May 2016

Outside the Vines: Sustainability Sells

Our world seems a lot greener these days, and not just in terms of landscapes and products your garden center offers. Terms like sustainability and energy efficiency are making their way into convers... more

Back to School

I recently wandered to the north side of the city to my alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, for an alumni event and naturally had to spend some time wandering around campus. It really does look ... more

Macromanaging and Leadership

As a (albeit “old”) student of business and in working with retailers of all sizes, from corporate big box to locally owned garden centers in my consultancy, I’m always looking to identify those... more

Start Me Up

These tips aim to increase transaction averages by maximizing different spaces throughout the garden center with add-on products.

Helping Customers Control Insects

It’s important to be able to guide shoppers to the right products. Here are some reasons minimum risk pesticides might be the answer.

Living the Organic Lifestyle

How one garden center customer took his hobby and sprouted it into an urban gardening movement your store might want to get behind.

The Power of the Farmer’s Market

East Coast Garden Center in rural Delaware and Greensgrow in urban Philadelphia have great ideas for reaching new customers who are embracing the local food movement.