Management

August 2011

Adapting Your Independent Brand

Taking assertive and measurable action on a refreshed brand identity and assessing every touchpoint at which your customer experiences your garden center services will send a clear message that you are stepping squarely in the... more »

August 2011

The Future of Gardening

Connecting is key when it comes to reaching a new generation of gardeners.The garden is an excellent teaching tool. From a single flower many subjects can be taught including geography, science, art and literature. I... more »

August 2, 2011

IGC Show Bound? Get The App

IGC Show organizers announced the IGC 2011 App for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is now available for free download at the iTunes App Store. Users of smartphone devices other than those supported by... more »

July 26, 2011

Napa Home & Garden Files Chapter 11

Napa Home & Garden to sell its core home and garden business to Teters Floral Products.Back on July 5 in Atlanta, Napa Home & Garden filed a chapter 11 bankruptcy case. As part of the... more »

July 20, 2011

Sid’s Greenhouses to Close Retail Garden Centers in Illinois

Sid's Greenhouses, one of Chicagoland's largest and most respected specialty retailers, will close its two retail nursery and garden center locations in Palos Hills and Bolingbrook, Ill. Sid's Greenhouses, one of Chicagoland's largest and most... more »

July 18, 2011

OFA Elects, Appoints New Officers, Board Members

Last week at OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio, OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals announced the election of its president and vice president, as well as the election of new board members.Mike McCabe... more »

July 2011

Consumer Insight

Think outside of the pot. Through market research, learn new ways to innovate and create additional value for consumers.I'm often asked to explain what I do for a living. In short, I specialize in asking... more »

July 2011

Time Well Spent

With another spring behind us, it's time to balance vendors, calendars and budgets as you enter a new buying season.The statement: "Timing is everything," has never been so true as it is in retail today.With... more »

July 2011

Give Me A Break

The Breakroom is an important space, whose proper purpose must be defined and protected so as to serve the most critical and important functions all the time and that is to serve the people who... more »

July 2011

The Tattoo Shop Lesson

If a tattoo shop owner knows the importance of virtual customer feedback, is there any reason you don't?The tattoo shop on the corner of my street knows the virality of word of mouth. The tattoo... more »

June 2011

Take It Outside

New trends in landscape lighting show that when it comes to extending warm summer nights, the answer is in the lights.Improved TechnologyThe biggest trend right now in landscape lighting is LEDs, says Tommy Herren, better... more »

June 2011

Let me explain…

...why The Garden Corner decided to grow its own nursery stock and why some of its customers might be interested in doing the same.We call it "Grow Your Own!" The idea is simple enough though... more »