August 2020
A Little Bit of Everything By Teresa McPherson

This issue highlights three very different ways to grow your garden center profits.

We’re in the midst of a heat wave here in western Pennsylvania with no drop — of the temperature type or the rain type — in sight. While I’d rather come visit you all in the garden center, it’s been kinda nice just staying in the air conditioning.

So tell me, how has your year been so far? What did you do differently (COVID-19-wise and from a business standpoint)? Drop me a line at [email protected] to tell me what you’ve been doing!

Rising Industry Stars

Each year, Lawn & Garden Retailer’s sister publication GPN Magazine recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who are really making a difference in the horticultural industry. There is always a good representation on the retail side of the industry, including the six men and women we’re highlighting in this issue. Click here to read about these trailblazers.

We’re shining the spotlight on another 40 Under 40 alumnus (Class of 2019) and hort industry leader this month: Tiger Palafox, vice president of Mission Hills Nursery in San Diego, California, a host on the Garden America radio program. Spend “5 Minutes With” him here.

Be sure to visit gpnmag.com/40-under-40-awards to find out about the Class of 2020 as well!

Growing IGC Profits

This issue highlights three very different ways to grow your garden center profits. First, learn about how Cold Creek Nurseries turned to former wildlife biologist and birding expert Ron Brenneman to help increase the birding offerings in their retail location.

Second, in “Mini Gardens = Big Profits,” find out how retailers can turn the leading trend in plant purchases into incremental sales opportunities.

And here, discover how CBD-related products can be a strong revenue stream for independent garden centers with two examples of IGCs who have taken this route.

Raising New Ideas

Even though it’s only early July as I write this, we’re in the planning stages for 2021 editorial content — what topics would you like to see more of in the magazine? Is there something we haven’t covered that you want to know more about? Send a note to me [email protected] and let me know!