COMMENT The power of many


No 5,850 - 08 February 2019 www.diyweek.net


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“Other


businesses are actively encouraged to take learnings from what they see”


Founded in 1874


As you’ll see in this issue, the GCA ran its annual conference last month, with the great and good of the garden retail sector coming together to network, exchange ideas and get inspiration for the year ahead. As always, the event had a fantastic atmosphere, full of good conversation and even a spot of fancy dress! There were certainly some stories to tell – including a rather expensive ‘shoe exchange’ on the dance floor, which saw Andrew Simpson of Simpsons Garden Centre very generously top up the £6,500 raised for Greenfingers by a further £2,000, as he walked off in Ian Flounders from Woodlodge’s footwear – nevermind the fact they were two sizes too big! Writing my comment last February, I recall heaping praise on the centres in attendance for their willingness to engage with one another and share everything from information and insights, to systems and best practices – not to mention a drink or two. At the danger of repeating myself, yet again this year, I was blown away by the same unwavering attitude; no matter how tough some may have found or be finding conditions. The inspectors gave their round up of the visits they had made, with an array of photos highlighting best practices and stand-out ideas. Rather than worry other retailers in the room would steal these titbits, the GCA members invite the inspectors in and the other businesses are actively encouraged to take learnings from what they see during the conference. In fact, many commented on how the standard had clearly risen this year, saying “we need to up our game if we want to stay ahead”, but those same businesses will still be heard discussing ideas and tips with other garden centre owners. In fact, many just say “come to our centre and see what we’ve done”. Rather than play their cards close to their chest, these retailers would rather see the industry, as a whole, thrive and, as a result, this attitude serves only to lift standards across the sector and keep customers interested in visiting their local garden centre. I appreciate this is not necessarily across the board, and I doubt many of the independents, whatever their size, would be keen to share insights and secrets to success with their local multiple operator or online player but I can’t help but impress upon our lovely readers, the huge benefit these retailers are gaining from joining forces and sharing knowledge.


Editor, Fiona Garcia: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk In This Issue


© 2019 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself


Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances,


Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


P4 / NEWS


The latest headlines from across the home improvement and garden sector


P12 / EXPERT OPINION PHMG discusses the way sound can be used to


influence consuemr behaviour


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P14 / GCA CONFERENCE


DIY Week’s first report from the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference


www.diyweek.net P21 / PEST CONTROL


A closer look at pest control in the home and garden, plus how retailers can make the most of the category


08 FEBRUARY 2019 DIY WEEK 3 Published by


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