However, consolidated profit before tax for the Grangemouth-based company fell to £6.6m, down from £8.2m in the prior year.

Directors attributed the primary reason for the decreased profit to a significant increase in wage costs, which rose from £19.5m to £22.2m. The average monthly number of staff employed also increased from 895 to 950 during the period.

Despite the current challenging retail market, the directors remain confident, highlighting that garden centre retailing is focused on lifestyle. They noted that restaurant and food hall sales continue to be strong, with renewed focus and investment planned for these areas to boost footfall and turnover. The quality of staff and customer service was cited as a key strength.

Weather was acknowledged as the single biggest external influence on seasonal garden retailing. However, investments in improved facilities and a diverse product range are helping the group become less reliant on core garden product sales.

The directors reported a strong start to the financial year, particularly in catering. While inconsistent weather from Easter to June impacted sales of outdoor leisure and bedding plants, a brief period of good weather in early May led to the group’s best-ever trading week. Restaurants and indoor categories like gifts and food performed well throughout the spring and summer.

The final quarter saw better weather, boosting plant sales. Restaurant refurbishments at its Inverness and Byrkley Park sites between January and March 2024 reportedly led to increased sales in both coffee shops and garden centres. Overall, the directors described the period as “another great trading year”, with ongoing support for the group’s redevelopment and refurbishment programme.