Garden Center 2.0

This month we delve into several different aspects of technology as they relate to strengthening independent garden centers. From apps to online stores to the importance of educating employees on new technology, there’s something for everyone in this section.

With many customers first consulting a store’s website from the comfort of their own home before deciding whether or not to shop there, maintaining an easy-to-navigate, updated website is crucial — yet not all garden centers have one.

Leslie Halleck explains on page 18 why your store’s website is its digital front door, and why you should spend the extra time to make sure it looks its best.

Speaking of computers, are you still using the Windows XP operating system to run your store’s computers? Read our article on page 26 to find out why you should upgrade to a newer system, and quickly.

And it’s not just on their computer that potential customers are visiting your website - mobile usage continues to rise. Leaders in the horticulture industry have been busy developing apps to bring the consumer closer to the retailer through their mobile phones. Check it out on page 24.

Should you sell products via an online store? British garden center consultant Kevin Waters addresses this question in his column on page 22.

Finally, no matter how helpful technology can be if used the right way, if not used properly, it can be useless. Maria Zampini tells us why it’s vital to have a plan to implement new technology in her column on page 32.