Feb 24, 2016
The Big PictureBy Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

Sales are up. Employment has increased. Collaboration is key. But don’t take my word for it.

The 2016 Independent Business Survey, released by Advocates for Independent Business and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, found those three statements to be true among respondents.

Independent retailers had average sales increases of 4.7 percent during 2015, which was much higher than the 1.6 percent of national retail chains.

Thirty percent of respondents said they had hired at least one additional employee, with an average employment expansion of 5.6 percent.

One of the responses that really got my attention was 40 percent of independent retailers said that a “buy local” campaign in their area led to increased collaboration and support with other local businesses.

Whether partnering with an area coffee shop to have complimentary brew for your customers or bringing in local wineries, breweries, artists, etc. for events, the possibilities are endless.

How does your garden center work with the community? Let me know at [email protected].

Take a Look Around

Have you seen the February issue of Lawn & Garden Retailer yet? We talk about the potential of birding as a parallel market, the current state of pollinators, e-commerce in your tree department, social media best practices, tech tips and one retailer’s success. Here’s a link to the digital edition.

Cheers,

Abby


Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

Abby (Kleckler) McGarry is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].