Since 2019, the gardening sector share of the ecommerce retail market has nearly quadrupled, from just 12 per cent up to a significant 40 per cent in 2023. Looking at the dates, it is evident that the pandemic had a big effect on forcing that growth. The work from home mandate not only meant that more people spent more time at home, but they had more time and motivation to spend on getting their outside space looking good.
With retail and gardening centres closing down for a period of time, homeowners got used to moving online to make even the biggest of purchases. Many were surprised that you could even purchase items such as living plants and turf online. No product was too awkward. This change in consumer behaviour was strengthened by a number of other factors as to why buying gardening products on line has become so popular.
Less time requires greater convenience
Although the importance of supporting local garden centres is crucial for their survival in a local economy which is at best faltering, at worst in complete downfall, ultimately it is human nature to go for what is most convenient. If you are working full time, and want to spend the weekend in the garden, then spending a couple of hours out of your day buying what you need at the garden centre is a big chunk of your time.
Instead, you can go online, find what you need and order it in just a few minutes, arranging delivery at a time that is practical and convenient. That way you can get on with working in your garden straight away, and have time left at the end of the weekend to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Browsing becomes an education
For those who have less or little knowledge about plants, it can be somewhat daunting to go into a garden centre where everyone seems to know what they’re doing, except you. You don’t know what you don’t know, and if you don’t even know what questions to ask you can find yourself stuck.
When browsing online you can educate yourself by researching what you don’t know in a safe environment, building up your knowledge as you progress rather than putting yourself under the scrutiny of the professionals who run the garden centres. No doubt they are lovely people who will want to help, but sometimes just taking for the first few steps on your own gives you a better sense of self confidence.
You have access to a much wider choice of products and plants
Your local garden centre will have a good choice of native plants that grow well and abundantly in your local area. However, for those who want something a little more exotic, a little different, online garden shopping can give them access to a wide range products that they might not otherwise be able to find.
This gives much more freedom of creativity for those with a little more knowledge and want to try something new and adventurous in their garden. Living in London yet being able to receive deliveries from anywhere in the world is very liberating when it comes to fulfilling the horticulturally creative mind.
Price comparisons
The gardening sector, like any other, is a commercial endeavour which is highly competitive. Many online sites have loyalty schemes and promotions which are often linked to seasonal products, and will notify you before everyone else of any special offers to ensure you remain front of the queue.
Equally, being able to compare prices across a range of different suppliers will give you confidence that you are buying the best product at the best price,
