Don't lose momentum

The end of the main selling season and transition into a slower, but potentially profitable second season, offers an opportunity to innovate, take risks and challenge yourself to continue to improve your IGC. From trade shows to workshops to good ‘ole planning ahead, fall is a great time to take a step back and evaluate the direction your IGC is headed, and make necessary changes. In this issue, we strive to give you the tools you need to make the most of the remaining months in 2012, and plan for 2013.

Have you taken time yet to reflect back on the season, and compare the results to your original expectations? Last January, Garden Center spoke with several garden center owners and operators about their outlook for the 2012 season, and it was a mixed bag. This month, we caught up with some of them and compared their predictions with what actually happened. Overall, the results were encouraging, and all were hopeful that 2013 would be at least as profitable as 2012, if not better. Turn to page 18 for a more in-depth analysis of the situation.

Once again, garden center consultant Ian Baldwin shares his interpretation of the National Gardening Survey results, including 3 trends that you shouldn’t overlook in 2013, and surprising data about where customers are actually shopping. Check out the full article on page 22.

Many independent garden center owners attended OFA Short Course (coverage on page 95), taking advantage of the garden center-specific educational track, as well as the Garden Center Live! area, hoping to learn more about the latest trends and ideas for next season. The general vibe we got from the garden center owners that we spoke with was positive, with a few even reporting that they sold out of some of their stock this spring. We’ve also seen garden center owners posting on Facebook and LinkedIn about new ideas that they’d like to try in their store, and seeking advice from peers and experts.

Throughout the issue we share tips for hiring a stellar staff, working with schools, and how to turn the holidays into a selling bonanza at your garden center. Don’t miss the GCP&S supplement starting on page 35, where you’ll find the latest products for your retail store.

We’d love to hear how your garden center fared this spring- drop me a line at kvarga@gie.net or leave us a note on our Facebook wall.

kvarga@gie.net