May 16, 2014

How’s It Going — So Far? By Tim Hodson

How’s your spring season going so far? Have you had a spring season yet or are you still waiting for it?

First, we survived the crazy winter and now Mother Nature is being incredibly fickle this spring. And to top things off, we have an earlier-than-normal Memorial Day holiday weekend this year. I’m sure all of these factors have wreaked havoc with your scheduling in the first four-and-a-half months of 2014.

I know in the Chicago area we’ve already seen temperatures in the 80s this spring but then last Friday (5/16!!!) we actually had snow flying and a high of 39 degrees – and now it is supposed to be back in the 80s tomorrow. It really makes it difficult for gardeners and homeowners to plan their planting.

I’d like to know how the weather has impacted your business so far this spring. How are your customers reacting to the brutal winter and finicky spring? Are sales up, down or even with last year – so far? Also, are you doing anything out of the ordinary due to the earlier Memorial Day holiday?

Drop me a line at thodson@greatamericanpublish.com and let me know if spring has fully sprung for you and your business or if you are still waiting for Mother Nature to make up her mind.

Are You a Merchandising Master?

Are you a grower/retailer?

Have you had a display in your garden center in the last year that was very effective and that you are particularly proud of?

If you answered “Yes” to that question, then you should enter Lawn & Garden Retailer’s Merchandiser of the Year contest.

This year’s winner will receive three great prizes totaling more than $3,000 from the contest’s sponsors – Braun Horticulture, Dramm and MasterTag.

To learn more about the contest and how you can enter, just click here.

– Tim