INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW 

AMA Research have recently published the Seventh Edition of the Garden Products Distribution Market – UK 2004-2007 incorporating original input and primary research, it represents an up-to-date and informed review of this market.

The domestic market for garden products is estimated at over £4.5 billion (including conservatories) with major changes in terms of product sectors, distribution channels etc.  DIY multiples and Garden Centres are key channels for many products with both sectors showing good levels of growth in the last few years.

The report contains:

• DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF THIS £4.5 BILLION+ MARKET - with a review of recent trends, current developments - with long-term forecasts.

• KEY CHANGES IN DISTRIBUTION – a review of the changing roles of retail channels within the Garden Products market, outlining historical performance and forecasts to 2007 – detailed comparison of product trends between key channels.

• FOCUS ON GARDEN CENTRES –the performance of the Garden Centres is analysed and reviewed in context with other major distribution channels.

• ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT GROUP:-

The garden products market is a buoyant sector and has experienced strong growth in 2003 and early 2004: Forecasts indicate strong underlying growth in the market in the medium term, with the report reviewing key driving factors and likely future trends.

Key areas of coverage in the report include:-

THE MARKET

• Assessment of Domestic Garden products market - developments over the last decade, review of performance in 2001-2003.  Future prospects to 2007.

• Factors influencing growth - attitudes to gardening, leisure products, new product developments etc.

• Garden Centre Market - size, growth rates, performance compared to total garden products market, factors affecting future developments.

• Review of performance 1994-2003/early 2004.  Areas of growth/decline.  Future trends – buoyant market growth

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS REVIEW

• Market share by channel of Distribution – review of share changes between 1991-2003.

• Analysis of key strengths and weaknesses of Garden Centres, DIY Multiples, Supermarkets, Mail Order, Internet, High Street and Hardware Stores in terms of Garden Products distribution.

• Analysis of the best performing products in each distribution channel – product mix comparisons for Garden Centres and DIY Multiples.

• Detailed review of the competitive advantages held by DIY Multiples and Garden Centres in the context of Garden Products.

• Detailed comparison of product share trends between major channels – highlights key products by channel, growing/declining sectors, strengths and weaknesses of different channels etc.

• Future prospects of ALL major distribution channels in the Garden Products market.

FOCUS ON GARDEN CENTRES

• Structure of Garden Centre Market - fragmented nature, major companies, market shares, industry rationalisation, recent and future developments.

• Market and product opportunities for Garden Centres – growth / declining sectors etc.

• Garden Centre Sales by Product Group - Horticulture, Buildings, Leisure, Equipment, Chemicals, Decoration (pots/planters, lighting, ponds, paving etc.), and Non-garden products.

• Buying processes - factors influencing choice of suppliers.

• Detailed review of Garden Centre sales by product group – trends from 1991-2003, comparisons with DIY Multiples.

• Role of wholesalers/nurseries, branded/own-branded products.

PRODUCTS/SUPPLIERS

• Market size per major product group – review of key market developments since 2001 and future prospects.

• Garden Centres and DIY Multiples share of market within each major product group - areas of growth and decline - comparison of Garden Centre and DIY Multiple sales by product 1991-2003 .

• Product mix within major product groups.

• Garden Centres strengths and weaknesses by product, key competitive channels.

• Major suppliers within product groups.

• Product trends within major product group - growth sectors etc.

FUTURE PROSPECTS/GENERAL

• Age distribution of population, personal disposable income levels, number of households etc.

• Future developments within garden product – buoyant market prospects, implications for suppliers.

• Changing requirements of consumers - increasing product awareness, value-added products, etc.

• General economic influences on the market.

The report contains over 150 pages of original research and comment offering incisive and thought-provoking views on this market.