Articles
St. Patrick's Day is March 17. For many people in the United States, this holiday is simply an excuse to drink Guinness or pinch people who forget to wear green. For others, it's an opportunity...
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Consumer Picks We had more than 450 consumers come thorough the poinsettia trials during our open house at the University of Florida. The public is invited to tour the trials and participate in evaluating varieties...
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Every winter, garden centers are stocked to the rafters with ornaments, lighting, holiday-themed trinkets and fresh greenery in anticipation of a busy Christmas season. Those items are perfect for sprucing up your customers' houses and...
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Ever since that mean sixth-grader let it slip in the lunchroom that Santa Claus wasn't real, Christmas has seemed like something of a gamble to most of us. The National Retail Federation reported last month...
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This month, we asked our panelists to share their 2008 gardening plans with us. What lessons from 2007 are they taking with them into this season? With spring just a couple of months away, homeowners...
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It's no secret that 2008 is predicted to be a tough year for retailers as consumers deal with a lot of real and perceived economic uncertainties, all resulting in a depressed retail economy and fewer...
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Terms such as "sustainability," "eco-friendly" and, of course, "recyclable" have been appearing with growing consistency throughout the news and in advertisements, but what ideas are behind these terms, and why do so many people think...
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When Southwest Airlines sashayed onto the scene in 1971, there was no question that the then three-aircraft airline serving three Texas cities was the underdog. For its giant competitors who dominated the skies, the quirky...
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The British poet John Donne wrote in the 17th century that no man is an island, meaning people aren't isolated but instead linked to one another in some way. Hundreds of years later, his words...
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In many communities, garden centers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for local residents. They bring nature, beauty and a sense of tranquility. As such, garden centers often dig deep roots...
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Success in retail is predicated on the ability to compel the prospective customer to stop, look and buy. Throughout retail's grand evolution, merchants have creatively enticed customers into their stores and through their selling environments....
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Yes, it's true; the Christmas season is behind us (and I hope it was a great season for everyone), but the time for making wishes come true and fulfilling dreams is right in front of...
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