Garden Centers of America (GCA) recently announced that its Fashion in Bloom (FIB) event will take place on Sept. 20-22, 2007. The venues for the 2007 event have changed from six locations to three — Conard-Pyle Company, West Grove, Pa.; Homestead Growers, Davidsonville, Md.; and the American Horticultural Society, River Farm, Alexandria, Va. The event is designed to provide independent garden centers an opportunity to get a fresh look at the new annuals, perennials, trees, vines, shrubs and ornamentals that will be the “hot new” varieties in spring 2008.
During the two “trade” days (Sept. 20-21), garden center retailers will interact with breeder/marketer companies, see new plant introductions and product displays, learn merchandising ideas and keep up to date on the latest industry trends.
In making the announcement, Sandi Hillermann McDonald, president of GCA, said, “We are pleased to continue to offer the industry this outstanding event. It has proved to be an excellent venue for independent garden center owners to see the latest in new varieties and new products in settings outside of the traditional trade show format. I want to express GCA’s sincere appreciation to our 2006 host locations, participating companies and the Advisory Committee for the outstanding job they did in 2006. We are looking forward to an even more exciting venue in 2007.”
New in 2007 will be designated host hotels located in the Baltimore, Md., area with shuttle bus service among the venues. This service allows attendees to meet other garden center retailers and network during the driving time. Having educational presentations, such as new retail trends, during the bus travel is also being investigated.
Consumer days will also be expanded in 2007. McDonald said there will be two days set aside for consumers. Consumers will be invited to visit the venues on Sept. 21, and Sept. 22, to see the plant varieties they will be able to purchase in the spring of 2008.
For more information on Fashion In Bloom, visit www.gardencentersofamerica.org.
