slow start due to the cold weather although comparative sales are still down by 3% on 2011.
Consumer confidence has risen significantly over the course of the year and whilst this appears to have plateaued over the last two months, it is still a positive sign for consumers and an indicator of potential increased willingness to spend.
Business confidence too has improved with the score for garden retailers in Q3 higher than it has been at any point over the last two years.
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