Overkill Signage

Yes, there is such thing as too much signage!

The next big thing in garden centre retailing?

Vegetable, or edible, gardening is the current big thing and I have been thinking and researching about what the next big thing will be.
I read somewhere while trawling the net that it was going to be wildlife gardening. I guess this would seem like a natural progression in one way. Maybe you should test the water and see what the reaction is? just pull together existing products, make a decent display, use some good POS and see what happens.

Quality Counts

I've said it before and I'll say it again; Quality Counts.
Even in these tomes of the big 'R' it doesn't mean that customers will accept any old rubbish just because it's cheap. You have a responsibility to provide quality product at an affordable price, that hasn't changed.
Don't leave crap plants out on display. You should have turned them into money before that.

Be Positive

With the sun coming out and customers stirring at last, many people can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. That light may be a long way away but it's there. It's important now to stay positive and project that positivity to staff and customers. If they're happy then it will boost sales.
Be Happy!

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.