Marketing

April 2010
Tweet Your Way In

Connecting to customers and building loyal relationships is an important element to grow sales. Can it be done 140 characters at a time?The ways to connect with customers continue to expand in this age of... more »

March 2010
Spring Awakening

The calendar pages are flipping, and customers are chomping at the bit to get into your garden center. Here's a look at what some of our panelists are excited about for the coming season.Maria, 53ChicagoIf... more »

March 2010
Turn Sunshine Into Profits

Make your independent garden center the community authority on outdoor living with great selection, a trend-forward staff and a strong online identity.One of my favorite spring rituals is visiting local garden centers to watch the... more »

March 2010
Ready for Your Close-up?

There's nothing like a little television air time to promote your garden center and tout your own expertise. Everyone loves a star!Early last spring, I received a phone call from Boston's CBS affiliate, WBZ-TV (www.wbztv.com).... more »

March 2010
The Green Scene

The eco-friendly furor died down a bit at retail as the economy took a turn for the worse, but sustainability hasn't left consumers' minds at all. We asked our panel about their priorities — and... more »

March 2010
Facebook: The ‘X’ Files

Get in touch with your younger potential customer base — and show your existing customers how with the times you are — by hopping on FacebookAs an independent retailer, two of the most important things... more »

February 2010
Greatest Shows on Earth?

Local garden shows are a great place for gardeners to learn about which plants will perform well in their area and get inspired by experts and peers alike. This month, we asked our panelists whether... more »

February 2010
Social Networking: Does it Work?

Texas-based Calloway's Nursery never wanted a New York PR agency approach to reaching their customers. So theirs stays true to its roots: It ties in with every aspect of their marketing plan and is tailored... more »

Fresh Growth for 2010
Fresh Growth for 2010

As you continue preparations for the quickly approaching spring season, the consumer panel is doing a little growing of its own: We're welcoming a few more gardeners this year. Here are a few quick introductions!Amelia,... more »

Hello My Name is Your New Best Friend
Hello My Name is Your New Best Friend

Ah, the power of the press! But in an age where consumer print publications are cutting back on the pages they give to gardening, it may be time to foster relationships elsewhere. Start with local... more »

Twitter and Facebook and iPhones…Oh, My!
Twitter and Facebook and iPhones…Oh, My!

After nearly 80 years in business, Pemberton Farms & Garden Center has really taken a leap in to the 21st century and added a heavy social media element to its marketing and promotion efforts. Adding... more »

Suggestion Box
Suggestion Box

Although we have a few months before spring hits, it's never too early to start preparing for your busiest season. This month, we asked our panelists to offer tips that would improve their garden center... more »