Ways to cash in on the outdoor update

H 8#,:. "]r',i:' T:J'l"l' ni "j house. Exterior face Iifting, updating planting, patios, porches, and step-by-step growing instructions with the seeds and plants. Put the handtools close by with identifications that show their special functions in the garden. Insecticides, garden hoses, wheelbarrows, any tool or product used in the garden should be located close by to encourage add-on sales.

Build enthusiasm by displaying live flowers and fresh vegetables, the kind your customer will grow for himself. Locate the cannine equipment on neighboring Bonl dolas to spark the idea of preserving the excess harvest.

Garden fencing, trellises, stepping stones and plant stakes make attractive displays. A storage shed to house the new tools and alleviate the crowded garage syndrome should be set up housing an array of tools, garden fertilizers, compost, potting equipment, and such to show what it can do. A greenhouse also can intrigue customers and stimulate purchases.

Adequate merchandising, attrac- outdoor living quarters, is part of the package and should be merchandised as such. llome improvement centers have been experiencing increased sales each year with retailers and wholesalers tallying as nruch as a 50(X, increase in the past year. A portion of this annual increase can come from the lawn and garden department if good merchandising is practiced.

With the present state of the economy and energy shortages, homeowners are spending ntore time at home. This, plus the awareness that because of inflation their home is one of their nrost imrrortant financiirl assets, nrakes them receptive lo investing in inrprovcntents.

The demand for Por,rer cquipment ranging from riding nrowers to string cutlers grows each year. Cupture your share by muintaining a good inventory well displayed. Mechanical tools have a built-in appeal for homeowners. Capitalize on the fun of gardening with them. Demonstrate the ease of operation, the economy, the tinte and energy saved in nranicuring lawns and garclens. Let the custonters try thent Ibr thenrselves with a hands-on session. But be very carelul that all saf'ety proceclures are strictly observed.

Display a planting calendar and tive displays, timely specials and prominent advertising are invaluable in promoting lawn and garden department sales, but don't stop there. Help your customer to learn how to use the equipment and the products you want to sell him. Schedule seminars and classes. orovide informational signing. give away written instructions. offer expert advice through your sales people. Become your customer's partner and ally in improving his outdoor living.