Continuous rain affects Gardena’s sales

In the first half of 2024, the Gardena division's net sales decreased to 8.980 million Swedish kronor, this corresponds to a decrease of 4 percent compared to the same period last year. The operating income (EBIT) decreased by 3 percent to 1,365 million Swedish kronoer in the same period.

After a good start in the first quarter, sales of garden watering products in particular fell significantly. This was due to exceptionally heavy and persistent rainfall in Central Europe and North America. According to the German Weather Service in July of this year, Germany experienced the wettest twelve-month period since weather records began in 1881.¹ By contrast, sales of battery-powered garden tools developed positively.

Successor to Pär Åström appointed on an interim basis

As previously announced² , Pär Åström left the company at his own request at the end of June. He had decided to pursue a career opportunity outside the company and has returned to Sweden with his family. The Gardena Division within the Husqvarna Group has since been managed on an interim basis by Claus Andersen, who has been responsible for the division's finances for the past six years. A permanent successor has not yet been decided.

In spring, the brand significantly increased its advertising activities compared to the previous year, focusing on efficient and resource-saving drip irrigation and the Sileno robotic lawnmowers. Since March, consumers in Germany and numerous other countries have also been able to buy directly from the manufacturer's web store.

At the end of the first half of 2024, the Husqvarna Group employed around 2,260 people in Germany at its sites in Ulm, Heuchlingen, Niederstotzingen Laichingen and Karlstein and in the sales force. The number of employees thus remained constant compared to the end of the previous year. Around 3,450 employees work for the Gardena Division worldwide.
Gardena will present its new products for the upcoming 2025 gardening season in September.


¹Source: German Weather Service, 3 July 2024
²See press release from 4 June 2024