The European garden market is expected to decline by 2% in 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of contraction, according to Promojardin-Promanima. Despite reaching an estimated €7.6 billion in revenue, the sector continues to face sustained pressure from cautious household spending and broader economic headwinds.
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Early in the year, the market showed signs of recovery, supported by favourable weather conditions that drove growth of around 3% by late spring. However, this momentum weakened in the second half of the year, with volatility and a subdued final quarter ultimately reversing earlier gains.
A key factor behind the decline is shifting consumer behaviour, as households increasingly prioritise savings over discretionary purchases. Outdoor leisure categories, including gardening and home improvement, have been particularly affected, alongside a stagnating property market that has limited investment in new gardens and outdoor spaces.
Performance across product categories has varied. Outdoor plants, soil products and leisure items such as garden furniture and barbecues recorded modest growth of between 1% and 2%. In contrast, power tools saw a significant drop of 13%, reflecting reduced demand for higher-value DIY and maintenance equipment.
Distribution channels also diverged in performance. Supermarkets benefited from stronger sales in leisure-oriented categories, while DIY superstores experienced sharper declines due to their exposure to motorised tools and renovation products. Garden centres and agricultural retailers largely tracked the overall market trend.
Overall, the findings highlight a sector under continued strain, shaped by economic caution, housing market stagnation and evolving consumer priorities across Europe.
Source: www.univers-habitat.eu
