FAQs – Your questions answered, Aigburth Garden Centre
Why We’ve Decided to Stay Cash-Free Post-COVID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we, like many other businesses, transitioned to a cash-free model for the safety and well-being of both our customers and staff. At that time, our intention was always to return to accepting cash once the pandemic was over. However, as we’ve continued to operate without cash, we’ve found that this change has brought about significant benefits, not only for us but also for our valued customers.
Operational Benefits of Going Cash-Free
After conducting a thorough analysis, we discovered that staying cash-free is more cost-effective for our business. The savings extend beyond reduced bank charges and include:
Reduced Staff Time and Costs: We no longer need a staff member to cash off tills every night or take trips to the bank multiple times a week. With no local banks nearby, these tasks would have been costly whether handled internally or outsourced.
Decreased Insurance Premiums: Without cash handling, we avoid the high insurance premiums associated with cash security, especially over busy weekends.
Avoiding Cash-Related Issues: Eliminating the need to check for counterfeit money saves us time and potential financial loss. Even one counterfeit note per year can impact margins.
Benefits to Our Customers
We believe in passing on fantastic prices to our customers whenever possible. Operating cash-free allows us to maintain much stricter control over our margins, enabling us to offer highly competitive pricing on our products. If you’ve shopped with us before, you’ve likely noticed how affordable our prices are. This is one way we ensure our operational savings directly benefit you.
Additionally, a cash-free system speeds up transactions, reducing wait times at checkout, and ensures a smoother, more efficient shopping experience overall.
A Personal Perspective from the Director
On a personal note, staying cash-free has significantly reduced the stress of running the business. Over the years, my family has endured multiple break-ins, with thieves targeting safes and tills for cash. Tragically, some family members were assaulted during these incidents. Since eliminating cash, these risks have disappeared, and the peace of mind has been invaluable.
Our staff also benefit from this change. They no longer face the stress of managing cash in the tills, making their roles easier and safer. This shift has contributed to a more positive and secure working environment.
Conclusion
While we are not advocating for a fully cashless society, remaining cash-free has been a practical and thoughtful decision for our business. It has allowed us to operate more efficiently, create a safer workplace, and most importantly, continue to offer competitive prices to our customers.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we move forward with this approach. Thank you for being part of our journey.
What are your Garden Centre opening hours ?
Open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
Do you deliver?
Yes we do, Deliveries can be arranged for items purchased in store. Delivery is available Monday to Friday (ask instore for specifics at the till when completing your purchases as days change weekly), all the details can be found on the ‘We Deliver‘ page
Are there any toilets?
We have made the decision to close our public toilets, returning to how we operated prior to having a café on the premises. This change allows us to maximize our shop space, offering the best possible range of products for our customers, while also helping to keep our operational costs minimal.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we focus on enhancing your shopping experience.
Are you Dog Friendly?
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead in the Garden Centre. Many of the team offer a welcome hello to your four legged friend.
How do your fantastic loyalty cards work?
Stamp Cards – our much loved loyalty!
For every £10 and over spent you will receive one stamp, for example spend £42.12 and receive 4 stamps.
When you have collected the stamps required enjoy £10
towards your next purchase on a different date or carry
on stamping to enjoy £25 towards your next purchase
on a different date.
You must have your card stamped at time of purchase, (please
present to the cashier for stamping).
Cards are stamped once all goods are paid for.
No change will be given on redemption of stamp cards.
The purchase of Port Sunlight Garden & Aigburth Garden Centre Centre Gift Cards attracts stamps, any other gift card or voucher purchases do not.
The redemption of gift cards and vouchers do not attract stamps.
Cards must be signed for redemption.
Cash Value 0.001p.
Stamp cards are going digital in early 2025 with the new Stamper App.
How do I apply for a job
All our job vacancies can be found on or jobs page.
Can I return an item
Please view our refund and exchange policy
Can I buy a Gift Card
Our garden centre gift Cards are a great present for anyone with a love of Gardening! A keen gardener or a newbie, they’re sure to be spoilt for choice with an Aigburth Garden Centre Gift Card. In addition these Gift Cards can be used in our Port Sunlight Garden Centre.
Port Sunlight & Aigburth Garden Centre Gift cards terms and conditions.
You can buy gift cards in our Garden Centres, Port Sunlight Garden Centre & Aigburth Garden Centre.
You can spend your gift card at Port Sunlight Garden Centre & Aigburth Garden Centre.
You cannot use your gift card to purchase from any of the following: Third-party shops or concessions within the garden centre. Other exclusions may apply, these would be updated here as required.
Loyalty stamps are issued with purchases of Gift Cards.
Loyalty stamps are not issued with purchases made on Gift Cards.
How to use gift cards:
Shop as usual in the Garden Centre and then proceed to the checkouts. During checkout present your Gift Card for use as payment. If there’s any balance to pay, you can use a debit or credit card in the usual way.
Your current balance will be shown on your receipt when you use your card to make a purchase. You can also check the balance at any time by presenting your card to a cashier at any till point.
Returning an item purchased with a gift card:
For items bought in store with a gift card, return the item with proof of purchase within the relevant time period to the Garden Centre and you’ll be given a gift card to the correct value.
Will my card expire?
Yes, gift cards are valid for two years from the date of purchase.
Can I exchange my gift card for cash?
No, you can’t exchange gift cards for cash.
Damaged or Lost cards.
Unfortunately damaged cards that our tills are unable to read will become void. Lost cards will not be replaced.
