A fledgling online tropical plant retailer is celebrating a “staggering” first quarter of sales, with strong demand to green up homes.
Leeds-based Grow Tropicals has already secured a monthly turnover of £20,000 after selling more than 700 exotic houseplants.
And it is branching out to stockists, with 10 now secured.
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Photographer and film-maker Jacob James, 27, started the business during the first lockdown as a ‘side hustle’ – he held three two-day test sales last year before launching the business full-time, fuelled by a boom in demand driven by the Covid-19 restrictions and increased interest from millennials.
The business launch, with a 3,500 sq ft unit taken on, was supported with investment from York-based entrepreneur Tom Maxwell and Otto Mercer, Grow Tropicals’ director and logistics and product manager.
Jacob said: “The houseplant and horticulture market has boomed over the past year due to Covid and Brexit, and that shows in the success of Grow Tropicals.
“Since launching our first ever distribution centre, tropical hydroponics and terrarium plant nursery in Leeds we have seen incredible results, selling over 700 plants in our first quarter, achieving an impressive 70 per cent growth in new customers and building trusted relationships with regional garden centres.”
Grow Tropicals has also been selected to display at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show in September. Jacob and the team will be displaying a large glass terrarium showcasing rare tropical species from South America.
And to support growth plans he has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new recruits.
Sam Duncan has been appointed as wholesale business development manager and Tom Ivers has taken on the role of warehouse support.
“I am delighted to welcome Sam and Tom to the team,” Jacob said. “Their industry knowledge and expertise will add real value to our customers and help us in our growth plans for the business.
“We are thrilled to have been selected to display at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We will be in the centre of the Grand Pavilion, which is a fantastic location. We will be bringing something new and exciting to the flower show.”
A total of 300 species as well as accessories are stocked, with stockists including Deans Garden Centre in York, Stephen Smiths of Otley, Poppy's Potting Shed in Leeds, Whiteleys Garden Centre, Mirfield and High Trees Garden Centre, Horsforth.
