Centre sees sales soar thanks to local produce

A GARDEN centre has expanded its local supplier portfolio and says it has seen a 30 per cent rise in sales since it was taken over.
Ruth Nicholson from Stewarts Garden Centre in Titchfield  and Martin Bazeley from Suthwyk AlesRuth Nicholson from Stewarts Garden Centre in Titchfield  and Martin Bazeley from Suthwyk Ales
Ruth Nicholson from Stewarts Garden Centre in Titchfield and Martin Bazeley from Suthwyk Ales

The Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre in Titchfield has increased its local supplier portfolio as part of the company’s bid to support producers and manufacturers in the region.

Terry Head, retail director at Stewarts, the family-owned business that purchased the Abbey Centre in December 2016, said sales had increased by 30 per cent since the acquisition with the introduction of local brands being a crucial factor to the success.

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He said: ‘It’s common sense from both an economic but environmental point of view. It’s important that other businesses around our garden centres can prosper.’ 

One example of the success is the introduction of bottled beers produced by Suthwyk Ales, which was founded by Fareham farmer Martin Bazeley in 2000. Beers such as Skew and Old Dick are now top sellers at the centre.

‘Every beer sold is important to us as a small business and this centre has now become our top customer,” said Martin. 

Other local suppliers include a gift card producer, Yarty Cordials Ltd, a vinaigrette and cordial supplier from Portsmouth and from Romsey, the tomato juice supplier Turner Hardy and Co. 

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