association comment Tools to boost gift ranges in 2019


GIMA members see opportunities in giſts for gardeners as well as promoting new innovations in the ever-growing tools market


tasks easier or faster will always hold appeal, as they offer the gardener improved use of those most precious resources – time and energy. She explains: “For 2019 we are launching two innovative new garden products to cut weeding time; our new double-bladed Express Hoe whips through weeding in half the time, while the new Super Slice extends the appeal of Weed Slice, quickly weeding larger areas of the garden or allotment.


As the practice of buying giſts from garden retailers continues, garden tool suppliers are focused on that very avenue from which to tempt more shoppers, doing so through innovative tools that solves core gardening customers’ problems. In this column GIMA members share their thoughts on trends and additional company news to help garden centres make the best of tool sales in 2019. Burgon and Ball head of sales Ruth Posey says tools that make the hard and tedious garden


In 2019, Burgon and Ball will roll out distribution of Corona tools. “These superb tools have been a byword for quality for generations in the States, and they’re now available to UK gardeners through Burgon & Ball,” Ruth adds. “Corona tools combine strength, durability and reliability to achieve the professional results their users demand.” Spear and Jackson’s Occasions range has


been specially developed to appeal to the ever- expanding gift market. The range comprises four beautifully packaged, traditionally styled, etched Stainless Steel trowels.


Presented in an easy-to-display counter


top merchandiser, the packs contain five each of the following etched messages: ‘Gardening Queen’, ‘World’s Best Gardener’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Happy Birthday’. Marketing manager Karen Abbott said:


“With a suggested selling price of £15.99 each, these gift trowels would make a perfect pair when partnered with some nice gardening gloves or garden snips.” Bulldog exhibited in hall 6 on stand J06


at Spring Fair this year, displaying new ranges that will make ideal giftware purchases. The Pedigree Garden range is fronted by the company’s newest Bulldog, Hugo, who appears on all the tool shafts and handles, aiming to provide a highly collectible range. Made from lightweight easy to clean


stainless steel, with FSC ash handles, coupled with the famous Bulldog quality and strength, these are gardening gifts aimed squarely at hobby gardeners.


Get set for Spring with HTA Practical Workshops


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) promotes opportunities for training to make the most of the upcoming season


What better way to ensure sales opportunities are maximised this spring than by booking onto a HTA Workshop. The workshops target specific areas of visual merchandising within a garden centre, including chemicals and fertilisers, and giſting. The HTA is also offering its popular Selling More Plants workshop.


The workshop details and dates are as follows:


Selling More Plants Trainer – Helen Chambers NDSF This workshop looks at the principles of selling and helps to give delegates the confidence to turn a customer’s desire for a plant into cash in the till, and to raise the value of the sale. 5 February Torwood Garden Centre, Larbet 19 February Bents Garden & Home, Warrington 20 February St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester 25 February The Matford Centre, Exeter 27 February Coolings Nursery, Knockholt, Kent


New for 2019 - Visual Merchandising – Gifting Trainer – Sarah Manning


This is an advanced visual merchandising course aimed at teaching delegates the principles used in high-end retail gifting merchandising to get the most from your spring themed decoration and plant displays. Effective visual merchandising will enable your customers to easily interact with your inspirational displays, providing a memorable Mothering Sunday and Easter shopping experience for all. 6 February Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Forres, nr Inverness 27 February Coolings Nursery, Knockholt, Kent


16 | www.gardencentreupdate.com GCU January/February 2019


Visual Merchandising – Chemicals and Fertilisers Trainer - Sarah Manning


Designed for those wanting to take their visual merchandising to the next level. Delegates will review how to maximise chemical and fertiliser merchandising on a day to day basis and identify practical ways to improve sales. 13 February 19 February


Bents Garden & Home, Warrington Torwood Garden Centre, Larbet


Workshops cost £125 (+VAT) per person for members and £250 (+VAT) per person for non-members. Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/workshops. If the HTA’s Spring workshop dates and locations don’t suit, then did you


know that for a flat fee the HTA can arrange to deliver any of its current range of one-day practical workshops to your team in the comfort of your own business? Contact academy@hta.org.uk for further information.


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