Knock (Us) Out Photo Contest 2008
Jun 25, 08 Conard-Pyle
Enter your best photos of the Knock Out rose and have your chance to win the Grand Prize from Conard-Pyle Co. Contestants compete to have the best photo of the Knock Out rose in a home garden, commercial landscape or in the most creative use.
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STEPABLES Company Off On a Tech-Savvy Foot
Jun 10, 08 STEPABLES
Under A Foot Plant Company and its STEPABLES plant brand have launched a marketing campaign to create new connections between the brand and consumers, growers and garden centers.
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Sustainable Standards Committee Deadline Re-Extended
May 28, 08 Leonardo Academy
It’s still not too late to have a voice in the formation of a national sustainable agriculture standard. The Leonardo Academy has re-extended the deadline for Standards Committee and subcommittee applications to July 7, 2008.
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Americans Can’t Contain Fondness for Container Gardens
May 12, 08 Texas A&M AgriLife Media Relations
When it comes to using plant-filled pots on the porch or around the landscape, Americans are willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets, according to a recent Texas A&M study. By providing educational material with container garden purchases, retailers can capitalize on this growing trend.
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Retailers Celebrate Earth Day
Apr 22, 08 Lawn & Garden Retailer staff, Orlando Sentinel
Stores across the United States in all industries found ways to promote their eco-friendly agendas on April 22, but do customers really buy into it?
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Around the Industry
Apr 22, 08 Various
Check out the latest from Napa Home & Garden and Rocket Farms
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Wal-Mart Says “We Are Not Green”
Apr 8, 08 Wall Street Journal
In mid-March, after touting the company’s efforts to be more eco-friendly, CEO Lee Scott Jr. proclaimed to a room of eco-conference attendees that the company was not doing enough to be green.
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Develop Better Customer Centricity
Apr 8, 08 Promo Magazine
Promo Magazine, a publication that encourages its readers to use promotional strategies as part of their marketing mix, recently published a story about how to become more focused on your customers.
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Armstrong Buys Pike Family Nurseries
Mar 11, 08 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
California-based Armstrong Garden Centers has purchased 15 Pike Family Nurseries retail locations for $5.2 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week.
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Non-Native Plants Costly for Environment, Pocketbooks
Mar 11, 08 The Conservation Foundation
Whereas non-native plant species cost the United States $200 billion each year to contain and control, according to ecologist Jack Pizzo, native plants contribute to the natural system in various ways.
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Many Consumers Planning a Nontraditional Valentine’s Day for 2008
Feb 12, 08 National Retail Federation, Flower Promotion Organization
According to the National Retail Federation, people are choosing to spend quality time with their loved ones through shared experiences in addition to giving traditional gifts of cards, flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day.
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Around the Industry
Feb 12, 08 Various
Check out the latest from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and AmericasMart.
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SAF Report Tracks Wholesalers’ Trends
Jan 22, 08 SAF
According to a recent “Floral Trend Tracker,” wholesalers are feeling the pain of higher costs, like most members of the floral industry. These higher costs directly impact their bottom line, with many wholesalers becoming smaller, more focused and more select. By prioritizing customer service and satisfaction, wholesalers are trying to hold onto their current customers — and gain some new ones — in an increasingly tight market.
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NGB Showcases 2008 Stars
Jan 8, 08 NGB
The National Garden Bureau (NGB), which highlights a flower and vegetable each year that are notable for adaptability, diversity, versatility and ease in seed propagation, has declared 2008 to be the year of rudbeckias and eggplants. Comprehensive fact sheets on the winners, including history, nomenclature, varieties, growing and disease information, are available on the NGB website.
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Seasonal Concepts Unveils New Concept for Survival
Jan 8, 08 Star Tribune
The new owners of the struggling, Minnesota-based patio furniture retailer, Seasonal Concepts, are hoping a new approach will help the long-standing company regain its profitability. By cutting back to three stores and emphasizing a personal touch, the business is hoping to stay afloat amid a rising housing slump.
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Post-Christmas Sales Attract Shoppers
Jan 8, 08 The Frederick News-Post
Although many consumers do some early holiday shopping in the weeks and even months leading up to Christmas, a lot of shoppers take full advantage of post-Christmas sales. After the big holiday, most retailers mark down holiday and specialty items until they are all sold out.
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SAF PR Campaign Touts the Positive Reaction Flowers Create
Dec 11, 07 Society of American Florists
The Society of American Florists has started a nationwide push to generate media coverage with the results of a 2006 study, which found that people who give flowers make the best impressions.
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$8 Billion in Unclaimed Gift Cards in 2006
Nov 27, 07 CNNmoney.com
According to Consumer Reports, 27 percent of those who received gift cards in 2006 never used them. The group is now launching an education campaign with full-page New York Times ad.
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Garden.org's Top 10 Blooming Gifts
Nov 27, 07 Garden.org
Having trouble deciding which plants to keep in stock for holiday shoppers? Columnist Rebecca Koll recently wrote about her favorite flowering picks to give or receive this holiday season.
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OFA Launches Sustainability Standards Web Page
Nov 13, 07 OFA
OFA — an Association of Floriculture Professionals — has created a new web page to get people in the industry involved in the mounting discussions over establishing national standards for sustainable agriculture.
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NRF Releases Holiday Survey Results
Oct 24, 07 NRF
It looks like 2007 will be a profitable holiday season, as more than 90 percent of consumers plan to celebrate the holidays. More than half plan to purchase holiday plants or flowers. Another interesting finding: About 40 percent of shoppers plan to begin holiday shopping before Halloween rather than the usual day after Thanksgiving. With the holidays just around the corner, are you prepared?
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September Shows Moderate Sales Gains
Oct 24, 07 NRF
Though September sales gains were moderate, they were better than expected, giving retailers a welcome surprise as they head into the ever-important holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for September (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 2.2 percent over last year.
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NRF Works to Eliminate Credit Card Fraud
Oct 10, 07 NRF
Credit card companies typically require retailers to store credit card numbers for 12-18 months to satisfy retrieval requests. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers should have a choice as to whether they want to store credit card numbers at all.
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Growers Examine Sustainability Certification
Oct 10, 07 D.S. Cole Growers
With issues like sustainability and organic growing becoming hot topics among floriculture professionals, Doug Cole, D.S. Cole Growers, Loudon, N.H., thought it was time for greenhouse growers to become proactive and explore how the possible implementation of a certification program, such as the popular MPS system in Europe, would impact their bottom line and future business.
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SAF Honors Floriculture Superstars
Oct 10, 07 SAF
The leaders and revolutionaries of the floriculture industry were recognized last month for their commitment and contributions during the Society of American Florists' annual convention in Palm Springs, Calif.
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America In Bloom Announces Winners
Oct 10, 07 AIB
American In Bloom recognized eight groups as criteria award winners and also announced its population-category winners. Thirty communities across the county participated in the sixth edition of America In Bloom.
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Retailers Prepare for Halloween Sales
Sep 26, 07 NRF
Halloween is a time for people to set serious concerns aside and have a little fun. And according to a recent NRF survey, consumers plan on spending more than $5 billion this year on costumes, candy and more.
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NRF: Sluggish Economy May Impact Holiday Sales
Sep 26, 07 NRF
Citing economic concerns, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting a 4-percent increase in holiday sales this year. This number falls below the average of 4.8 percent. Rosalind Wells, NRF chief economist, stated, “Retailers are in for a somewhat challenging holiday season as consumers are faced with numerous economic obstacles.”
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Garden Center Offers Franchise Opportunities
Sep 26, 07 Under The Sun Garden Center
Under The Sun Garden Center has become the first in its industry to franchise. Owners of the Oklahoma-based franchise credit its unique product offering for its success.
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Park Seed to Sponsor NGA GROW Campaign
Sep 12, 07 NGA
Park Seed Co. is the newest sponsor of the National Growers Association’s (NGA) GROW Campaign, a year-round promotional campaign that works to raise awareness for gardening. Park Seed will also be sponsoring three NGA newsletters.
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HD Supply Sale Finalized
Sep 12, 07 The Home Depot
The sale of HD Supply by The Home Depot has been completed. The home improvement retailer said it remains committed to the recapitalization plan that was announced in July.
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Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Emeritus Dies
Sep 12, 07 Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Judith D. Zuk, the president emeritus of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, died on Sept. 1. Zuk was celebrated throughout her life for her many accomplishments and her lifelong commitment to the horticulture world.
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2007 Proven Winners Design Contest Winners Announced
Sep 12, 07 Proven Winners
The winners of the 2007 Proven Winners Design Contest were recently announced. Contestants were divided into four categories based on size and each showed great displays. Congratulations to each winner!
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July Retail Sales Stronger Than Expected
Aug 22, 07 National Retail Federation
Although there was a slow start, July retail sales recovered to see increases due to back-to-school spending. The increases were driven by sales in electronics and appliances, apparel and health care goods. June retail sales were also adjusted favorably, with an increase of 3.8 percent from the initial 3.4 percent.
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For Many Retailers It’s Christmas In June
Aug 22, 07 Houston Chronicle
Many craft and home stores are carrying Christmas merchandise earlier and earlier each year. Stores that set up Christmas in the summer hope to attract bargain shoppers and those who want to start their Christmas projects earlier. However, other stores are still holding out until later in the season.
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ANLA Board Welcomes New Members
Aug 8, 07 ANLA
Two new board members have joined ANLA’s leadership. Dale Deppe and Morris Newlin both come from distinguished industry backgrounds and have come to their new responsibilities with interest and new ideas.
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Winner Announced For STEPABLES Contest
Aug 8, 07 Under a Foot Plant Co.
Under a Foot Plant Co. and its STEPABLES brand created a point-of-purchase plant display contest for nationwide independent garden centers. The “Best in Sole” contest included a check for $2,500 for the winning garden center to give to its favorite local charity.
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Top Retailers Attract Shoppers With Private Labels
Jul 11, 07 National Retail Foundation
The most successful retailers in the industry are constantly reinventing themselves to stay one step ahead of the competition, according to the STORES Top 100 Retailers ranking. Check out what these top-ranking retailers are doing to differentiate themselves from the competition.
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Around The Industry
Jul 11, 07 Various
Find out the latest information about Ball, Safelawns.org, Green Plants For Green Buildings, Alfresco Home, Eberly Public Relations and Williamsburg.
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Plants At Work Changes Name
Jun 27, 07 Plants At Work
The program formerly known as Plants At Work has announced a new board and a new name: Green Plants For Green Buildings. The program will continue to spread the word about the important health and well-being benefits of plants.
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GreenCare For Troops Program Calls For Volunteers
Jun 27, 07 Project EverGreen
Our troops and their families need our support now more than ever. That is why Project EverGreen developed GreenCare for Troops, a program that allows local lawn care providers to volunteer their services for families whose breadwinner is serving in the Middle East.
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Shinoda Foundation Awards 2007-2008 Scholarships
Jun 27, 07 Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation
The future of our industry depends on the next generation of students. To assist in their education, the trustees of the Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation have awarded scholarships to eight students studying floriculture, horticulture and related fields.
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Around The Industry
Jun 27, 07 Various
Read about the latest news from Tesco Plc. and Aquascape.
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Ball Introduces Nursery Program
Jun 13, 07 Ball Horticultural Company
Other companies have gotten in the ring in recent years, and now it is Ball’s turn. Recently, Ball Horticultural announced the launch of Ball Ornamentals, which includes innovative trees, shrubs and perennials specifically for the nursery industry. This just adds to the feeling that this industry needs to come together with all different types of plant materials to serve consumers better.
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Existing-Home Sales Dropped In April
Jun 13, 07 Wall Street Journal
We have been hearing for months now that the housing market is not at its best these days, and the Wall Street Journal has confirmed it. Sales of existing homes fell in April, dropping to the lowest pace in almost four years. Home resales fell to a 5.99 million annual rate, a 2.6-percent decrease from March, reported the Wall Street Journal.
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GCA’s New Fashion In Bloom Partnership
Jun 13, 07 GCA
There has been talk for months, but not all of the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted, meaning that Garden Centers America (GCA) has announced a strategic partnership with Better Homes and Gardens to be a sponsor for GCA’s Fashion In Bloom. GCA will work directly with the senior editorial staff of the magazine to integrate the plants shown at Fashion In Bloom into Better Homes and Gardens' plant trials, print editorials, featured articles, photo shoots and Web site.
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Educate Customers On Integrated Pest Management
Jun 13, 07 PLANET
If you want to help your customers with a common-sense approach to lawn care, the Professional Landcare Network suggests trying integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is not new but is gaining in popularity and availability as a service option by lawn and landscape companies.
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Seasonal Decorations Act As Anti-depressants
Jun 13, 07 Unity Marketing
Some say the holidays are depressing, but a new study from Unity Marketing begs to differ. In 2006, the typical American household spent just under $20 buying seasonal or holiday decorations, according to a new consumer insights study by Unity Marketing about the holiday and seasonal decorations market. Increased spending contributed to a 5.9 percent increase in the market for seasonal and holiday decorations in 2006 as compared to 2005.
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Moderate Retail Sales Gains In April
May 23, 07 National Retail Federation
Due to extreme weather, rising gas prices and an early Easter, April retail sales showed subdued gains. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for April rose 2.6 percent unadjusted over last year and decreased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted from March.
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HRI Announces “Trek de Hort” Fundraiser
May 23, 07 ANLA
The Horticultural Research Institute has announced its latest fundraising campaign, the “Trek de Hort.” This summer, Bob Dolibois, American Nursery & Landscape Association executive vice president, and his wife, Susie, will travel to Tanzania, Africa, to spend their summer vacation trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanaro.
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OFA Short Course Makes Top 200 Trade Show List
May 23, 07 OFA
With all of its hard work, dedication and your attendance, OFA has made the top 200 list of trade shows published by Tradeshow Week 200. With more than 139,000 net sq.ft. of exhibit space, the OFA Short Course ranked number 194 in the United States for 2006.
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OFA To Manage Southeast Greenhouse Conference
May 9, 07 Southeast Greenhouse Conference
The Southeast Greenhouse Conference has announced that OFA — an Association of Floriculture Professionals, will manage the event beginning October 2007. OFA will continue to manage the OFA Short Course, held in Columbus, Ohio, but is able to expand its management to other organizations and events.
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PLANET Awarded For Project
May 9, 07 PLANET
The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) was honored with the Award of Excellence in the 2007 Associations Advance America Awards. PLANET received the award for the Renewal & Remembrance project held each July at Arlington National and Historic Congressional cemeteries.
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ARTS Launches Project To Accelerate Retail SOA Adoption
May 9, 07 National Retail Federation
The Association for Retail Technology Standards announced that it has launched the SOA Blueprint for Retail project, a program that will provide retail businesses with specific guidelines and best practices for implementing a service-oriented architecture (SOA).
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Luxury Consumer Confidence Bounces Back
May 9, 07 Unity Marketing
Luxury consumers’ confidence rebounded in the first quarter of 2007, rising two points to reach 100.2, up from its lowest level in 2006 at the close of the fourth quarter, according to Unity Marketing. Renewed confidence in the first quarter encouraged affluent consumers to spend more on luxury goods and services.
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Project EverGreen Announces Because Green Matters Award Winners
May 9, 07 Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen has named Verandah, Bonita Bay Group’s community near Fort Myers, Fla., and Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort/Stone Mountain Golf Club, near Atlanta, Ga., as winners of its Because Green Matters award for 2007. This is the first year in this award’s history to ever have two winners in one year.
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Mother’s Day Expected To Pop In 2007
Apr 25, 07 National Retail Federation
Your biggest weekend of the year is coming soon, Mother’s Day, and according to a recent survey from the National Retail Federation, things are looking on the bright side of sales for the big day. The lawn and garden industry is expected to do pretty well this holiday weekend. Shoppers plan on spending $2.3 billion on flowers (72.4 percent) and housewares or gardening tools (18.5 percent).
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Today's Young Affluents Are The “Want-It-All” Generation
Apr 25, 07 Unity Marketing
Taking over as the core target market for luxury marketers in the years ahead will be the Young Affluents aged 40 years and under, roughly corresponding to the Generation X and Millennial generations. In 2006, the 40-and-under Young Affluents spent 32 percent more on luxuries than those over 40, an average of $65,294 compared to $49,485. Incomes for both age groups were nearly identical, according to Unity Marketing.
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March Retail Sales Show Solid Growth
Apr 25, 07 National Retail Federation
With a slow year behind us, so far 2007 is looking up as far a retail sales go. According to a recent report from the National Retail Federation, March sales turned out very strong. Retail industry sales for March rose 3.7 percent unadjusted over last year and 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted from February.
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The Home Depot Introduces Eco Options
Apr 25, 07 The Home Depot
With all of the talk about sustainability, a number of companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Wal-Mart has been working on it for a while, but now other big boxes, like Home Depot, have made the jump. Learn what they are doing and how you can compete with the hottest topic in the country today.
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Project EverGreen Gets Wide Support
Apr 25, 07 Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen's mission to educate consumers received another solid vote of approval during the first quarter of 2007. Project EverGreen hit a near record of more than 40 individuals and businesses making financial contributions on behalf of this educational effort during the period ending March 31.
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Harry & David And Jackson & Perkins Part Ways
Apr 11, 07 Various
A lot of us know that food and gardening mix very well. However, when it comes to the manufacturer end, a famous food/gardening partnership has ended. We recently found out that mail order gourmet food distributor Harry & David and a well known rose breeder/marketers have decided to part ways. Florida horticulture investors Donald and Glenda Hachenberger will purchase Jackson & Perkins.
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Fischer To Join Syngenta Family
Apr 11, 07 Various
Syngenta recently announced the acquisition of the Fischer group. Fischer is famous for its geraniums as well as poinsettias that many of you carry during the year. As we are being told, none of that will change. Just because there is a buyout does not mean you will not be able to get the plants that many customers love.
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Retailers And FBI Fight Organized Retail Crime
Apr 11, 07 NRF
In response to an alarming rise in organized retail crime, the National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have teamed up to launch the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network (LERPnet) to help retailers like you deal with theft in your stores. Retail crime is growing every year and this is one way to help stop the process.
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Magnolias Close To Extinction
Apr 11, 07 Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Magnolias may be blooming in U.S. gardens this spring, but it's a different story in the wild. More than half the world's magnolia species are facing extinction in their native forest habitats, according to a new report The report identifies 131 wild magnolias as being in danger of extinction, from a global total of 245 species.
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Hicks Nurseries Garden Helps Breast Cancer Patients
Mar 28, 07 Hicks Nurseries
Speaking of charitable events, Hicks Nurseries held its 17th annual Flower & Garden Show recently in Westbury, Long Island, N.Y., and made the event very “Pretty in Pink.” The garden center paid homage to those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer and raised funds for breast cancer programs by creating the “Pretty in Pink” display garden. A portion of the sales of certain plants was donated to national breast cancer programs through the Pink Ribbon Plant Program of Prides Corner Farms.
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AIB Prepares For Short Course, Re-Elects Officers
Mar 28, 07 AIB
Four key fundraisers supporting America In Bloom will take place in conjunction with this year’s OFA Short Course. AIB chose this venue for the fundraisers because OFA has provided the home and administrative support to nurture AIB from its inception. Make sure to bring your wallets to Ohio and sign up for these great fundraisers.
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HRI Accepting 2008 Grant Applications
Mar 28, 07 ANLA
Do you have some research that needs funding? Well, you are in luck because the Horticultural Research Institute and its Endowment Fund recently announced it is accepting applications for its 2008 competitive research grants program.
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Consumers Eager For Spring, Easter
Mar 28, 07 National Retail Federation
Despite a slow Christmas season and the ever-slow January and February we have had, the National Retail Federation said that consumers in most of the country are eager to celebrate Easter. This year, shoppers who are planning to celebrate Easter (more than 75 percent) are expected to spend an average of $135, up 11 percent from last year ($122). That is pretty good news for such a small garden center holiday. You may have a few more customers in the store that you may not have had in the past looking for that extra Easter item.
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OFA Embraces New Business Strategy
Mar 28, 07 OFA
OFA’s board of directors voted last month to identify and pursue opportunities to manage other organizations or events. OFA has been successful with the event that it puts on every year, and now OFA has the ability to help assist other events in need. The decision is the result of a year-long process in which the board challenged itself to be more directly engaged in the organization’s strategic direction.
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The 2007 Garden Trends Research Report
Mar 14, 07 Garden Writers Association Foundation
Here it is folks, the latest research from the Garden Writers Association Foundation. The new report contains tons of great information for retailers about their customers and what is happening in the industry. There are some pretty interesting results in this study, so take a look at it to see what you can learn.
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Lackluster Sales In February
Mar 14, 07 NRF
With the crazy, unpredictable winter weather and the slowdown in the housing market, February was not so solid for many retailers. Building material and garden equipment and supplies stores took a hit when sales decreased 7.0 percent unadjusted over last year. This is a tough time of year for garden centers, it is still too cold to plant and there are no major holidays to build off of. Keep up those seminars and special events/deals you are offering during this time and hopefully it will pay off in the long run.
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Pantone Announces Colors For 2008 Home Furnishings and Interiors
Mar 14, 07 Pantone
More new colors you say. Well of course. Color trends are really what makes the retail world go round. The new colors in this article specifically talk about what is going on in home décor for 2008 which is right up the garden center alley. Check it out to see what colors you can put together in your store next year.
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Research: Print And Television Advertising Prompt Online Searches
Mar 14, 07 NRF
The Internet is here to stay, especially when it comes to the younger generations. A new study from the National Retail Federation shows consumers were more motivated to look things up to buy on the Internet after seeing ads on television, in newspapers and magazines. People like to research, they may not buy it off the Internet but they will look at it and see what the product has to offer. How can you jump on this trend to make sure your customers know what they want before they even walk in your stores?
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Project EverGreen Seeks Scholarship Applicants
Mar 14, 07 Project EverGreen
College students preparing for careers in the green industry are invited to apply for the 2007 Because Green Matters scholarships now being offered by Project EverGreen. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1. This is one of many great opportunities to help students get more involved in the green industry. If you know of any deserving students, let them know about this scholarship program.
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Resilient Shoppers Get 2007 Off To Good Start
Feb 28, 07 NRF
Consumers put their gift cards to good use in January. Retail industry sales for January rose 5.3 percent over last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Some of it was from shoppers who hit the stores early to use gift cards while others were ready to start off a new year with new things.
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Grocers Checking Out Strategies For Growth
Feb 28, 07 Chicago Tribune
In the past, this industry has seen grocery stores as competitors for plants during the spring and fall. However, with a lot of big box expansion into more grocery items, these grocery stores are now in a situation that is similar to the one independent garden centers are in. What can non-big boxes do to succeed?
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Consumers Filing Early Expect Tax Refund
Feb 28, 07 NRF
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are filing their taxes earlier this year in order to help minimize debt. The National Retail Federation found that nearly 62 percent of consumers filed their income taxes this past January and February. How is this going to possibly help bring early spring sales to your stores?
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Lawn And Landscape Companies Report Industry Growth
Feb 28, 07 PLANET
As baby boomers age and with more than 30 million acres of lawns across the United States, rapidly increasing numbers of homeowners are turning to professionals to care for their lawns and landscapes. PLANET is celebrating this by announcing the green industry’s growth. What can you do to help celebrate this new study during National Lawn Care Month in April?
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One Day Left To Enter Award
Feb 14, 07 Lawn & Garden Retailer
You only have one day left to enter Lawn & Garden Retailer’s first ever Merchandiser Of The Year Award. We have already received some really great entries, and we want more. Take a look at the award criteria, and send your applications to me at cevans@sgcmail.com. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
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HRI Grants $350,000 To Research Projects
Feb 14, 07 ANLA
The Horticultural Research Institute Executive Committee considered 100 applications for research funding in 2007 and granted $350,000 to 24 projects and four scholarships. The committee selected research focusing on industry priority issues resulting in problem-solving solutions and techniques. On top of all of this, the Oregon Association of Nurseries pledged $127,500 to the Horticultural Research Institute.
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Valentine’s Spending to Reach $16.90 Billion
Feb 14, 07 National Retail Federation
I know today is Valentine’s Day, but that just makes this report even more interesting. The National Retail Federation is saying total spending for today’s big love holiday could reach $16.90 billion. The best part about it is the men will be doing the majority of the spending. According to the survey, the average male is expected to spend $156.22, nearly double the $85.08 that the average female will spend. Just some food for thought as you are locking up for the day.
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Pantone Unveils Fashion Color Report Fall '07
Feb 14, 07 Pantone, Inc.
Colors, colors, colors: Is that all consumers really think about? Pretty much, yes! Pantone has just released some of the hottest fall color trends for the fashion world and they are pretty exciting. Now, I know what you are thinking; what do I need to know about fashion? Well, if you haven’t noticed, the fashion world is what is making garden center color trends come to life. Take a look and see what Pantone has to say, because trust me, you will be seeing these colors in some of your products pretty soon.
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Luxury Consumers Start 2007 In Consumer Confidence Slump
Feb 14, 07 Unity Marketing
Though luxury items are on the rise in this country, not a lot of luxury consumers are taking advantage of them. Unity Marketing’s Luxury Consumption Index declined 5.1 points to 98.2 points in the fourth quarter 2006, down from 103.3 in the third quarter, according to the latest survey of 1,036 luxury consumers (average income $156.5 thousand and average age 42.8 years).
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Pantone Selects Color Of The Year
Jan 24, 07 Pantone, Inc.
Do you want to make sure you have the hottest color in stock? Well, here is your chance. Pantone, Inc., recently announced the color of the year: Chili Pepper, a deep, spicy red. Red is a bold, dynamic color, and people love it for the garden, so make sure you stock up to keep that hip consumer on top of the trend game.
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Holiday Sales Increase 4.4 percent
Jan 24, 07 National Retail Federation
Despite the warm weather and happy shoppers, holiday sales only had a modest increase from last year at about 4.4 percent, according to the National Retail Federation. Retailers did their bests, but shoppers didn’t seem to want to make this a banner year. The holidays are a crazy time of year and one of the most unpredictable shopping seasons.
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FPO Re-Launches Valentine’s Day Campaign
Jan 24, 07 Flower Promotion Organization
FPO is offering another year of consumer advice for Valentine’s Day. Dr. Bridget Behe will be working with consumers online as well as on the phone in order to make this special holiday is a great one for everyone.
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November Sales Surge Exceeds NRF Expectations
Jan 10, 07 National Retail Federation
With some skepticism in the retail industry in the past several months, it turned out that November retail industry sales were up 6.3 percent, which made a great start to the holiday season. Some garden center retailers said they were right on track with those numbers, while others said that in some areas sales were slower than they would have liked, but, overall, the 6.3 percent shows that the rest of the retail industry did not suffer.
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AARS Accepting Design Competition Entries
Jan 10, 07 AARS
AARS is calling for entries for its annual Designing with Roses Competition. The award recognizes excellence in landscape architecture and garden design, and it can come from professional and student landscape architects. What are you waiting for? Sign up now to possibly be the next biggest landscape rose designer.
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