Set your stall out

This year more than ever you need to be sure of what you plan to do while bearing in mind that it will be an unpredictable year. I know that's a contradiction really but the important thing is to have a plan.
Sure, you might need to change it quarter or half way into the season depending on what's happening elsewhere but by having a game plan and setting out your stall at least you have a point of reference to work from.
Don't fly from the seat of you pants!
Oh, and Happy New Year!

That Festive Spirit

This Christmas, more than any other year, will be a hard one for retailers. I guess that's stating the obvious but it's easy for management and staff to forget that each person entering your store is a treasure.
Treat them like royalty, feed them, pamper them and make them feel at home. Help them choose a tree, decorations, gifts, whatever. Spoil them
Don't forget them.

All clean and tidy?

This time of the year is one of the worst as far as housekeeping within the garden center is concerned. With the weather, lack of product turnover and the focus on Christmas and gift ware, plant areas and even outside the front door can get into a bit of a state.
Have a fresh look around your garden centre and address the issues before they become a major problem. Customers see cobwebs and rubbish quicker than you do.
Get cleaning and give the right impression.

Hot Dog!

I came across this picture on the web and it got me thinking.
Halloween is a growing market in garden centres and god knows it needs as much promotion as possible. Most garden centres have a pet shop or at least pet products so why not combine both?
Have a Halloween fancy dress competition for pets. Promote it well in your local papers and the garden centre.
Get going!

Quality and Perception

There's really no excuse for having dead or poor quality plants for sale. Ok, so no one likes throwing out stock but poor quality won't sell so cut your losses. It only brings down the perception of your garden centre in the eyes of customers.
Many garden centres seem to persist with the idea that it's wrong to throw out plants. It's not, but it was wrong to let them get to that point. Have a llok at your stock with unblinkered eyes, maybe it's time you reviewed your quality control, buying, maintenance, etc.

Make the Most of It

Although the weather is not conducive to plant sales at he moment, remember to stock items that will sell. It might seem obvious but don't forget that wellies, umbrellas and wet gear should sell well in this weather. Stock up and keep a close eye on stock levels to achieve maximum stock turn. Giftware and indoor plants are also areas to watch.

Interesting Times?

There is an (alleged) Chinese curse that says "May you live in interesting times". It's an interesting turn of phrase and it certainly applies to the current climate; both economic and weather wise.
I think the key thing to remember is not to panic. Have a good look around your store (or get me to!) and highlight the areas that need improving to drive sales.

Are your offers good enough?
Is your signage good enough?
Are you buying as well as you should be?
How are your margins?
And most importantly, how am I getting customers in to my store?

Do it now!