Articles

10158

Innovation…A Competitve Advantage

Most companies, whether they are suppliers or retailers, have a very narrow view of innovation, usually focusing on just products and services, and they devote much more energy to optimizing what they are currently doing... more »

10158

National Wildflower Week

Mother's Day doesn't have to be the only big money-making holiday for you in May. National Wildflower Week is May 4-10, and it's a great time to promote some of the products and green goods... more »

10158

LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER HEADLINES

From OFA to You OFA reports the latest in the industry. By Joe Boarini and John Holmes What is OFA? Simply put, OFA is an association of floriculture professionals. Our mission is to support and... more »

10158

The Kmart Saga Re-visited

In this column one year ago, March 2002, I reviewed the January 2002 Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing by Kmart, the largest retail bankruptcy in U.S. history. I reviewed what I believed were the causes... more »

10158

National Boost Your Hometown Month

For the entire month of April, you have the opportunity to encourage community beautification as well as the long-term purchasing of plant materials from your garden center. How? April is National Boost Your Hometown Month,... more »

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Teaching People to Think

At the foundation of most successful training programs is a philosophy of developing self-motivated, creative thinkers. Instead of just sharing information, great training sessions open minds to new ways of thinking and, in the best... more »

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Unlimited outdoor living

Merchandising a home and garden store in a congested urban area is challenge enough, but when the owners of our garden center decided to invest heavily in outdoor furniture, we were faced with an obvious... more »

10158

Pack It Up and Head West

One of the biggest problems in our industry right now is something you may not even be aware of but could very well be perpetuating. Are you waiting until the last minute to place your... more »

10158

Winner’s Circle

Year after year, All-America Selections, All-America Rose Selections, The Perennial Plant Association, The American Hosta Growers Association, All-America Daylily Selection Council and FloraStar select the plants under their mandate that stand out from the rest.... more »

10158

Going Native

Ten years ago, only die-hard botany freaks and wildlife aficionados were into native plants. Today, you'll find botanical garden and native plant society plant sales are mob scenes, as everyone tries to get first pick... more »

10158

LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER HEADLINES

Large Turnout for Management Clinic More than 800 growers, retailers, nurserymen and other businesspeople attended the American Nursery and Landscaper Association's (ANLA) 2003 Management Clinic in Louisville, Ky., January 30 through February 2. Sessions were... more »

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Pots, Plants & Profit

With the rising popularity of mixed containers, we've seen a number of retailers offering design/potting services: The customer consults an in-house designer, and for a minimal amount, the next day, they have a custom-designed mixed... more »