According to the latest data, garden watering products surged by 28 per cent in value sales, as consumers fought to keep gardens thriving in the hot weather. Within this, sprinklers were the standout performer, with value sales up over 140 per cent year-on-year. Peat free compost also climbed 14 per cent as shoppers sought for sustainable gardening options. These categories provided significant growth in the gardening category overall.
Moreover, barbecue sales also flourished, with consumers making longer-term investments thanks to weeks of reliable sunshine. Gas and charcoal BBQs grew 8 per cent in value, while the average spend on a gas BBQ was up 10 per cent versus last year. Unlike 2024, when disposable BBQs dominated due to unpredictable weather, shoppers this year showed confidence in buying durable outdoor cooking equipment.
However, not all categories benefited from the sunshine. Pressure washers saw a -9 per cent decline in value sales (volumes -7 per cent), hit by exceptionally strong 2024 results and weather conditions less conducive to outdoor cleaning.
Anthony Creaby, customer success manager at NIQ, said: “The weather so far this year has been extraordinary and for a number of categories, this has provided the boost they very much needed after such a poor season of weather in 2024. Our data shows how quickly consumer demand responds to weather conditions and how critical these categories are in keeping the market resilient.”
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