Gardening Express Review & Trading Update

Gardening Express, the UK’s leading online Garden Centre reveals a steady year of trading in 2010, despite the challenging economic climate and erratic weather conditions.

Commenting on trading, www.GardeningExpress.co.uk founder Chris Bonnett said “2010 was a very challenging year in many respects, heavy margin pressures returned to the sector, and the snowy inclement weather conditions in January and February were all set to make a material difference to our trading, however, this only resulted in pent up demand, and our second busiest April ever, we look to the future with optimism despite the continued doom and gloom in the media.” Bonnett added “by the end of Spring we had completely made up the winter shortfall and were ahead on the previous year, plants it seems can be something of an affordable luxury in tough time”.

The business employed a regime of tighter stock control over the Christmas trading period and free gift promotions to lift sales in the later half of the year, which ensured trading was robust over the period. “Again we were at the mercy of the British climate, and customer delivery concerns stymied December demand a little, but overall, we are pleased with this period.”

Gardening Express was also recognised as one of the UK’s smartest small enterprises in 2010, with an award from Smarta, an business advice organisation with the backing of high profile business leaders including stars from the BBC Dragons Den series.

The business also supported London’s Capital Growth project, to encourage green space and grow your own in London following the use of social media and contact The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Commenting at the time Johnson said ‘Bravo to these amazing young food growers. The range of imaginative ideas shown to our judges was quite astonishing. Collectively our Capital Growth schools, whether winners or not, are helping to beautify our city through a patch work of fantastic food growing plots.’ Bonnett said that this “was a fantastic initiative to be involved with, encouraging the next generation of potential customers to get involved early, and develop a real passion for the great outdoors.”

Looking forward to 2011, Gardening Express is planning further investment in the business operations with a significant increase of protected production area for plant stock. “We’ve a number of exciting plans for 2011, and will be following up with further news releases as these are progressed, our key staff team has also recently been re-structured, which will result in further continued improvement for customers and new efficiencies in the business.” The entrepreneur said he is back to firing on all cylinders once again following some time out last year after bereavement in the immediate family.

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Further Information – Gardening Express – Chris Bonnett, 08000 33 61 61
Digital Images & Interviews Available on Request

About Gardening Express
Gardening Express, based in Chelmsford, Essex, is a leading online Garden Centre in the UK. The business was created by founder CEO Chris Bonnett, and has grown to be a thorn in the side of traditional rivals with it’s dynamic approach and new thinking. The concept is simple; a dedication to quality, service and value for money, has resulted in this entrepreneur taking Gardening Express to be one of the UK’s largest online garden centres in just a few short years.

Contact Information

Chris Bonnett

CEO

Gardening Express

Contact via E-mail