Store Design

March 1, 2023

Deadline extended for garden center innovator awards

How innovative is your garden center? Share your story now for the 2023 Lawn & Garden Retailer Innovator Awards. These awards will recognize garden centers for excellence in categories such as: Community Involvement, Classes and... more »

October 12, 2016

Nexus Corp. Acquired by Gibraltar Industries

Nexus Corp. has been acquired by Gibraltar Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of building products for industrial, infrastructure, residential and renewable energy and conservation markets. The all cash $25 million transaction closed on Oct. 11.... more »

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The Pacific North(b)est Part II

I logged visits to 12 garden centers in three days in the Pacific Northwest. The following photos are just a few things that caught my eye. Part two: the Greater Portland area. I hope you... more »

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The Pacific North(b)est

This past fall, I hopped on a plane west, picked up two hours in the process, rented a car and jockeyed time between two standout cities in the Pacific Northwest — Seattle, WA and Portland,... more »

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Let Me Explain: History in Black and White

Many independent garden centers have a rich family history that many of your customers may know little about. Why not show them? Time is on your side. Actually, history is on your side. As an... more »

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Take A Seat

What have you done to make shopping a little easier, more comfortable or even streamlined? The Chicago metropolitan area, aka Chicagoland, tops out around 9.5 million people, according to the 2010 Census. This staggering amount... more »

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Let Me Explain…

...a few things I found interesting on a recent tour of United Kingdom garden centers.The British are known for their classical gardens and old Victorian greenhouses that contain amazing, old and important plant collections. Beyond... more »

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Let Me Explain…

...the unique signage at Baker's Acres Greenhouse and how it helps create a memorable shopping experience.From our diverse and unusual plant selection right down to our signs, we try to be as original as possible... more »

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Consumer Insight

Think outside of the pot. Through market research, learn new ways to innovate and create additional value for consumers.I'm often asked to explain what I do for a living. In short, I specialize in asking... more »

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Give Me A Break

The Breakroom is an important space, whose proper purpose must be defined and protected so as to serve the most critical and important functions all the time and that is to serve the people who... more »

Keys to Showing Off

To become an inspiration destination for your customers, introduce bold colors, technology and better planning to endcaps and dead ends.Lawn and garden retailers face many of the same challenges as other retailers. Learning from fashion,... more »

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You Have Arrived!

A well executed garden center entrance not only sets the tone of an emotional experience, it opens the minds and the wallets of your customers.Captivating the interest of consumers begins outside of our physical business... more »