Pre-close Trading Update

RNS Number:9804T
Wyevale Garden Centres PLC
08 January 2004


FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE                                      8 January 2004



                         WYEVALE  GARDEN  CENTRES  PLC



                           PRE-CLOSE  TRADING  UPDATE



Wyevale Garden Centres plc, the UK's largest garden centre operator, reports on
its trading, prior to entering the close period, in respect of the 52 weeks to
28 December 2003.



Group sales for the year increased by 7.7% and in H2 by 6.5%. H2 like for like
sales were up by 3.6%.



Q4 like for like sales increased by 7.9% with good sales increases in all
horticulturally related products contributing to a buoyant Autumn period. Like
for like sales increased by 5.7% over the 9 week period ended 28 December 2003.



Q3 was affected by the prolonged spell of hot dry weather which, whilst
supporting good sales of furniture and barbeques, adversely affected the sale of
plants. Q3 like for like sales were down by 1%.



Gross margins in H2 are expected to show an increase over last year and stock
levels are under control.



We anticipate adjusted operating profit after interest to be broadly in line
with consensus forecasts.



The results for the 52 weeks ended 28 December 2003 are expected to be announced
on Tuesday 9 March 2004.




For further information:

Robert Hewitt, Chief Executive                         Richard Darby
Stephen Murfin, Finance Director                       Nicola Cronk
Wyevale Garden Centres plc                             Buchanan Communications
Tel: [phone]                                      Tel: [phone]




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

TSTILFSDLEIDIIS