Thanks Mom
Sometimes it’s easy to be a skeptic about surveys, but when the numbers are higher than ever in a survey’s 14-year history, it’s reason to take at least a bit of notice.
I’m referring to the National Retail Federation’s Mother’s Day survey, which says total spending for the holiday is expected to reach a record-breaking $23.6 billion this year, with an average gift amount of $186.39.
Two other numbers stick out: 68.5 percent of Americans plan to buy flowers ($2.6 billion) and 19.5 percent intend to purchase housewares or garden tools.
Hopefully your garden centers will be packed with people coming in to pick up a gift for mom as well as moms (and others) who are just ready to get planting on what will (fingers crossed) be a weekend of good weather throughout the country.
Let me know what kind of unique offerings you have for the holiday. And after it’s all over, share how the weekend went at [email protected].
Mile High and Beyond
I’ll be in the Denver, Colorado, area next week visiting garden centers looking their best for the season.
I’m finalizing my schedule this week, so I’d love your recommendations for everything from IGCs to that restaurant I just have to try. I look forward to reading your emails.
Also, speaking about garden centers looking their best, you have one month to submit your entry to become Lawn & Garden Retailer’s Merchandiser of the Year.
Grab your camera, take some shots of your displays and send them my way. You can read all the details — and learn about the great prizes from sponsors Dramm and Braun Horticulture — at www.lgrmag.com/merchandiser-of-year.
Cheers,
Abby
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