Can forgetting younger buyers be a distraction?Expert suggests garden centres may be better off looking to traditional demographic

摘要

Josh McBain, director of consultancy at Foresight Factory, says the UK has an ageing population with 15 million over the age of 60. The proportion of over-60s in the UK is set to rise from 23 to 30 per cent by 2050 as life expectancy increases. Some 60 per cent of "baby boomers" say gardening is a favourite entertainment, compared with 40 per cent who like cooking best. There are 40 per cent overall who like gardening best, while the cooking ratio is the same across the ages.McBain says the "ageless society" enjoys "experiential" retail, where they can learn skills such as DIY and wine or food appreciation, or even pass them on. This gives them an emotional engagement to a retailer. He says 64 per cent of 24- to 34-year-olds and 38 per cent of over-65s feel the need for new experiences. Mindfulness experiences such as yoga-type activities could be held at garden retailers.