Articles

It’s the Economy, Stupid! (Or Is It?)

In many parts of the country this spring, it hasn't been the lackluster retail economy that's affected sales as much as it's been the weather. Some states never even had a spring; it went from... more »

Preparing for Hibernation

When it comes to the off-season, the one thing many retailers dread is storage. In a perfect world, you would sell off all your merchandise by the fall and have no need to store anything.... more »

A Splash of Success

Whether delivering a splash of serenity or some unexpected drama, water gardens are proving irresistible for home gardens seeking to energize their landscape. Perhaps it's the soothing sound of water trickling from a fountain, or... more »

Help Customers Find the Perfect Plants

No, I am not looking for a date! But I do have an idea for you that could be both profitable and fun. We all know that our customers (and potential customers) are busy, busy,... more »

Selling the Halloween Story

Halloween, with its widespread appeal and wonderfully wacky nature, presents a lucrative opportunity for garden center retailers willing to inspire — and frighten — fun-loving customers. People of all ages celebrate this holiday, and consumers... more »

The Country Slowly Turns Green

With the mad rush of spring over, you are finally reviewing those sales reports that have piled up on your desk in the past couple of months. As you review which categories and products were... more »

Weeding Out Shoplifters

Communication with customers — and employees — is the key to preventing theft in garden centers. A 2007 report from the National Retail Security Survey estimated total retail losses in 2006 at $41.6 billion, an... more »

Illuminating the Growing Backyard

The mortgage crisis and the reduced value of the American home have stopped many from upgrading to a bigger house. Although most homes aren't expanding indoors, there is one part of the home that continues... more »

Trendspotting at Pack Trials

The Lawn & Garden Retailer staff's trip to the 2008 Pack Trials, which began in Encinitas and wrapped up a week later in Gilroy, was a fantastic opportunity to preview all the breeders' newest introductions... more »

Can Garden Centers Prosper When Customers Pinch Pennies?

Q In the light of the state of the economy, how can a garden center give customers "more bang for their buck" and still make a profit? I think we're all feeling the pinch —... more »

How I Spent My Summer “Staycation”

Remember, back in grade school, writing those one-paragraph essays about all the great things you did over the summer? Mine always involved "extracurricular enrichment" classes in photography or cooking, or long days spent lounging and... more »

More Than a Feeling

Inspiration. It's the first stage of product development and often motivates the final sale. Find the right inspiration, and you'll create an upscale shopping experience that transports your retail guests to another place and time.... more »