contents Reasons to visit


The weather may still be reasonably inconsistent, at least where I am, but it’s probably fair to say that Spring is pretty much here. That means that the next few months are going to extremely busy. After the second season of Christmas, the beginning of 2018 has hopefully been put to good use, setting your business up to take advantage of consumer attention returning to their outdoor spaces. While it is essential for garden centres to demonstrate their core credentials – from plants and seeds, to garden tools, ferts and chems – there are also opportunities to be had in other categories. The key is how to marry interior design trends and housewares within the more traditional product ranges, to bring in new and younger customers. This year will continue to bring financial challenges, with most consumers enjoying less disposable income. Therefore it is even more important to appeal to a broad range of visitors, and give them numerous reasons to visit.


Perhaps it would be worthwhile, before you become too busy, to take a walk around your centre, as a customer would. Is signage accurate and informative? Are displays inspiring and – importantly – shoppable? Are there easy-to-access trolleys to aid those big spenders to load up? Spending some time thinking like one of your customers can help aid the bottom line come the end of the season, giving you more opportunities to invest and raise the game once more for next year.


Gregor Muir, Editor gmuir@datateam.co.uk


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