Griffin announces plans to expand retail division, brings in former Commerce employees

Griffin Greenhouse Supplies (“Griffin”) announced Feb. 19 that it will expand the retail division of its lawn and  garden business, with emphasis on independent garden centers, according to a company statement. Griffin plans to add new staff, product lines and services to its retail offering, and expects to roll out its broadened retail offer to customers in spring 2013.

As part of the expansion, Griffin has added former Commerce Corporation employees Jim Rottenberg, John Johnston and Megan Karantzalis to its staff. The trio brings retail space planning and design, brand development and consumer marketing experience, according to the statement.

Griffin is a provider of greenhouse and nursery supplies, and has served professional growers since 1947. Through its hard-goods business, Griffin spans a 20-state region from Maine to Georgia.

“This growth is a logical next step in our company’s progression,” said Rick Hyslip, president of Griffin. “We already have the logistics in place to serve customers throughout the East Coast with speed and efficiency. Many of our grower customers also have retail space; they can now benefit from integrated ordering and fulfillment of their wholesale and retail needs.”