Stein Gardens & Gifts Opens Five Just Plants Shops
Milwaukee-based Stein Gardens & Gifts recently announced it will open five pop-up plant stores. The Just Plants shops will be open from May 3 through July 4, the busy season for garden centers. The 2,500-square-foot shops will be located in the parking lots of two Kohl’s department stores, a Pick ‘n Save and other locations.
Although the temporary garden shop concept is nothing new, this is a new venture for Stein. “We view it as a great opportunity to greet our customers in underserved communities,” said Mark Birmingham, chief executive officer at the family-owned chain.
“Our mission is to be the seasonal authority,” Birmingham added.
Like many independent retailers, Stein competes with the big box home improvement chains as well as other local garden centers who sell from temporary shops like Stein Just Plants stores. Although the company has faced challenges with the hurting economy and weather, David Stein said, “I’m very confident in the direction we’re taking.”
After testing one temporary shop last year, Stein decided to go ahead with the new locations this year. “In time I can see us having these all over the state,” Birmingham said.
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