A year of decline in the garden market in 2025

Although spring had given hope for a rebound, the second half of the year ultimately confirmed the fragility of demand, in a context of cautious consumption and unstable weather.

A year in the red, despite the spring improvement

The garden market ended 2025 with a decline of nearly 2%, marking its fourth consecutive year of decrease, settling at €7,6 billion. Spring had initially suggested a more favorable outcome. Boosted by milder weather than the previous year, consumers returned to stores in April and May, generating a significant surge in activity. By the end of May, the market was even showing solid growth of 3% year-on-year. But this improvement was short-lived. Sales began to decline again in June, amidst often unstable weather and persistent hesitancy among households. October did offer a final rebound, but it proved too late and too limited to reverse the annual trend.

Persistent headwinds

Despite a significant decrease in inflation (averaging +1% last year), households remained cautious in their spending in 2025, favoring savings over consumption. In this context, purchases related to housing and outdoor leisure activities continued to be subject to trade-offs. The sector also suffered from a still fragile housing market, particularly for new builds, reducing opportunities to purchase garden equipment.

Plants and leisure in resistance

In a declining market, not all categories grew at the same pace in 2025. Those most directly related to gardening held up relatively well. Outdoor plants saw slight growth (+1%), confirming the enduring importance of gardening in French lifestyles.

This dynamic has also benefited gardening products (soil, treatments, small equipment) as well as containers, often purchased as an addition.

Leisure products (furniture, barbecues, etc.) have begun to rebound after the sharp correction of 2024. Conversely, segments related to heavy equipment (power tools, outdoor furniture, hand tools) have recorded the most significant declines. Heavily dependent on investment projects, they have suffered from an environment unfavorable to major purchases.

Distribution channels: contrasting trajectories

• Supermarkets are doing well, driven by the outdoor and garden leisure categories (garden furniture, barbecues, games, etc.) which are well represented on the shelves.
• DIY superstores are experiencing a marked decline, penalized by their heavy exposure to equipment products and home improvement projects.
• Garden centres and Lisas show a moderate decline (-2%), but retain a structuring role thanks to their expertise, their local roots and the diversity of their garden offering.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.