| Join Our List |
Eileen Nelson
UW-Madison Department of Horticulture
608-265-5283 |
|
|
|
Dennis Stimart, former UW Madison Horticulture Department Professor passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2010.
Dennis' tenure in the department included research focussing on plant breeding and genetics with an emphasis in cut flower longevity; teaching and student responsibilities; and chair of the department from 2000 - 2008. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Allen Centennial Gardens and the design of the D.C. Smith Greenhouse on the UW Campus.
|
| GrowerTalks "Under an Acre" features Wisconsin Operation |
| The latest issue of GrowerTalks Magazine features Season's Harvest Greenhouse in Menomonie, WI. in their "Under an Acre" article. Josh Bergmann, owner, is the first of the sixth generation of greenhouse operations to open his own store.
Some of Josh's advice as quoted in the article:
"No matter the age of the customer, Josh's No. 1 tip is to realize the importance of the relationship between the garden center and the customer, especially for the family-owned business in a small community. Josh suggests listening to customers in their entirety before answering, allowing you to give them complete answers to their questions. They may not be talking about plants at times, but simply may need a friend to listen. Be a listener, make them feel comfortable and have a genuine feeling toward the customers because they can sense insincerity. Josh urges his employees to be honest with the customers and to not be afraid of giving advice and suggesting plants that are complementary to those in their carts. Josh often refers to past conversations and memories when he sees a customer. He says garden centers need to have great quality products and to be destinations where people like to spend time. Every Mom-and-Pop store should have "quality and relationship" in their mission statements." |
USDA Floriculture Crops Summary
|
|
Marvin Miller, Market Research Manager for Ball Horticultural Company reviews the recently released USDA Floriculture Crops Summary.
His informatoin about changes in the various segments of the industry is interesting and worth reading. His analyses are followed by the following observation: Perhaps a more salient observation suggests that our industry has relied for too long on traditional sales and impulse sales, and has ignored the much-discussed new buying habits of consumers, which suggest a more contemplative purchase pattern.
This argument, which is gaining many followers among consumer economists and marketers, suggests that the consumer today is looking for additional reasons to justify any spending. Several trends, which include a greater desire to save, the sudden recognition that previous spending habits yielded little satisfaction but garnered a lot of "meaningless stuff," and a more introspective consumer who is spending more time evaluating competing products to discern the greater values, support this argument.
The availability of electronic communication, the Internet, and social media are the tools which theoretically allow the consumer easy access to information supporting the contemplative and decision-making processes. Perhaps our industry needs to learn to market its products using "more than pretty" as the reason the consumer should be buying. The industry certainly has much research at the ready which can support claims of everything from economic development, environmental improvements and lifestyle enhancements. These arguments are aimed at helping the consumer recognize the industry's products as necessities for their well-being and less a luxury which can be afforded only in good times. Many of the studies supporting such claims can be found on the America in Bloom website www.americainbloom.org under "Community Resources."
In any case, nationwide prosperity isn't likely to be just around the corner. Difficult issues, including immigration reform, health care, labor issues, overseas conflicts, international trade and the value of the dollar all may impact our industry in the next few years. Competition to woo the customer also is an issue, as is quality, pricing, service and value. In the end, our industry will need to court the consumer in a smarter manner than ever before |
| Fall Profit Opportunities | | |
GardenCenter Magazine is featuring a supplement that highlights 10 product categories where you may find some things that could provide fall profits.
|
| Cash Flow | | | ANLA Knowledge Center
It's that time again! The spring 2011 buying shows are upon us...will you and your buyers fall prey to "cheaper by the dozen" and wind up with more inventory than you need? When confronted with great deals, savvy salespeople, and tantalizing new merchandise, your business' cashflow must remain your number one priority. Tune in to learn some quick rules of thumb for buying and optimizing cashflow for a healthy spring season ahead!
Cash Flow is the latest episode in ANLA's Prescriptions for Profit, short clips to give you something to think about as you plan for the coming season. |
| Community Gardens | | | Is there an opportunity for your business to participate in a community garden project?
Read this article from Today's Garden Center to find out how three retailers did just that. |
|
|
