The Internet Garden Market Report UK 2012-2016, by AMA Research, says internet sales of products, including outdoor timber products, represented about 5% of total garden product sales in 2011.

Growth has been partially due to traditional store-based retailers switching onto internet trading as a growth area. These retailers now make up 50% of the internet market.

Leisure products and garden equipment accounted for around a 50% share of internet sales in the sector. Internet garden product sales are forecast to reach £400m by 2015 – equivalent to annual growth rates of 15%.

Factors which will influence the shape of the market will be the speed and conversion of the current major players (DIY multiples and garden centres) to online purchasing, together with market entry and development of garden ranges by strong consumer brand companies such as Next, Tesco and M&S.

Copies of the AMA report can be ordered via www.amaresearch.co.uk