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Lipstick Gardening! Colour Your Life
- 12 July 2012
What an extraordinary year! One retailer we work with has described the season so far as being like being at sea, tacking between storms and calms - quite literally sometimes! Extreme weather, hosepipe bans (most now lifted) and economic worries have added up to very tough trading conditions across the country with all regions reporting a disappointing season so far.The old saying 'when the going gets tough...' does apply and those businesses that have invested in their community relations, organised programmes of events, speakers, clubs and school visits are better placed to keep customers and potential customers coming through their doors. Promotions based on information and strong merchandising, especially when linked to social media and local print media, continue to get results. So much better to put resource into this than to discount too early, but multi-buys and link-sales deals will be in order now too.
Pots and containers are the best and quickest way to boost a garden's looks. Many customers are visiting garden centres looking for plants that offer instant gratification! As a garden centre, this is easily catered for - make sure you have on offer a great range of ready-planted pots that your customers can simply buy and take home. For the customer that may prefer to mix and match their own plants and pots, put complementary pots near the plants to encourage that impulse buy. Some people talk about ‘lipstick gardening’ and this is exactly what it is - a mid season pep-up to keep customers' gardens looking at their best.
Don't forget - a summer garden is not only a place for relaxing - Your customers may prefer a bit of action! Now is the time to display those badminton and croquet sets, paddling pools and that retro classic, Swingball! Gardens make brilliant play spaces for the whole family and remind your customers that fun can be had in gardens of all sizes by stocking a fun selection of games for gardens of all sizes.
Source: HortiTrends News Desk
