Author Topic: Wyevale for Sale  (Read 3875 times)

Digeroo

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 9,578
  • Cotswolds - Gravel - Alkaline
Wyevale for Sale
« on: August 02, 2018, 10:44:00 »
I have  just seen that Wyevale has put all  145 garden centres up for sales.  Lets hope our local one returns to a reasonably priced local garden centre again.  Though I do like the fact it has become a shopping centre.  The Works, Mountain Warehouse, Bon Marche and the restaurant are nice to have locally.

lezelle

  • Acre
  • ****
  • Posts: 395
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2018, 13:01:45 »
Hi, so wyevale have seen the writing on the wall, they are one of the most expensive garden centres I have seen along with a local one to us called scotsdales. That said our local one has been taken over and not so much a garden centre but a general shop for all sorts and since the refurb the prices have escalated some what. As for the coffee shop well that just draws people in to spend money and while they are there buy a book ,cup or some other piece. A shame we can't wind the clock back and a garden centre was just that. Now you can, like I do, have a look at the centre and then think yes that would do it and buy on line half the price the centre is asking. The amount of different shops now that do garden stuff as well is growing and I have noticed that 3 bags of compost for £10 is still the deal but 50ltr not 60ltr bags. Still have to shop around but it's still fun.

Digeroo

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 9,578
  • Cotswolds - Gravel - Alkaline
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2018, 17:34:26 »
I think I got 120 ltr bags originally.

Wyevale is owned by a management company they like to make a fast buck and then bail out.  Not many people buying plants at the moment. 

ancellsfarmer

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,335
  • Plot is London clay, rich in Mesozoic fossils
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2018, 18:17:03 »
So how could they improve?
Its here for those with a lottery win.
https://www.wyevalegardencentres.christie.com/en/login.php?clicked_page=/en/page_127334.php
Sadly, retail as we like it,is finished.Specialist growers for quality plants, seeds online and nurseries. B&Q for ' tat' sundries. Compost from nearest/cheapest
These places are not for 'gardeners', they are designed as 'outlets ' for 'general public'.
What is the size of the budget that you spend on, say, 10 rods per annum?
Freelance cultivator qualified within the University of Life.

Tee Gee

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 6,926
  • Huddersfield - Light humus rich soil
    • The Gardener's Almanac
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2018, 19:25:52 »
Quote
What is the size of the budget that you spend on, say, 10 rods per annum?

My costs vary from year as some of the stuff I buy can last two years or more!

But I would say a fair average is somewhere between £10 - £15 per rod.

johhnyco15

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,277
  • clacton-on-sea
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2018, 21:28:57 »
ive never worked out how much i spend per rod  will make an effort next season to log expenses and work it out but how far do you go do you include petrol  for mower diesel for car ?
johhnyc015  may the plot be with you

ancellsfarmer

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,335
  • Plot is London clay, rich in Mesozoic fossils
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2018, 06:20:57 »
"My costs vary from year as some of the stuff I buy can last two years or more!

But I would say a fair average is somewhere between £10 - £15 per rod."

I would consider that was probably about my expectation, but if we all did this, Wyevales conundrum would not ease.
According to last accounts for Wyevale Garden Centres Ltd, for 2016 (Companies House)*, they reported sales of £251,212,000 and losses of £105,990,000. That equates to approx 42pence loss for every pound taken.
 How would you suggest that a new operator should alter the Wyevale model to be profitable?
*

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/00662286/filing-history
Freelance cultivator qualified within the University of Life.

Digeroo

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 9,578
  • Cotswolds - Gravel - Alkaline
Re: Wyevale for Sale
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2018, 23:30:03 »
The  accountant in me found the accounts very interesting. Much of the loss is down to a one off revaluation or stocks and assets.   I remember having to learn the various methods of valuing assets. 

Several key staff changed during the year so this might simply be a way for the new personel to get higher bonuses in the future by writing down stock and then appearing to make higher profits or adding value to the company in the future.   I am a terrible cynic.   

It is interesting to note for example that they paid tax for the year so the Inland Revenue recognised no loss being made.  They have their own rules for valuations of stocks and assets and so do not allow random impairment revaluations and various other creative accounting practices.               


 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal