Finding your style as a garden center retailer

(Note: This article represents the opinion of the author and not that of Garden Center magazine. Author Heidi Wollaeger writes for Michigan State University Extension.)

From Michigan State University Extension:

Imagine you are interviewing a budding entrepreneur and ask them one of the most fundamental questions to their business success, “What is your vision for the style of your store?” Do you want to be a Walmart, Trader Joe’s or a small boutique retailer? Garden center owners should have a defined vision of the size and personality of their retail store to stay focused. This means that all of the products, displays, communication materials and the general look and feel of the store are all consistent with the style so that consumers get a consistent “picture” of what to expect – and they like it!

When visiting 12 garden centers while at the 2015 International Garden Center Congress in Denmark, it became evident that many successful retail owners deliberately chose the style and function of their store. I will compare and contrast two very beautiful and very different garden centers in Denmark and offer my impressions and other editorial comments.

For the rest of this story, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.