HEREFORD-based Wyevale Garden Centres plc, the UK's largest Garden Centre group, reports that sales for the year increased by 7.7% and in the second half by 6.5% when like-for-like sales were up by 3.6%.
Sales increased in all horticulturally related products contributing to a buoyant Autumn. Like for like sales increased by 5.7% over the nine-week period ended December 28, 2003.
The prolonged spell of hot dry weather, which, whilst supporting good sales of furniture and barbecues, adversely affected the sale of plants. and sales were down by 1%.
Gross margins in the second half are expected to show an increase over last year and stock levels are under control.
The results for the 52 weeks, ended December 28, 2003, are expected to be announced on Tuesday, March 9.
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