Garden center promotions and marketing

Data from our State of the Industry surveys reveal just how much garden center marketing has changed in the past five years. In 2013, 68% of retailers reported they were using social media platforms. That number has steadily increased over the years, and this year, 90% of IGCs are using social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram or others to connect with potential customers online, with nearly all of those who are on social media – 97% — using Facebook. More than half of respondents are on Instagram, as well, which is becoming an important space for retailers to share their stories, and products, digitally. About a quarter use Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. In 2013, 63% of IGCs were purchasing advertising in newspapers; that number has dropped by nearly 20%. More retailers are hosting classes and events than in our past surveys, and use of direct mail, radio and TV ads, and billboard or road signs has remained steady.