Cha-ching! (1-23)

Gallery Flowers is, technically, more parts florist than garden center. But it provides a service that could prove very valuable for enterprising garden center operators.

The Houston-based retailer offers a wide range of baskets that contain a virtual gamut -- plants, fruit, candy, chips ... you name it. These gift items are very easy to assemble, and they represent the ultimate "sum is bigger than parts" impulse item, one that has appeal in a display and in the home.

To further add to the allure, the staff at Gallery Flowers offers most basket packages in three sizes, so practically every customer can find what she wants -- even if she didn't come into the store wanting a gift basket.

These quick, easy, profitable products virtually sell themselves online and literally sell themselves in the store. There's a word for that kind of selling power: Cha-ching!