Dare To Be Relevant
“If you look closed, you’re closed.”
“If it’s not good enough for you personally, why would it be good enough for your store?”
“Bring your awesome every day.”
These are just three statements from one of last week’s keynotes at IGC East in Baltimore. Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farms in Klintnersville, Pennsylvania, encouraged attendees to take a long, hard look at their garden centers and how they’ve changed as everything else is changing: demographics, communication and urbanization, just to name a few shifts.
It’s no longer about being different but is instead about being relevant, according to Traven.
And with only 10 seconds to impress customers when they walk in the door, he recommends creating a “wow spot” that people can’t miss.
These Guys Know Merchandising
If you haven’t already, make sure to take a look at the August issue where you’ll find the five finalists of Lawn & Garden Retailer’s Merchandiser of the Year competition. I’d say some these displays definitely have that “wow” factor.
East Coat Recap
Did you head to IGC East? If so, what caught your eye? Please share with me at [email protected].
One thing I loved was on the first stop of the garden center tour. At Roots Market, a specialty food store, the staff were the stars. Cards on various products had a photo of an employee with the item and a quick phrase on why they loved it.
What a simple idea that can really boost a buyer’s confidence! See more takeaways from the day’s stops on our Facebook page.
Gearing up for Chicago?
If you didn’t make it to IGC East, will you be at IGC Chicago, which starts Tuesday (Aug. 18)? Let me know.
The education agenda at both cities is similar, so after attending sessions last week, I’m confident you’ll walk away with some ideas to take back to the business.
What was one session that really jumped out to me? Judy Sharpton, owner of Growing Places Marketing, took a look at drawings of attendees’ stores and gave personalized layout feedback. Now that’s a neat opportunity!
Cheers,
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