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Austin Bryant with Heart of Florida Greenhouses in Zolfo Springs, Fla., frequently visits his retail customers to see how foliage plants are faring. Indeed, there are top-quality, well-cared-for plants on the benches. But that's the problem. They're sitting on benches, sequestered in the greenhouse.
"It floors me that garden centers have a houseplant 'section,'" Bryant said. "Garden centers spend so much time to make the store feel 'homey' and inviting -- nice colors throughout, a small eating area -- so many things to make the place feel like a home. Then they outcast the interior foliage in a greenhouse. Why not bring those plants into the cafe area? Around the register? By the front doors? Try to create situations with different plants in different containers?"
Those four great merchandising strategies certainly make sense. We think they'll also make some "Cha-ching!," as well.
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