The ONS does not publish figures for garden centres on their own. They are part of a retail class that also includes florists and pet shops: shops selling flowers, plants, seeds, fertilisers, pets and pet food. In 2024 there were 6,921 of these businesses, with turnover of £6.6bn. Bear the mix in mind when comparing.
| 2024 | Plants, flowers, seeds and pet supplies retail |
|---|---|
| Businesses (VAT or PAYE registered) | 6,921 |
| Total turnover | £6.6bn |
| Average turnover per business | £948,000 |
| Staff costs, % of turnover | 21.0% |
| Bought-in goods and services, % of turnover | 69.2% |
| Left after staff and bought-in costs, % of turnover | 9.8% |
| Stock held, in days of purchases | 62 days |
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey, 2024 results (published 26 May 2026). It covers businesses registered for VAT or PAYE, so the smallest sole traders are not included. Averages are pulled up by the largest firms. For sole traders and partnerships, the owners’ own pay is not in staff costs: it comes out of what is left.
Stock is what sets this trade apart. Average stock was equal to about 62 days of purchases, and much of it is living or seasonal. A plant that does not sell in its season is often worth little afterwards.
Plants, flowers, seeds and pet supplies retail: turnover rose 28% between 2019 and 2024, against a 24% rise in consumer prices, so it grew in real terms. The number of businesses rose 9%. Staff costs went from 18.2% to 21.0% of turnover, and what was left after staff and bought-in costs went from 12.1% to 9.8%.
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