Management
Navigating workforce issues between generations
As a 1985 baby, I fall into two categories: millennial and Generation X. This didn’t seem like much of a concern as I was entering the workforce. I recall being grouped as “entitled and lazy”... more »
Laying the technology foundation for future growth
As a smaller company, it’s difficult to keep up with technology, especially since delivering these experiences seems to require spending big. However, by partnering with the right technology companies and being creative with implementing them... more »
Tips for identifying your staff’s top talents
A few years ago, I worked with a garden center owner on a strategic repositioning and, since it was their fiscal year end, they were in the process of giving annual performance reviews to their... more »
Steps for Improving Your Business
Winters get pretty dang cold in my home state of Minnesota. Whether you’re a transplant to the state as I am, or you're native born, the winters are long, and you have to make a... more »
New Nonprofit to Provide Grants and Resources to Independent Retailers
Heart on Main Street is a newly formed non-profit organization focused on four main pillars to help independent retailers thrive: financial grants, education, mentorships, and partnerships. “Independent retailers are the heart and soul of our... more »
What’s Trending With Home Gardeners
Garden Media Group owner Katie Dubow had been actively avoiding one of the trends featured in her company’s latest Garden Trends Report — but she encourages garden centers not to do so. “The TikTok trend... more »
Preventing Theft in Your Garden Center
When a customer comes into your garden center, they most likely look at, touch, feel, and sometimes smell or taste the products. With customers getting so up close and personal with your merchandise, how do... more »
Trust Makes the World Go Round …
It’s recent enough that I can still see (and hear) very clearly in my rearview mirror the campaigns for the midterm elections that took place on the federal, state, and local levels during one of... more »
Tips for Educating Your Garden Center Customers
Imagine your garden center on a busy weekend next spring. It’s buzzing with life again as gardeners — new or experienced — are anxious to get their hands back into the soil after a drab... more »
Engaging Plant Purchasers
Plant customers are changing. Years ago, when I first started my graduate work, it was immediately after the Great Recession, and horticulture customers indicated that plants were luxury goods. Given the economic environment, this is... more »
Don’t Let Commodities Ruin Your Season
As I write this in mid-September, the economic climate is tense and uncertain and, as a result, retailers are having trouble planning for the fall/winter 2022 holiday and spring 2023 seasons. As Wayne Gretzky would... more »American Home & Garden Case Study
{Sponsored} American Home & Garden is an Ace Hardware retailer offering hardware and garden products to residents in Manitowoc, Little Chute and Green Bay, Wisconsin. This family-owned... more »
Videos
News
September 13, 2024
Monrovia schedules garden trends, 2025 new varieties webinar
September 12, 2024
J&P Park acquires Northern Brewer
September 12, 2024
Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation funds 10 research and educational grants
September 12, 2024
Accent Decor to open permanent showroom at High Point Market
September 10, 2024
Proven Winners ColorChoice varieties awarded at 2024 Plantarium
September 10, 2024
Garden Media Group releases 2025 Garden Trends Report
September 9, 2024
Fall Casual Market Atlanta offers sourcing, events and education
September 9, 2024
