Capture the Great British Gardener

As summer begins its gentle transition into autumn, August opens up a golden opportunity for garden enthusiasts—and your garden centre is perfectly positioned to meet that moment. Whether you're aiming to attract seasoned horticulturists or casual weekend gardeners, now is the time to promote all the reasons to visit your business.

Need some inspiration? Below are six compelling ways to drive footfall and increase sales this season:

1. Late-Summer Planting Opportunities

August is ideal for planting perennials and preparing for a vibrant autumn display. Many hardy plants can establish strong root systems before winter, making them perfect for planting now.

Capitalise on this by promoting:

• Perennials such as rudbeckia, echinacea, and sedum
• Evergreens that provide structure through winter
• Autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicum and crocus

Use posters and online ads to highlight your current stock and showcase end-of-summer bargains or fresh arrivals.

2. Sales and Seasonal Discounts

With the peak summer season winding down, August is the perfect time to offer discounts on slower-moving stock—plants, pots, tools, or outdoor furniture.

Encourage your customers to snap up high-quality items at reduced prices. This is the perfect way for your visitors to refresh their gardens without stretching the budget and it is also an ideal opportunity for you to create good-will and brand loyalty.

3. Get Ahead for Autumn and Winter

August is a planner’s paradise. Many customers are already thinking about spring bulbs, winter bedding, and preparing their soil.

Consider:

• Launching an email campaign with seasonal tips and planting deadlines
• Promoting products tailored to cooler weather
• Creating "Plan Ahead" kits or bundles for winter preparation

A little forward thinking now means healthier, more vibrant gardens later—and more repeat visits for you.

4. Expert Advice & Seasonal Inspiration

Your team’s horticultural knowledge is a powerful asset—especially when the shop floor is a little quieter.

Try:

• Hosting a Sunday Q&A session
• Running seasonal garden design workshops
• Promoting your staff’s top picks via social media or newsletters

Also, ensure your display beds are showcasing the best late-summer combinations. Visual inspiration goes a long way, especially for novice gardeners.

5. Offer a Leisurely Day Out

Many garden centres are more than shops—they’re destinations. With cafés, gift shops, and even homeware sections, they offer a relaxed, feel-good day out.

Maximise this by:

• Promoting your café or gift range on social media
• Creating family-friendly experiences like play areas or children’s activity days
• Offering late opening hours to make the most of long, warm evenings

In August, the pace slows—but spending doesn’t have to.

6. Promote Local and Sustainable Shopping

Garden centres are often champions of local growing and sustainability. Remind your customers that by shopping with you, they’re:

• Promoting your café or gift range on social media
• Creating family-friendly experiences like play areas or children’s activity days
• Offering late opening hours to make the most of long, warm evenings

Don’t forget to spotlight any local charities or initiatives you support—it’s a great way to strengthen community ties and build your reputation.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the garden centre in August is so much more than ticking off a shopping list. It’s a way to reconnect with nature, gather ideas, and plan ahead for a more colourful, thriving garden.

Whether your visitors are bargain hunting, planting for the new season, or simply enjoying a stroll among the blooms, August presents a fantastic business opportunity.

And remember with extra cash in the till, you’ll need a reliable cash transport provider. Loomis is a nationwide CIT carrier trusted by thousands of small businesses to safely collect, transport and deposit cash—offering peace of mind and dependable service.

Visit us at https://uk.loomis.com/ to find out more.