Fair Autumn Weather to Boost Sales of Lawn Rakes

We all know how important it is to scarify your lawn. Recent market research analysis by GfK Retail and Technology report that sales over the past 12 months has been very much dependent on the weather. If you have ever tried to scarify a wet lawn then the reading makes complete sense!

Good weather early in 2007 and later on in 2008, saw a 6.66% decline in value and a 21.21% drop in volume over the year to date.

However, the market performance over the 12 month period to August 2008 showed a rise in value for powered lawn rakes but a decline in volume.

"Regardless of this downturn in volume in the market, average price increases are still being witnessed, which some may find surprising considering consumers price sensitivity in light of the credit crunch!" said GfK account manager Thomas Sowter in Horticulture Week Magazine

"In spite of this economic downturn and the poor performance of the gardening market in general we have seen consumers buying more expensive powered lawn rake models this year," Sowter added.

A slow start to the season, due to poor weather in Jan-April 2008, saw the market dip in value and in volume. "The market is very much still recovering," said Sowter.

Sowter said the recovery has been aided by the strong May/Jun 2008, which was over 47% up on the same period in 2007:

"With the help of good weather in the autumn and the news that a mild winter is predicted, there is still a great chance that Lawn Rakes could see overall growth this year." You can view a .PDF of the sales vs rainfall report Lawn Rake Sales Report

If you need some advice on How to Scarify Your Lawn this autumn take a look at our earlier post on the subject.

If the purchase of a powered lawn rake or scarifier is out of the question, why not consider Hire a Powered Scarifier