Merchandising

January 2019

The Holidays in Pennsylvania

Feeney’s Feasterville 1. Feeney’s is a winter wonderland, with Christmas preparations starting in late June each year. 2. Santa visits every day from the Friday after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Customers are asked to donate... more »

November/December 2018

Deciphering the Color Code for More Sales

It’s the one decision you keep putting off — what color to paint the walls?! Some people live with a patchwork of paint samples on their walls for years ... unable to choose. Others “play... more »

November/December 2018

More Gems from the Emerald City

Molbak's Garden + Home Woodinville, Washington 1. Molbak’s kept consistent branding throughout the store with these chalkboard-like signs that were easy to read and informative. 2. Something as simple as adding clay pots to the... more »

November/December 2018

‘U’ Create Excitement

Lawn & Garden Retailer introduced you to Distinctive Gardens as the 2016 Merchandiser of the Year when owners Bud and Lisa LeFevre decided to completely transform their garden center after 17 seasons of business. That... more »

September/October 2018

In the Running

Each year our Merchandiser of the Year competition recognizes one independent garden center whose team has really showcased their display skills during the year. The competition continues to grow, having a record-setting number of entries... more »

September/October 2018

Mind Over Matter

During the summer months, I found myself doing a lot more of my 2019 planning and daydreaming when things were mellow. I also embarked on a fairly strict new diet plan that’s really a lifestyle... more »

September/October 2018

Gems From the Emerald City

Sky Nursery Shoreline, Washington 1. Houseplants are hot, and Sky Nursery created a façade inside the garden center to draw people into a large area dedicated to indoor plants. 2. Nectar Bar is the hip... more »

August 2018

When Serendipity Meets Strategy

Many of us have heard the old quote, “Success is when preparation meets opportunity.” But, so many people struggle in our industry as they are investing in either being busy without a real strategy or... more »

August 2018

The ‘Garden” Part of Miniature Gardening

The gardening in miniature niche is, quite possibly with no pun intended, the biggest idea to happen to the garden industry in ages. You’ll find designated miniature departments in many nurseries and garden centers these... more »

July 2018

Upstate New York’s Finest IGCs

BADDING BROS FARM MARKET AND GARDEN CENTER East Amherst One thing really stood out at Badding Bros and that was consistent signage. Every sign had the same chalkboard- style look and feel from 1) the... more »

June 2018

Photo-Worthy Displays

Uncommon Combinations Nearly every stop throughout the trip featured combinations, whether annuals or perennials, ornamental or edible. 1. Sakata used sedums in many of its containers on display. 2. At Hem Genetics, we found tomatoes... more »

May 2018

Mad Skills with Merchandise

I recently left my house to go on what I like to call a “photo safari” for the day. I have a certain number of locations that I frequent, and they change enough that I... more »