Notcutts Garden Centre, in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells, transferred its operations to the temporary building for nine months during work to build a 25,000 sq ft state-of-the-art store.
Erected in June by temporary building suppliers Spaciotempo UK Ltd, the store measures 900sqm, large enough to stock a wide range of products and accommodate a 56-seat café. It is located on an adjacent plot of land, is fully heated and has an adjoining 8,000 sq ft planteria outside.
Michael Cole, Business Development and Retail Property Director for Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “Our Pembury garden centre was very successful, but it was old and tired so needed replacing. However, we didn’t want to let our loyal customers down by closing the site completely while the building work took place.
“We are absolutely delighted with the temporary building. It has allowed us to bring everything together under one roof and the customers seem to really like it.
“Sales are up on what we expected and there have been a couple of weeks where sales have exceeded those at the previous outlet last year. Of course, the bad weather did affect us last year, but nevertheless it is a sign that investing in the temporary building during the course of the work has been a good move.”
When it is completed in March next year, the new centre, which replaces a series of older buildings, will feature two plant-filled living walls, customer demonstration and advice areas and a 220-seat restaurant.
Scott Jameson, Director of Sales for Spaciotempo, said: “We have supplied temporary stores to a growing number of major retailers and they have all proved to be highly successful interim solutions.
“The reason is that they are flexible in their application, whilst looking professional, which enables companies like Notcutts to create retail spaces that are comfortable for their customers and can show off their products to their best.”
