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Retail Development Forum


The Central Retail Development Forum group went on a behind-the-scenes visit of the new Haskins Roundstone garden centre in Angmering, West Sussex. The Haskins’ team kindly hosted the meeting taking the group on a guided tour of the garden centre and the 650- seater catering operation. Dean Ridley (Retail operations manager) and Julian Winfield (Chief executive) gave overviews on the development of the garden centre from the planning stage right through to the Haskins’ approach to buying and marketing. Group chair Andy Campbell


commented, ‘The insights gained were invaluable to the members of the group, who each took away their own list of action points to implement.’


Haskins Roundstone, Angmering, West Sussex


Merchandising Skills Workshop Cardwell Garden Centre, Scotland


A new approach to training is trending in Scotland as pioneered by Anne Webster and her team from Ashbrook Nurseries in Arbroath. Attending the first of two Merchandising Skills Workshops hosted by Cardwell Garden Centre they set off in their camper van, took in few garden centres on the way and spent the night in the only one of the snow-bound trailer parks still open. Thus turning an HTA training course into a holiday! Led by Kevin Waters, the courses


Celebrating the best of the garden retail industry, entering the HTA- sponsored Garden Retail Awards is an exceptional opportunity for you to showcase your services, ingenuity and successes. Two new categories have


been added for this year: Best Wildlife or Pets


Department Awarded to the garden centre whose wildlife, wild bird care or pet department is of the highest standard. The award will recognise customer service, quality and range of products, commercial success, the best animal care and innovation.


reviewed the impact on merchandising styles of global trends and product ranging, and ways to maximise sales while, at the same time, inspire customers. The learners were also shown how to create the correct proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis and harmony in a display to maximise the effect. The HTA research on consumer segmentation was also covered. The workshop focused on a section entitled ‘Connecting People with Plants’ to explore


l Entrants should submit written and photographic evidence. Retail Outlet of the Year: Under £1m turnover Awarded to the small garden retail outlet that most impresses the judges. The outlet will need to demonstrate excellence during the qualifying period in using often restricted space to


bring in urban, perhaps non-


core gardening customers through innovative events, displays and community involvement.


ways of building displays directed at particular consumer groups. Cheryl Akers of Cardwell Garden Centre


said, ‘I enjoyed the course, which I found very useful. It’s the first one I’ve been on that wasn’t boring.’ Praise indeed!


_If you would like to find out more about our Merchandising Skills Workshop or


other HTA training, please call Sian Stiles on 0118 930 3132 or email sian.stiles@the-hta.org.uk


Garden Retail Awards… don’t forget to enter!


l Entrants should detail profitability, turnover, growth, customer satisfaction, staff motivation/ retention, significant improvements in one or more aspect of the business, etc. They will also need to submit written evidence with any relevant supporting printed and/or photographic material.


Garden retailers and their suppliers are welcome to enter the awards with achievements made between 27 June 2012 and 28 June 2013. The closing date for entries is Thursday 11 July.


_To find out more please visit www.gardenretailawards.com


HTAnewsI June 2013 I www.the-hta.org.uk 9


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