Q. What were your expectations for this season? How did they compare with what actually happened?
A. We prepared for a strong spring after a record number of 100 degree days and water restrictions in both our Texas markets during summer 2011. The temperature and spring rains allowed us to help many customers rejuvenate their outdoor spaces this spring.
Q. What trends did you see this season? What were your customers asking for?
A. We continued to see growth in edibles. Early in the season, fruit trees and berries were well received, and vegetables and herbs continued to grow in popularity.
Q. How will you keep customers coming back into your stores after summer is over?
A. We offer plants and flowers for a second planting season in Texas as well as an extensive seasonal décor collection for fall harvest and Christmas.
Q. Internally, how do you use the slower months to improve Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery stores (store renovations, research, training, etc.)?
A. Coming together as a management team to plan and visiting industry shows helps us prepare for the coming 12 months. We also interact with our peers to exchange ideas and seek feedback.
Q. Can you tell me more about what the company’s recruiting and training/professional development program?
A. Any company that’s going to grow and continually improve has to consistently focus on improving their people through training. Recruiting good talent is important to augment the existing talent.
Q. What do you see as Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery’s biggest opportunity in the next year?
A. Our best opportunity is to continue to engage our customers with helpful garden information and superior products in terms of quality and variety.
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