Very British

Great Britain's function as role model in garden culture is uncontested, and not only in Europe. The European trade press conference which Koelnmesse holds in preparation for the Spoga+Gafa, took place here for the first time this year: that's something that even Koelnmesse Chief Operating Officer Katharina C. Hamma was somewhat surprised about when she greeted the journalists.
Garden culture is also: garden centre culture. So the trade fair organisers extended the press conference with an attractive programme item and a store tour to a total of three garden centres and a B&Q DIY store in Greater London.
The garden centre retail format in Great Britain is much more than simply selling plants: living greenery often only has a share of as little as a quarter of the overall sales. On the other hand, a whole world of experience is staged with extensive presentations around the plant, for example with wooden tables and shelving or with special areas for "grow your own" product ranges.

The gastronomy is often superb with a significant share of sales and an offer which goes far beyond coffee, or rather tea, and cake. A large area is also taken up by a range of hobby products including large book departments, and in addition to the classic garden hardware or garden furniture, product ranges such as toys, fashion accessories or shoes are also offered.
DIY stores cannot keep up with this range and depth of products, nor with the experience factor in their garden departments. The B&Q store in New Malden, a flagship location for the British market leader, presents its core product range for home improvement as very clearly structured. The customer is guided along a central aisle to the paint department, one of the main product groups. The interior decoration, lighting and wallpaper areas are positioned along the route there.
The spacious area for kitchen planning is remarkable: equipped with consultation islands and a large central screen. What also strikes the visitor: the online theme features much more prominently with a large "collection point" for the "click & collect" orders.