Leeds ‘jungle’ celebrates double growth on first anniversary
Sep 06
An independent retailer known for creating a ‘jungle in the heart of the city’ is celebrating its first anniversary in Leeds Corn Exchange with double growth across the business.
Sisters Sonia Pounder and Ada Drozd opened The Plant Point in Leeds Corn Exchange summer 2018. Offering more than 100 unique potted indoor plants, succulents and cacti, the duo started the business with just a £15,000 start-up business loan.
One year on, the shop has seen rapid growth, has become one of the most snapped Leeds spaces across Instagram and even featured on Channel 4 programme, Old House New Home.
Doubling the headcount, the sisters, who originally hail from Poland, have now taken on two employees and opened a second shop in Ilkley five months ago. Revenue has also doubled with the firm experiencing a mix of plant sales as well as orders from local businesses to help create welcoming office spaces via the unique plants which The Plant Point recommends and sources.
Sonia Pounder, co-founder of The Plant Point comments:
“Having fallen in love with plants and Leeds, my sister and I couldn’t think of a better space than the iconic Leeds Corn Exchange to open our shop. Everyone knows what Leeds Corn Exchange is, it is the home of independents and being here every day is a part of history.
“Filling the flagship store with a variety of plants and sharing images across Instagram has quickly seen The Plant Point become known as the Leeds jungle and has helped us extend our presence across Yorkshire with many more exciting things planned for the business.”
The Plant Point holds 300 plants across its two stores at any one time with species including a 25-year old giant Yuka.
Centre manager for Leeds Corn Exchange, Adam Warner said:
“The Plant Point has created something unique in Leeds Corn Exchange and they understand that independent retailers need to showcase fantastic products both on and offline and provide visitors with a unique experience which is unrivalled in corporate garden centres.
“We’re proud to house innovative entrepreneurs which offer so much more than a traditional garden centre. When people visit, they are provided with an experience, as well as an obvious passion and knowledge for the best plants to suit the climate and décor of their homes or offices. We look forward to celebrating many more years with The Plant Point and their Yuka which has certainly made itself home in our building!”
Further plans for The Plant Point include the addition of live moss walls, further support to businesses and practical workshops and events including terrarium building, wreath making and regular plant chats for the sisters and customers to share best practice when caring for their plants.
