Spring 2010: A Mixed Bag
Spring 2010: A Mixed Bag By Paige Worthy and Shanna Casey

A warm, promising start for many ended in cold disappointment for some. Was it the weather? The economy? A little of both? Our readers riff on the spring that was.

Were your spring sales up or down?
Up 44.7%
Down 41.0%
No Change 14.3%

Were your veggie/edible sales up or down?
Down 18.2%
Up 47.4%

What was your best category?
Plants (annual/perennial/shrubs) 67.5%
Edibles 9.7%
Hard Goods 7.1%
Chemicals/Fertilizers 5.2%
Outdoor Living Products 3.9%
Designer Mixed Containers 2.6%
Water Gardening Products 2.6%
Gifts 1.3%

Are you currently using social media to connect with customers?
Yes 55.6%
No 24.4%
Not yet, but I’m
thinking about it. 20.0%

What most impacted sales?
Weather 66.0%
Economy 31.4%
Labor Costs 2.6%



Paige Worthy and Shanna Casey

Paige Worthy is managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer, and Shanna Casey was a fabulous intern. Worthy can be reached at [email protected] or 847.391.1050.