Flowers & Dog Treats
Valentine’s Day is this Thursday, and I’ve loved seeing some of your garden centers’ Facebook and Instagram posts giving customers gift ideas: String of Hearts houseplants, containers with heart decals or “I love you messages,” cyclamen and of course gorgeous bouquets.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), spending is expected to increase this year to an average spend of $161.96, topping the all-time record of $146.84 in 2016. That’s $19.6 billion in total spending, and we know that a good portion of that is spent on flowers.
One number from the NRF that caught my attention, however, was spending on furry friends. Pet spending is expected to total $886 million this year, which is up nearly 60 percent since they first starting asking the question in 2008.
Does your store sell any pet products? Whether a few local items, some pet-themed garden décor, a dog- or cat-centric event or a full-blown pet department, I’d love to hear about it.
Please take a short survey — less than 10 questions — to help me out: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGRPets. And make sure to look for the responses in the April issue! You even have a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card.
Speaking of Issues
Have you picked up your copy of the February issue yet? You’ll find a captivating retailer profile of Fiddleheads Garden Center in Dalton, Georgia; ways to become a pro for garden-loving shoppers who also have an affinity for chickens; tips to help plan your succession even before it’s that time; a Winter Farmers Market at Primex Garden Center in Pennsylvania; and much more.
Cheers,
Videos
