Welcome to Week 30 and day 201 of 2015!
This week we are excited to welcome a new client to The Group. Shorty's Garden & Home in Vancouver, WA is a multi-generation family business with Brian and Ines Mahoney, and son Colin. They are excited and ready to become active in The Group's programs and look forward to interacting with all of us! Please help us welcome the Mahoney's at Shorty's to The Group!
We also have the review of the Retailers' Choice Awards™ winners at Cultivate'15 below. I am sure you will be making some notes from the list. Or better yet, just download the PDF summary at the bottom of the section. THANK YOU to everyone who helped in this process. It is fun and beneficial as you see things others found (and you missed).
The Fall Event Hotel Update: I f you would like to request a King room at The Rosen Plaza, book a Double and then on STEP 5 screen, note King Room Requested in the Request Field. Or, if you are making phone reservations simply tell them. The hotel will try to accommodate your request... but they can't promise it. Read more about the 80/20 rule in Orlando in The Fall Event Hotel area below.
Danny
_________________________
Quote for the Week: "Start with good people, lay out the rules, communicate with your employees, motivate them and reward them. If you do all those things effectively, you can't miss."
Lee Iacocca, Automobile Executive, led the team at Ford to develop the Mustang and later directed the reviving of the Chrysler Corporation in the 80's. Author of "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" in 2007, Iacocca goes into the test of a good leader, citing these C's: Curiosity, Creative, Communicate, Character, Courage, Conviction, Charisma, Competent, Common Sense and the one he regards as most important, Crisis.
|
 |
|
There are Rules in Retail
by Robert Hendrickson
|
Shopping the town's farmer's market didn't take long... there were no vinyl record stores to be found... and the used book store only took a few minutes to explore. All that was left to do was visit garden centers. Google said there were three locations selling plants... one called a greenhouse and two called nurseries. All were located close to each other making them easy to find. The greenhouse location said Closed so I'm guessing it's only open during the Spring. That left the two places called Nurseries.
A little back-story before we continue...
it was a beautiful, blue sky, puffy white clouds, mid-70's degree Saturday the end of June around noon in an Illinois community of decent size. The perfect garden center shopping day. I had just come off a three day tour of Milwaukee gardens and garden centers with GCA so retained that tour-mode expectation. While my visit to this Illinois community was personal rather than business, my expectation of companies representing our industry remained resolute.
The two companies I visited were open for business and had a number of things in common...
- neither company "owned" the market
After so many years in the industry it's easy for me to know which garden center in any market is the top-dog just by the look, feel, smell, welcome and vibe... usually before I even get out of the car. With only two players in this community, you would think one of them would have stepped up to the challenge by now.
- neither one took annuals seriously
In spite of really nice retail greenhouse structures, the first stop was bare of annuals other than a few hanging baskets. It was no doubt a landscape focused retailer with blocks of B&B material and multiple bins of bulk material. Growing fields of evergreens and shade trees encompassed the property with plenty of delivery trucks lined up in waiting as if a parade was soon to begin.
Why do so many landscape firms believe that since they sell plants, all it takes to become a garden center is to have buildings, week-end hours, statuary and a couple of people in t-shirts? Plants are their only common denominator. Everything else is so unique the landscaper might just as well open a bagel shop.
The second location had annuals as long as shoppers could maneuver down a series of steps and squeeze through the narrow grower bench aisles into the historically preserved glass greenhouses. Once there, choices were relegated to overgrown, dried-out packs and a few small pots of veggies and herbs.
Retail Rules of the Road:
"The garden center that controls the market for annuals controls the market."
- perennials at both locations were confined to a few benches and other than daylilies, were either out of bloom or out of season plants displayed in no rhyme or reason
Retail Rules of the Road:
"Annuals attract outdoor decorators... perennials attract gardeners. Garden centers need both to thrive."
- all the major branded plant and plant care products were available
Retail Rules of the Road:
"The most important brand is you."
- both locations had the ubiquitous, cobweb covered fairy garden products
Retail Rules of the Road:
"Just because it's touted doesn't make it true.
- both locations had handouts promoting special events and seminars
Retail Rules of the Road:
"The only companies that should be doing special events and seminars are those that have learned how to make a profit selling inventory before doing special events and seminars." - neither locations had paved aisles in outdoor plant departments
Retail Rules of the Road:
"The easier it is to shop, the more that people buy."
- both locations had industry provided plant variety signs on some plants, hand-written price signs on others
- both locations had two staff people on call... inside the store
- neither locations were running any advertising the cashiers knew of when asked
- both locations posted Revolutionary 100 plaques  And the over-powering similarity these centers had in common on a beautiful, blue sky, puffy white clouds, mid-70's degree Saturday the end of June around noon on the perfect garden center shopping day...
...they both had just one customer car in their parking lot. And both owners were probably wondering when the economic recession was going to end.
Robert
________________________
Got comments or questions for Robert?
Tel: 410-313-8067
Cell: 443-255-8282
Email: CLICK HERE
Robert Hendrickson is founder of The Garden Center Group and his consulting service is Next New Planet. His on-site work spans most aspects of a garden center today and his greatest passion is your marketing program. He is one of the industry's best at helping you craft your message to your customer. Today, he is Service Provider for The Garden Center Group.
Phone and email support with Robert is included in your Group Retainer!
|
|
Retailers' Choice Awards™ - at Cultivate'15
reported by Sid Raisch and Danny Summers
| |
The Retailers' Choice Awards™ at Cultivate'15 were presented to ten exhibiting firms at Cultivate'15 in Columbus, OH on July 13, 2015. The Garden Center Group's Sid Raisch and Danny Summers lead the search as garden retailers selected the best new products, both live goods and hard goods, for their stores. Following is a list of firms and the products receiving recognition:
|
American Takii Seed
Asian Veg (concept or promotional ideas - Asian Veg Seed with carryout containers).
American Takii does not sell their seed this way, only giving some creative ideas for us to use. They have had so many positive questions, they have put together an infor sheet on where to source the "take out" containers, tags, etc. If you have some Asian veggie seeds, here's a great way to assemble an upscale combo!
Website: http://www.takii.com/vegetables/
CLICK HERE to download the PDF Promo ideas and source information.
|
Bloem, LLC
Bloembagz - "Underpants for your Plants"
Bloem has created a line of flexible fabric lined containers in various colors and with many designs (pockets) and colors. While at their booth our judges really liked the product tagline... Underpants for your Plants!"
Website:http://www.bloemliving.com/bloem-bagz.html
CLICK HEREfor the PDF full details of Bloembagz.
| |
Braun Horticulture
Vertical Shutter
Braun is famous for creative containers. Our judges loved this new take on something old... a vintage look wooden verticial shutter with planting space for small plants. The sample showed some GREAT succulents that would make an impressive upgrade to produce a strong sale. Check them out!
Website:http://www.braungroup.com/garden-products/
|
Cultivaris
Buddleia Wisteria Lane
Cultivaris' Josh Schneider gave us details of this great find, a Buddleia davidii selection that cascades with huge flowers that resemble Wisteria blooms.
Website:http://www.cultivaris.com
CLICK HERE for more photos of this great plant!
| |
 Hort Couture's
Asclepias Monarch Promise
Hort Couture's Jennifer Hatalski and jim Monroe gave us these details: This special ascelpias has beautiful green and white variegated foliage that is tinged with red, orange and pink tips of of the leaves. The bright orange-red flowers attract Monarch butterflies as well as other species of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. It can be used in the landscape or in container gardens. Hardy to Zone 10-11.
Website: http://www.hortcoutureplants.com/product-detail/asclepias-monarch-promise™-ppaf
|  Le Primitif Galleries Barrel Art from Haiti David McCabe told us they began working with artists in Haiti in 1976 to import the finest quality, recycled steel oil drum sculptures. Because each piece is hand-chiseled, each piece is an original work of art. The designs are chalked out on flattened steel oil drums and then cut out with a mallet and chisel. These works grace such prestigious institutions as the Museums of Modern Art in Paris and New York. This beautiful, hand-chiseled wall hanging was crafted in Haiti from recycled steel oil drums and can be displayed inside or outside to elevate the decor . Website: http://www.leprimitifgalleries.com | |
 Plants Neveau
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Noblisse'
Linda Guy and Angela Treadwell Palmer gave us the details on this great new Hydrangea mac. as one of the newest selections from the Everlasting Series.
Crisp, celery green flowers are brightened by white centers with complimentary purple eyes. As the blooms mature, the white is not as prominent, turning a more saturated green. A strong grower, with remarkable flower power, Noblesse is a lovely choice for a garden setting, while doubling as the perfect cut flower for weddings and other important events.
Website: http://plantsnouveau.com/plant/hydrangea-everlasting-noblesse/
|  Proven Winners North America Calibrachoa Holy Moly
PW's Dave Konsoer gave us the preview of this new introduction ready for retail in 2016. This stricky yellow and red combination is quite a sight! This plant has true in-ground performance and none of the root and pH issues that can cause problems with other Calibrachoa.
Website:https://www.provenwinners.com/p/10572
| |
 Theuts Flower Barn
New Collection of succulents planters and topiaries - Zoo Collection
Theuts' Flower Barn is no stranger to Retailers' Choice Awards... winning at Cultivate'14, TPIE and now again at Cultivate'15. Thsi time is a new line of Zoo Animal containers with succulents Thuets are known for.
Website:http://www.theutsflowerbarn.com
|  Willoway Nurseries ChickCharms Hens & Chicks
Willoway caught the judges' attention with this new line of Hens and Chicks combos called ChickCharms, a line selected by plantsman Chris Hansen. The snappy tags and product name along with combinations makes this a real winner with customers!
Website: http://www.willowaynurseries.com
|
___________________________
A special THANK YOU to everyone that participated in the Retailers Choice Awards™ at Cultivate'15!
CLICK HERE to download the PDF Summary.
|
|
The Fall Event 2015
Registration & Hotel Block - Have you registered?
|
The Fall Event 2015 Invitations have been mailed to all Group Clients, so you should have received your copy by now. If not, let us know and we will mail you another copy. Ready to preview The Fall Event 2015 Full Program? CLICK HERE to download!
Group Retailers - Register OnLIne Now! Just register online CLICK HERE, or, you can complete the paper Registration Form you received in the mail and fax to 678-909-7771.
Fall Event Sponsors - Reminder You are registered through The Fall Event Sponsor Form. If you need to confirm details or update who's attending, contact Danny Summers.
Group Hotel Block - Now Open! The Fall Event Hotel Block at The Rosen Plaza, is now open for reservations. Both Group Clients and Sponsors are encouraged to make your reservations today.
Room rate is only $135 (single or double) plus lots of extras. Rooms are limited, so don't delay. But be sure to review The Fall Event Program (link above) to see all of the great optional activities you can enjoy before making your room reservations. You may wish to extend your stay. Group Hotel Block rates are offered 3 days prior and 3 days post event.
The Rosen Plaza... though our Housing Partner, VROOMZ!
or CALL VROOMZ at: 877-326-7666
(weekdays 9am-5pm EDT)
UPDATE- KING vs. DBLE: Orlando is the Family Vacation City for sure and as such, 80% of the hotel's guest rooms are Doubles (2 double beds). If you would like request a King, book a Double and then on STEP 5 screen, note King Room Requested in the Request Field.
|
Mark Your Summer Calendar - Retailers' Choice Awards™
Update from Danny Summers
|
We are excited to announce The Group will again be conducting its Retailers' Choice Awards™ at three upcoming summer industry events. This Group search for the best of what's new and different for retail is a fun and productive process. If you haven't participated before, be sure to sign up for the event of your choice (or all three) and make plans to be with us!
Here's the Retailers' Choice Awards™ Summer Event Lineup:
July 21-23, 2015 Atlanta, GA
Ready to help Sid select the best of SNA 2015? Send him an email today: EMAIL
August 27-29, 2015 Portland, OR
Special Offer just for Group Retailers
FarWest 2015: Special Discount for You. CLICK HERE REGISTERED NOW, use code
"GC15" for
a FREE Name Badge. Can be redeemed for multiple staff members.
Want to help Sid select the best of Farwest? Send him an email: EMAIL
|
|
The Fall Event 2015 - More Great Sponsors!
| |
The Fall Event is an industry exclusive... a unique collaboration between
Retailers, Service Providers, and Vendors, all focused on one goal:
Helping Group Retailers be More Successful!
The Fall Event has the support of the industry's Finest Growers and Manufacturers!
More Great Fall Event Sponsors - continued on right column ---->
|
|
|
|
PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS - Preferred Vendors
|
Bailey Nurseries
Partners for Success - Helping you thrive not just survive!
|
The Espoma Company
A natural in the garden since 1929.
|
Horticultural Craftsmen
Since 1926
Monrovia
Distinctively Better Plants!
|
Prides Corner Farms
Our goal is to be your best business partner, a partner that helps you grow, helps you sell and helps you to be more profitable.
|
Proven Winners
is proud to support the members of The Garden Center Group. We are here to help your business grow with great new plants and programs to increase your sales.
|
Star Roses & Plants
The Conard-Pyle Company
is proud to support the members of The Garden Center Group.
Preferred Vendor Info
|
The Fall Event 2015
September 21-24, 2015
ORLANDO, FL
_________________
The Fall Event 2015
QUICK LINKS
GROUP RETAILER
REGISTRATION
GROUP GOLF
________________________
When thinking about travel schedules for The Fall Event, we suggest you plan a few extra days following TFE. There are two reasons:
Watch for more details coming soon!
_________________
The Fall Event
SPONSORS
(continued from main column)
Experience the Magic of The Fall Event 2015
September 21-24, 2015
ORLANDO, FL
Make Plans Now
to Be a Part of This
Annual Group Event!
|
|
|
|
|
Helping garden centers develop the business side of their business!
Save the Date... September 21-24, 2015
The Fall Event - Orlando, FL
Danny Summers - Managing Director NEW GROUP ADDRESS!
PO Box 801494, Acworth, GA 30101
Tel 678-909-7770 - Fax 678-909-7771 - Cell 678-761-7145
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
