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As noted in a recent Garden Centers of America e-newsletter, there's a garden center that has stared the current economic and gardening client in the face -- and decided to take significant action. The main focus at Begick Nursery & Garden Center in Bay City, Mich., is and always has been plants. However, President Paul Begick and his team know that diversification is the key to driving repeat business and getting people to buy multiple items in the store - including the plants.
That's why the heavy equipment department is a no-brainer for the retailer. Products like edgers, blowers, chainsaws and cordless power tools all involve the great outdoors and helps Begick's become a one-stop shop for customers.
"Instead of saying 'Your landscape job is done, see you in 20 years,' they can visit our store for whatever they might need to keep their plants looking good," Begick says. "We try to be as complete a garden center as possible."
Margins aren't high on power equipment, but offering such items does offer year-round products (including snowblowers in the winter). By also offering a service department the garden center increases the amount of visits to the operation. Begick carries Toro and Stihl, and services a multitude of different brands. Stihl is exclusive to independent retailers, and provides training for employees on the details of its products.
Begick also carries another unique line of products: beer- and wine-making supplies. It's just another department that helps to increase visits, but this one is a high-markup, high-profit area. For many years it was unique to Begick Nursery & Garden Center, too, so customers knew where their only source of supplies would be. With the hobby growing in popularity, Begick now has some competition but still wins out by offering seminars and employees who are knowledgeable and passionate about it.
"It's a niche market, but again, you have to have somebody who knows about it who's able to answer questions about it," Begick adds. "To make it really successful, any one of these departments needs someone to take ownership of it."
You can talk to Paul Begick and his team about these departments, as well as about their experience surviving two years of road construction surrounding the operation, on this year's GCA Summer Tour. Click here to register now!
And as you gear for Spring 2012, start thinking about creative ideas you can come up with to ensure some more Cha-ching!