I have followed the Marshalls story very closely in the last year or more as the market for hard landscaping materials deteriorated, leading to Marshalls closing down its point of sales areas at their heavyside yards.
I very much considered Marshalls as reacting to the market rather than anticipating trends and sticking to a well founded plan.
In a previous post I said - Marshalls PLC says 'outlook uncertain' as orders decline
"Garden designers and landscapers will be shifting to a minimalist approach with an emphasis on softer garden features. Lawns, vegetable areas, children's play areas and simple soft seating and eating areas will be very much in demand.
"My aim would be to retain the display areas and start designing small patios with integral eating and relaxing features and partner with outdoor furniture makers with a view to promoting living and steer emphasis away from gardens being a status symbol on a league table."
Marshalls have now launched their Campaign for Better Landscapes and I spotted a couple of quotes in Hort Week that seem to suggest that Marshalls are indeed changing their focus again - do they read Landscape Juice I wonder?
"There is no doubt that the UK's landscape is changing in front of our eyes. People are looking at ways of living more sustainably and this is having a direct impact on our surroundings.
"Saving money may be the trigger for people to start preparing their garden areas for growing their own but there are a large number of benefits related to emotional and mental well-being that are becoming a lot more apparent,"
(quote:Chris Harrop - HW)
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