Lurgan garden center expands after acquiring six-figure nursery

A LURGAN-based garden center has made a six-figure investment in acquiring and redeveloping a nursery in response to supply chain disruptions impacting overseas imports.

Wilderness Flower & Garden Center at Flush Place has acquired the sprawling Hoophill Nurseries, located on six acres of land on the outskirts of town, just a few miles from its main business premises.

Comprising three acres of glass grow houses, the nursery will supply the garden center with its own ranges while owner Kyle Archer said the company will also begin to wholesale, acting as a local supplier to other florists in all of Northern Ireland.

“We have significant headroom to increase our sales volumes, but supply chain issues related to Brexit mean we face inconsistent and unreliable lead times,” he said.

“This acquisition will help us ensure a constant supply for our own business while giving us the ability to play a leadership role in the local market as we expand our operations over the next two years and begin selling excess inventory.” to wholesale. level.”

The site also includes a large warehouse which is currently under renovation and will see the development of modern office facilities from which to develop the wholesale side of the business.

When fully operational, the nursery will allow Wilderness Flower & Garden Center to significantly reduce costs and expand its product line with new varieties of plants.

“Currently, we import around 50% of our stock. Owning this supply chain will minimize the need to import products, resulting in higher margins and significant annual savings, especially on transportation costs.

The program has received financial support from Ulster Bank, whose Business Development Manager Paul Reid said, “Kyle and the Wilderness team are taking the reins with this investment, which we are happy to be able to support.

“The challenges facing the business are considerable and limit growth, but with the additional space to develop their own products, they can maximize profitability while playing an important supporting role for other local businesses responding to similar supply chain issues. “

In 2013, the company, specializing in fresh cut flowers, nursery plants, gifts and occasions, invested in its current premises specially designed to expand its operations, also with support from Ulster Bank.