April 2019

anything but doom and gloom

The term retail apocalypse describes the large number of brick-and-mortar stores closing since 2010 and continuing today. To me, apocalypse seemed like a rather strong word, calling to mind vi... more

7 Steps to Better Store Penetration

Get shoppers to stay longer and buy more each time they come into your store.

What Are Your Customers Saying About You?

Knowing and responding quickly can make a big difference.

Potential in Pets

In 2018, the pet industry was a $72-billion industry, according to the American Pet Products Association. Year-after-year this number continues to grow as more people are spending more money on their furry — or scaly or feathery — friends. We’ve seen pet departments at some of your garden centers and have heard from others that they’re thinking of adding the category. We surveyed our Lawn & Garden Retailer readers and here are the responses from the garden retailer respondents who sell pet-related products.

Translating Personal Style Into Sales

Is your customer a perfectly pruned boxwood hedge or a billowy field of grasses and flowing flowers? When we’re helping customers design a container garden or a landscape that reflects them and suit... more

Excitement, Energy & Backyards

Have you ever been to the National Hardware Show? Here are five fresh reasons why you should attend the 2019 show.

Growing the Youth Gardening Movement

A joint effort among many in the industry is helping to get kids excited about plants.

Retail Isn’t Dead; Boring Retail Is!

Let me set the stage for you. In 2019, 5,524 regional and national department, discount, sporting goods, home improvement, supermarket and other chain stores closed, while only 1,411 new stores opened... more

Pumpkin Fest

Wasson’s Nursery in Fishers, Indiana — the newest of its three garden centers — has created a huge fall event centered around a pumpkin weigh-off of massive proportions. Lawn & Garden Retailer sat down with owner Bob Wasson to learn how the first two years of the event have gone and big plans for the future.