Leading garden and non-food wholesaler Stax Trade Centres is increasing it s attempts to attract more garden centres as it aims to increase it s growing penetration of the gardening market. The gardening market has had a turbulent few years remaining healthy and holding it s own through the economic downturn, only to have it s parade rained on by the exceptionally wet weather of 2012.

Stax now feels the time is right to push on and sees a more optimistic future. Joint MD David Hibbert says,
"We have seen an upturn this summer. The warm weather has encouraged the traditional gardening market into the garden prompting more trips to the garden centre, we are also seeing the growth of more leisure shopping as consumers head to the garden centres for a coffee and a stroll around as part of a day out. As a result we are showing strong gardening sales especially in well known brands including Scotts, Bayer, Town & Country, Hozelock, Rentokil, Vitax, STV, and Pagoda." 

The gardening market is estimated to be in excess of 5 Billion per annum (HTA data) and Hibbert believes it will increase,
"As we see ever increasing signs of economic recovery, and as the population continues to age, we believe that Garden Centres will thrive. This year we are exhibiting once again at GLEE and taking a bigger stand in hall 5 (5E31). We will be exhibiting our own brands: Ambassador the range of quality garden tools, Glenwear the new range of workwear and clothing and a selection of SupaGarden our popular value brand." 

Hibbert continued, "Going forward we plan to work hand in hand with Independent Garden Centres across the country by offering them the right mix of products, at the right terms to help them capitalise on market growth." 

Stax are continuously developing their garden offering through all its depots and through Scottish delivered wholesaler Wisharts of Edinburgh. Hibbert explained, "We have invested recently in improving our online ordering system and our team of dedicated representatives can offer garden centres assistance reviewing ranges, provide merchandising and marketing support and help new customers with a range of new stockist deals."