Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

Garden Centre Retail Issue 33 • September/October 2017

PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

Indoor plants

GARDENING’S HOTTEST TREND

Inside...

20-PAGE GLEE SPECIAL

PEOPLE POWER

FINDING (AND KEEPING) THE BEST EMPLOYEES LET’S HEAR IT FROM

CHRISTMAS CATERING

p15

p36

Caroline Owen

Cover_SeptOct.indd 1

What’s cooking

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Welcome

WELCOME TO...

Garden Centre Retail W

elcome to the September/October issue of GCR. As we head into autumn and the school holidays wrap up, you can almost hear the sector sigh in relief as the peak season draws to a close.

Though the summer may not have provided the consistent sunshine we all hoped for, the HTA’s Garden Retail Monitor has revealed that garden centres have had a good trading season across the second quarter to date, with sales currently 7% ahead of the same time last year (up to the end of July).

Glee is now just days away, and we can’t wait to see all the latest products, innovations and exhibitors. Within our Glee preview, which starts on page 67, you’ll find everything you need to know about the event, from exhibitor profiles to seminar timetables and a word from event director Matthew Mein. We love getting out into the industry and speaking to our readership, so please feel free to stop by for a chat at our Glee stand 17W56.

Our big interview for this issue features Scotsdales’ Caroline Owen (pages 15-17), who discusses the history of the company, how to stay up to date with new trends, and how she’s seen the industry evolve over the last 30 years. We delve into Christmas with our catering and plant focus features, with the former (pages 36-28) covering best practice in preparing for the festive season and the latter (pages 40-42) examining the process of growing Christmas trees, plus tips for selling them.

On pages 6-7, our agenda question – my favourite to date – asks industry members: “If money were no object, what big change or expansion would you make to your business and why?”; meanwhile, Gemma Murphy explains how to retain your best staff members on page 18.

That’s all from us this issue, have a great read and we hope to see you at Glee!

Ash

Ash O’Mahony ash.omahony@eljays44.com Features Editor Garden Centre Retail

Within our Glee e e o find everything you need to no o t the event, from e h to ofi e to e n t e t e nd o d o e ent d ecto tthe en e o e e n to o e de h o e e ee ee to to o t nd

Ash and the GCR team

GCR APP

Garden Centre Retail is available FREE on your mobile device.

Simply go to the App Store, search for ‘Garden Centre Retail’ and download the app!

Garden Centre Retail www.gardencentreretail.com

Leader_SeptOct.indd 3

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA EDITORIAL Features Editor – Ash O’Mahony ash.omahony@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Products Editor – Ashley Lampard ashley.lampard@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 592 Editorial Assistant – Olivia Eden-Brown olivia.edenbrown@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Production Manager – Susie Duff susie.duff@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Production Editor– Charlie Cook charlotte.cook@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Subeditor– Kate Bennett kate.bennett@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 ADVERTISING Sales Manager – Tina Savelle tina.savelle@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 582 Horticulture Careers – Laura Harris Tel: 01903 777 580 laura.harris@eljays44.com PRODUCTION Design – Mandy Armstrong, Mark Hudson Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd MANAGEMENT Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson Director – Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Client relations – Amber Bernabe amber.bernabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 581 Subscription enquiries – Emily Maltby emily.maltby@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 575 Garden Centre Retail is published bimonthly by Eljays44 Ltd. 2017 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, non-commissioned photographs or manuscripts.

@GardenRetailUK Garden Centre Retail

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CONTACT

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine.

We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 11:44

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Contents Garden Centre Retail Issue 33 • September/October 2017

PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

Indoor plants

GARDENING’S HOTTEST TREND

Inside...

20-PAGE GLEE SPECIAL

PEOPLE POWER

FINDING (AND KEEPING) THE BEST EMPLOYEES LET’S HEAR IT FROM

CHRISTMAS CATERING

p15

p36

Caroline Owen

What’s cooking

PLANT FOCUS

Festive Fir Trees

p40

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

NEWS

40

FEATURES

08 AGENDA

If money were no object, what big han e or e ans on wo d o ma e to o r b s ness and wh

10 NEWS

15 THE INTERVIEW

45 INDOOR PLANTS SPECIAL

Caroline Owen, managing director at Scotsdales Garden Centre

19 RECRUITING STAFF

o t s for an effi ent and rod re r tment ro ess

ro nd of the atest news from the sector

PRODUCTS

How to display indoor plants and art fi a owers s reat rod ts to add to o r offer n

t e

20 RETAINING STAFF

12 NEWS EXTRA

ott tts ha rman e te s s abo t the ro s new d s a ardens

No one wants to lose a great employee – here’s how to make staff stay

23 PREPARING FOR BLACK FRIDAY 24 CUSTOMER SERVICE TRENDS oost o r re

tat on for reat ser

52 PATS TELFORD PREVIEW a n a oo at the om n Telford pet trade show

S

Gardening clothes and accessories, and arden b d n s

e

26 PET GROOMING CONCESSIONS

h the re worth ha n and how to o abo t n or orat n one

31 CREATING A GREAT WEBSITE

36

All the latest news from the Garden nd str an fa t rer s sso at on

57 LATEST PRODUCTS

How to make the most of the day wh e m n m s n stress e e s

26

51 GIMA UPDATE

d e for sett n o r b s ness s r a on ne resen e

35 SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION

61 ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT orest arden e b e no se red t on ane

62 TRADING WITH Bonningtons

15

t sn S to n rease h ts to o r webs te and dr e sa es

36 CHRISTMAS CATERING

ar a en e ta s s thro h the all-important Christmas catering offer

40 PLANT FOCUS

57

Behind the scenes at the HA Trim hr stmas tree farm n S rre

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 11:15

Advertisement feature

Photos: HPW Architects

Rosebourne Andover’s 1st year anniversary

The first year since its opening has been successful for Rosebourne’s first garden centre in Andover.

Rosebourne marks a new type of food-led centre, and its first year has seen some impressive achievements*: → The restaurant takes £1.3m with 41 staff → Food is 60 percent of turnover → Overall turnover is £4.4m → Average transaction is £20

The right ambiance for food experiences The restaurant plays a key role. Director Salim Sajid: “Table service gives a point of difference over the high street and online”. The restaurant is accommodated in a special part of the building with an elevated roof designed with curved trusses to create an attractive, romantic ambiance for food experiences such as high teas.

* Source: HTA Catering Conference

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Advertisement feature

Beyond expectations Thermoflor and HPW Architects were asked to consider the ‘value for money’ principle in designing this garden centre, which was built last year.

The new garden centre exceeded the expectations of the customers, but also those of Rosebourne, who had commissioned the new build.

Managing director Neville Prest: “We are very pleased with the building in terms of value for money and the quality of the structure. The building was delivered on time and on budget and the Thermoflor contractors worked very efficiently.

Overall we would recommend Thermoflor to other operators considering expanding their garden centres.”

Customers’ reviews on social media are all very enthusiastic: “Had a lovely lunch and the shop is very good too, definitely will be back!!”

“Shopping areas are spectacular, service in the restaurant was exceptional, polite team, no waiting, and the food was a massive compliment to the chef(s).”

“Wonderful place, the food was excellent, the cafe also, the plants well cared for and really good value.”

Visit us on stand 20H41 at Glee Would you, too, like to make your dream of a profitable garden centre come true?

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News Agenda

IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT, WHAT BIG CHANGE OR EXPANSION WOULD YOU MAKE TO YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY? Chris Day

Garden centre publicity manager, Buckingham Nurseries & Garden Centre

We had a major redevelopment six years ago, but to be honest, we didn’t foresee the growth from our restaurant, which has been phenomenal There’s no hesitation here – we would want a larger restaurant and more tables, involving a new, relaxed seating area and a larger, state-of-the-art kitchen. We would perhaps develop the resta rant nto two defined eat n areas for o r stomers w th hot drinks and cakes in one, and our current restaurant with increased capacity in the other; this would give customers a more effi ent ser e e had a ma or rede e o ment s ears ago, but to be honest, we didn’t foresee the growth from our restaurant, which has been phenomenal.

If budget wasn’t a problem, we’d like to make this addition to the existing shop in its own purpose-built, multi-storey building, giving our customers a wonderful eating experience with unbroken views across the north Buckinghamshire countryside and over to the landscape gardens of Stowe on the horizon.

Our lunchtime diners would have a wonderful experience, and it would take the term ‘destination garden centre’ to a new level – quite literally.

As part of this development, we’d love to have an in-house baker, butcher and cheese seller to complement our existing food hall. We’ve made strides in selling local beers and even wines, so developing this area of the business would be exciting.

Local planning would be the biggest hurdle for these plans, but we’re focused on further development in future years.

Finally, we currently use a number of visual screen technologies in the shop, in the restaurant, behind the tills and n o r ant offi e f we were ab e we wo d e tend th s into the plant area, using tablets or slightly large screens to offer inspiration and help sell plants to a new screen-happy generation of shoppers.

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Drew Gallagher

Managing director, Cardwell Garden Centre Over the years, the garden centre business has changed out of all recognition, with supermarkets, DIY multiples and even your corner shop selling products that used to only be found in a garden centre. Shops cannot live by retail alone, so businesses like ours need to evolve and give people other reasons for coming.

Even giant out-of-town shopping centres recognise the need to combine retail with leisure, to retain and increase footfall – garden centres are no different. We need to become destinations. f mone was no ob e t we wo d reate a to ass e s re attraction as part of the garden centre, providing something for e er one to en o e wo d reate a om e n reason for mums, dads, grannies and grandpas, teenagers and children to visit Cardwell and spend their hard-earned cash with us.

We’d start with a children’s play area, a spa resort, a café for tea and buns, and a couple of new restaurants to complement our excellent Patio Restaurant – which would become a high-end dining establishment. We’d also create a village pub, since we’re situated in the countryside, and also for this reason a country park, with countryside pursuits such as a nature trail, pony trekking and clay pigeon shooting. We’d build an entertainment complex that would give us a night time economy, generating revenue long after the garden centre doors close at 6pm.

We would also want to exploit the natural surroundings of Cardwell, which is near a sandy beach and the Clyde Estuary, by creating a water sports centre linked to the garden centre.

Not only would this bring more people to the garden centre, the attractions themselves would generate a new revenue stream.

The cost of creating such a leisure attraction is certainly prohibitive and there would need to be a massive investment for th s to be ome a rea t e st ha e to ee b n a otter ticket every week!

Even giant out-of-town shopping centres recognise the need to combine retail with leisure, to retain and increase footfall – garden centres are no different

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Larger restaurant

Leisure attraction

Advertising campaign

Hire centre Play area Neil Calvert

CEO, High Trees Garden and Leisure Ltd

In order to survive, expand and prosper, garden centres now really have to be destinations, and offer as much as possible to today’s very expectant customer As a garden centre owner for over 30 years, I have seen huge changes in both the industry and the whole retail economy. Along the way, garden centres and nurseries have had to adapt, modify and improve their operations to survive and improve. e now find o rse es n a who e new wor d of e ommer e hands on te hno o and nformat on and b s nesses ha e had to drastically change their workings in numerous ways to incorporate new retail concepts. At High Tree I have always tried to move with the times, and keep up with the new consumer’s increasing retail expectations.

In order to survive, expand and prosper, garden centres now really have to be destinations, and offer as much as possible to today’s very expectant customer.

In the real world, expansion is hugely expensive – especially for a traditional garden centre, which I feel is a dying breed these days. A larger children’s play centre would be a very important and useful addition to our business, as would another catering division, a main concept in the modern garden centre, a new and extensive farm shop, a wine centre (particularly close to my heart a ft area t owers a h re entre a ar er ho se ant area, a specialised customer planting area for baskets, troughs and planters, a huge new planter pot area and, of course, more specialised and dedicated plant areas. The list just goes on and on n the ma n we st need to be a s e a sed o t of town reta concept – but I suppose boundaries are limitless in regard to retail and leisure concepts.

www.gardencentreretail.com

Agenda_sept.indd 9

Agenda News

Wine centre Maureen Catlin

Managing director, Milton Ernest Garden Centre I would consider a very aggressive advertising campaign for a whole year. We are already proactive with advertising, using every oss b e ow ost med a a a ab e b t we need more stomers Visitors to the centre rarely leave without spending money, but the business needs more footfall. We need to attract a younger audience to the garden centre – the people who, when asked about their shopping habits in the surveys we have conducted, say that they pick up garden centre items when they’re shopping at the supermarket.

We also need to stage more special events. Currently we hold 15 each year, but it would be great to increase this to one every week. That would involve employing higher levels of staff s e fi a to form ate the ro ramme dea w th the b t and run the events. I would convert a designated area within the arden entre nto a s e fi e ent s a e rather than ee moving the stock around to accommodate the horticultural, craft, wildlife or dog shows we hold. o en o ra e a o n er rofi e of stomer wo d e to build more areas to attract children, as nowadays children seem to control what their parents do! Play areas are expensive to construct and need to be permanently staffed, which would come at a cost. With this expansion, we could then run holiday activities for children, making the centre a favourite for parents.

With an increase in the numbers of people then visiting Milton Ernest Garden Centre, our coffee shop would need to expand. A onser ator t e b d n wo d n rease the n mber of o ers and create an alfresco eating area, giving all the staycationers that ‘feel good factor’, whatever the British weather brings.

In the future, Milton Ernest Garden Centre needs to be not only an o t of town reta o t et b t a ow ost enterta nment entre We already possess the key factors to achieve this – the will and the car park.

o enco e o n e ofi e of customer, I would like to build more areas to attract children, as nowadays children seem to control what their parents do

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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news

Ariens launches new ECHO website

NEWS CENTRE

A

riens Company has launched a new website for ECHO Power Tools, offering an improved user experience. The new website has a clear visual and responsive design, and visitors will be able to navigate their way around with ease.

“We are excited about the launch of our new website for ECHO and the improved user experience it brings,” said r ens mar et n mana er Jef O’Riley. “Visitors to the website will have seamless mobile or desktop access to

explore each of our products.

The website also contains a wealth of content, showcasing our products and their features in the environments they are designed to be used in.

“The new ‘click and reserve’ e-commerce functionality will provide our customers with an additional ordering channel, which will also support our network of dealers.”

The new website also features content such as videos and product info sheets, helping visitors to make more informed decisions.

Stunning new café-bar to open at Squire’s in Shepperton

S

quire’s Garden Centre in Shepperton has unveiled exciting plans to open its new café-bar in early October. There will be distinct seating areas to choose from, including the main cafébar, a sophisticated afternoon tea area with a piano, a coffee lounge with relaxing sofas, and a family-friendly area. There will also be a new menu and a new style of service where customers order at the till then take an electronic tracker to their table, enabling them to relax and enjoy speedy waiter service.

“We are all really excited with the plans for our stunning new café-bar,” said Squire’s deputy chairman Sarah Squire.

“Inspiration comes from a sophisticated bygone era; think of af es and So th ast s a here w be ots of ass to et light in, botanical print wallpaper, tropical garden fabrics and wall art, painted furniture, glass pendant lighting, black and wh te he ered oor n and a nted wooden sh tters he decision to make this investment was in part driven by customer feedback. Our same team of friendly staff will run the new cafébar, and they are all very excited about the plans, and can’t wait to welcome customers in early October.”

The work to update Squire’s café-bar starts on 4 September, but it will remain open while the works take place.

Squire’s is inviting everyone to come along to a special ‘Prepare For Christmas’ shopping evening on Friday 20 October, where you will be able to see the stunning new café-bar, enjoy a curry buffet, preview the Christmas shop and enjoy exclusive discounts on the night.

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 14:04

news

Kent & Stowe consolidates market position

A

s part of Westland Horticulture, Kent & Stowe has benefited from investment in new product

development, resulting in market-leading equipment that has generated sales in key market sectors.

The 2018 season builds on this success with the introduction of several new categories. To satisfy the increased interest in topiary, a range of products is being launched to make it easy to maintain these features.

The involvement of children in gardening has been a feature of recent years, but child friendly equipment has not kept pace with demand.

This has changed with the new K&S Kids range, which consists of scaled-down versions of adult tools. Further additions include ‘Prepare, Plant and Grow’ for potting and planting, ‘Grow, Improve and Maintain’ for lawn care and ‘Improve, Shape and Control’ cutting solutions.

RHS Garden Wisley under threat from Highways England’s A3 plans

O

ne of the UK’s most horticulturally important gardens is under threat from Highways England plans to widen the A3 in what could be the ultimate ‘garden grab’.

RHS Garden Wisley, a Grade II listed garden that welcomes 1.2m visitors a year, could have over 10,000m² of woodland grabbed and over 500 trees destroyed, including one planted by The Queen.

There are currently two options available to Highways England to widen the A3: one on the east side and one on the west. The RHS has carried out highway studies and is calling on the government to choose the east option, which would not affect Wisley.

“This potential garden grabbing plan would be an unacceptable example of this government’s poor perception

of horticulture,” said Alan Titchmarsh, RHS ambassador.

“I’m calling on the UK’s army of 27m gardeners to make it known that a lack of appreciation of the national importance of this garden would not be acceptable if the short sighted and environmentally damaging option was chosen. We must all stand together and protect our gardens.”

Simon Fraser appointed to HTA board

S

imon Fraser, managing director of Ben Reid & Co in Aberdeen, has been appointed to the HTA board.

With a Diploma in Horticulture and an HND in Commercial Horticulture, Simon has worked for a number of nurseries and garden centres in Aberdeen, Lincolnshire, Kent and New Zealand. This was followed by a six-year stint managing his family’s forestry business, before a number of roles outside the industry. Now as managing director of Ben Reid & Co, Simon is the fourth generation of his family to have owned and managed this Aberdeen business.

Simon has represented Scottish members on the HTA Council for the last 10 years.

He said of his appointment to the board: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed to the Board of the HTA at such a dynamic and exciting time in the organisations development. I look forward as a retailer and a grower to represent the HTA’s membership to help their trade association effectively support their businesses.”

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09:59 Garden Centre Retail September/October17-08-17 2017 11

31/08/2017 14:05

News Extra

NOTTCUTTS PIONEER

DISPLAY GARDENS TO DRIVE SALES

GCR spoke to Nicky Dulieu, chairman of Notcutts, about the process of creating the company’s new instore display gardens, and how they help to promote link sales Why are plant displays important for a garden centre?

There are a number of reasons: for one, it’s a great way to display your expertise as a garden centre. At Notcutts, we see o rse es first and foremost as a plant garden centre rather than a collection of concessions, so using the display garden to showcase o r now ed e and rofi en is important to us.

There are also commercial reasons – the display garden drives footfall and gives customers another reason to visit. Hopefully, those who see it will enjoy it and tell their friends and family to come and take a look for themselves.

The display garden changes throughout the year, which encourages repeat visits from

customers who want to see how it is evolving. It’s not a show garden such as you’d find at the he sea ower Show, it’s a real garden, and we planted it to show off a s ess on of d fferent owers all year round.

A third key reason is to inspire our customers and show them what they can do in their own gardens; when they see large groups of plants looking great together in our display garden, it encourages sales of those plants.

Where did the idea for your Notcutts Display Garden come from?

We were asked last year to do the feature show garden at the Royal Sandringham ower show e abso te loved creating the garden

You can see people getting inspired, and we’ve found that customers will discuss the display sections they love with our staff, asking how they can recreate it in their own garden

12

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News Extra.indd 12

the fin shed rod t was absolutely stunning and won a gold medal – but the show was only open to the public for one da a n s ent fi e months ann n the arden and fi e long, hot days building it, dismantling it after 24 hours was heartbreaking.

We were thinking about ways we could celebrate Notcutts’ 120th anniversary this year, and considered do n another ower show but then thought: “Wouldn’t it be so much better to have gardens that all our customers can enjoy, all year round?” orw h was the first of o r Notcutts Display Gardens, but we’re planning to have 18 in total eventually, one in every Notcutts garden centre.

How long did it take to create, from the idea to the display garden’s opening? e anned for abo t fi e months with a great team within Notcutts, including the head of visual merchandising, the senior plant buyer and the Norwich garden centre manager. After pooling our

ideas and selecting the site in the garden centre – which dictated some of the choices and themes because of the site ond t ons we fina sed the design and got started on the build, which took about three weeks. We had up to eight staff members working on the garden each day while it was being built – it was quite a labour-intensive task!

Do ou find that lant displays encourage link sales, with customers buying all or part of the display?

Absolutely. In the sunny area at the front of the garden we mixed together a tapestry of different-coloured Heuchera with bright orange Geum and Sa a nemorosa aradonna which looks stunning. We have seen so many customers put that combination of plants into trolley after visiting the garden, which is brilliant. You can see people getting inspired, and we’ve found that customers will discuss the display sections they love with our staff, asking how they can recreate it in their own garden. w

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31/08/2017 09:45

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Caroline Owen The Interview

Caroline Owen GCR visited Scotsdales in Cambridge to speak to managing director Caroline Owen about employment, success and how the industry has changed in the past 30 years

What is your background in the industry?

I started at Scotsdales, which is owned by my family, 30 years ago – I was probably the first fam member to o n the company. Myself and my father have really developed the retail side of the business since then; my brother has been involved in the business for the past 10 years as our finan e d re tor and m da hter a so o ned the company in 2013. My father is still chairman of Scotsdales at the ripe old age of 89 – we’re very much a family company.

Before Scotsdales I had a short retail career at John Lewis and Sainsbury’s, and had also worked for the medical insurance company BUPA. Can you outline the history of Scotsdales?

The business as it stands today was all developed from 14 reenho ses the first ma or redevelopment was back in 1980 at our Cambridge site, and in 1990 we doubled the size of that building. We’ve obviously had a lot of internal improvements since then, from oor n and ht n to café extensions and new warehousing, but those two first b e ans ons were er important for the business.

We purchased our nursery in Fordham in 1991 and rebranded that abo t fi e years ago, and we also have Horningsea, which we bought from ot tts fi e ears a o 

www.gardencentreretail.com

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The Interview Caroline Owen There’s a lot for garden centres to look at in terms of providing an enjoyable, entertaining experience for customers to keep footfall up – we’ve installed a beach at our Cambridge site, for example, which is very popular How have you seen the industry change since you began? mmeas rab hen first started at S otsda es we st so d ants arden n rod ts and a er sma amo nt of ets and ft sto we had no ater n at a and no hr stmas trade arden n s st o r b est se tor at S otsda es b t the sa es n reases are now om n from the non hort t ra de artments wh h s a h e han e hr stmas s ob o s now a h e b s er od too e e be ome more of a a e that eo e s t to be enterta ned than a a e where the r hase arden n rod ts and we e roned o t the seasona t of the b s ness as m h as oss b e s it di ficult to find em lo ees ith the ri ht s ills tho t a do bt we do str e to et staff w th the r ht reta and hort t ra s s da hter wor ed at arrods before ma n the mo e to S otsda es and a ot of her fr ends d dn t nderstand t th n a ot of the o n er enerat on th n that arden entre em o ees st wa aro nd n we es and r ne owers a da e find t d ffi t to attra t o n we a fied eo e nto the b s ness ften hort t ra now ed e has had to be a se ondar as from otent a em o ees

16

as we find t s someth n that an be earned on the ob he e th n for s s to find o n eo e that want to earn a n ant now ed e doesn t ne essar mean o e eo e and o e ot to e eo e to wor n reta es e a these da s when stomer en a ement s so m ortant a n fr end he f staff s one of the th n s that ts arden entres abo e sho n on ne where a most an th n an be r hased at the to h of a b tton e re ons der n reat n someth n s m ar to e and ha n ant ee s n the entre who w be a a ab e to answer an hort t ra est ons or er es o r stomers ma ha e What do you think are the main challen es to the industry at the moment? nternet sho n s of o rse a h e ha en e b t ha n sa d that eo e w a wa s want to be enterta ned here s a ot for arden entres to oo at n terms of ro d n an en o ab e enterta n n e er en e for stomers to ee footfa we e nsta ed a bea h at o r ambr d e s te for e am e wh h s er o ar ot of the ho ses n the area s rro nd n o r ambr d e entre are sma so arents e to br n the r h dren n to oo at o r ets and a at de artment and to ha e someth n to eat e re

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

Let'sHearItFromSept.indd 16

rrent oo n at wa s we an de e o the h dren s enterta nment s de of the b s ness w tho t ha n an m a t on the e er en e of o r o der stomers Sma er ardens are be om n more and more ommon and n reas n ho se r e ha e meant a row n n mber of stomers are rent n and therefore want ots and onta ners rather than at os or an th n more ermanent he med a s a so ro n to be a h e ha en e at the moment t a wa s seems to be ta n ss es aro nd d s osab e n ome and the dro n the o nd wh h then m a ts the nd str What do you think is key to a garden centre’s success in the modern age? stomer ser e s one of the most m ortant fa tors for a arden entre s f t re s ess w tho t a do bt on s de that the ran e of rod ts a arden entre sto s and staff now ed e of those rod ts w be r t a as w be a e hat s not to sa e er th n has to be hea b t t has to be h h a t and ood a e er one who sho s on ne w ha e r hased someth n on the nternet and then fo nd that the a t was ower than the were e e t n arden entres need to ens re that the ha e a re tat on for ro d n reat rod ts to ta e ad anta e of that

How do you stay up to date with new trends? e need to be ons o s of emer n trends n a ot of d fferent areas and de artments r b ers and mana ers s t trade shows both n the and abroad to sta to date and we a so s t a ot of o r s ers to see what s new and what we ma be m ss n n add t on we be on to the n ton arden entre ro wh h s a reat omm n t that shares nformat on and d s sses trends the ro s rrent oo n at the oss b t of stn mer a and h na to e am ne the hr stmas rod ts o er there here er am whether t s n the s ermar et or on the h h street m a wa s on the oo o t for enera reta trends han n fash ons and new te hno o es that o d benefit S otsda es What is your customer base li e at cotsdales he ma or t of o r stomers are the o er s b t we re oo n at wa s to en a e m h more w th the o n er stomer and to ma e arden n e t n for them t does han e o er hr stmas we et a ot of o n er eo e n o er the fest e er od e re nown for o r hr stmas de orat ons and e ebrat ons and eo e of a a es o e to s t and soa that atmos here

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31/08/2017 10:13

Caroline Owen The Interview

he e th n o to find young people that want to learn. n nt no ed e doe n t necessarily mean you like people, nd o e ot to e eo e to work in retail Do you have any plans for change or expansion in the next few years?

Yes – we have planning permission for a new 600-seat café at our Cambridge site, and we will also be revamping our plant area.

How long have you had a website, and how important is it for the business?

Our website is really important for the business – our online sales are very low, but it is used by our customers to browse our stock before they come into the centre. Potential visitors can see our ranges and what we have to offer, and it convinces them that coming to us is a worthwhile trip, so the website does drive a lot of footfall for us. w

CONTACT

120 Cambridge Road, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5JT 01223 842777 www.scotsdalegarden centre.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

Let'sHearItFromSept.indd 17

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 10:14

GCR ads.indd 10

31/08/2017 14:19

Recruitment Business

PEOPLE POWER FINDING THE RIGHT STAFF

Jay Staniforth of Vacancy Filler Recruitment Software offers some tips on recruiting the best employees

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n an b s ness t an be d ffi t to find ood o a hardwor n staff and n the ase of arden entres t an be hard to find ass stants who ha e both hort t ra now ed e and ood stomer s s

Be clear about the recruitment brief

re o oo n for ermanent or tem orar staff re o oo n for someone to be stomer fa n or do the need to be ab e to he w th sto when re red hat ho rs w the wor are the a rates and ond t ons at east om arab e w th the om et tors n o r area and do o want to ma e these b n o r n t a ad ert sements ob board ost n s o o want someone w th e er en e or are o re ared to tra n hat nd of erson w be the best fit for o and o r e st n staff

Think about timescales

an ear t mes a es for o r re r tment ns re that o ha e dead nes n a e for n t a re e t of a at ons and or s when o an to re ew them and res ond to and dates when o w ho d nter ews or tests and when o want o r re r ts to be n wor t ma so nd ob o s b t f the erson n har e of th s ro ess s absent at an of these sta es the who e re r tment ro ess o d be a waste of t me de a s n res ond n to a ants ma mean the best ones are sna ed b o r om et tors f o ha e someone who an de t se for o ma e s re the r d ar es are ear on e re r tment dates n ase o are not a a ab e

Consider a range of recruitment methods

o o ha e a ood resen e on a eboo and w tter where o an ost ob ads so ons der on ne re r tment s stems ontrar to be ef these s stems an be sed b sma er or an sat ons often on a a to se bas s arden entre owners are b s eo e staff are a ta asset and re r tment needs to be smart and a rate t s worth s end n a tt e t me and mone to et t r ht first t me

CONTACT

Garden centre owners are busy people, staff are a vital asset and recruitment needs to be smart and accurate. It’s worth spending a little time and money to try to et t ht fi t t e

www.vacancyfiller.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

Recruitment.indd 19

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 10:53

Business Retaining staff

HOW TO RETAIN YOUR

BEST EMPLOYEES

Management: One of the main reasons employees leave is Considering the cost, time and effort involved because of managers. It’s important to nurture a culture of trust, in recruiting and training staff, you want to onfiden e and trans aren between mana ement and staff hold onto them, particularly if they excel at Staff need to fee that there s someone who the an be honest w th and who w be honest w th them their work. After all, a successful business is driven by the experience, knowledge and Clear communication: Maintain clear expectations, honest commitment of good staff. Every employer will d s ss ons and trans arent o es and ro ed res Staff need to now that the are be n mana ed e a and fa r on t for et know too well the regret that comes when an o r em o ees want to fee art of the b s ness so ee them excellent and knowledgeable member of staff to date on ro ress sa e e ents and an other news leaves the business – particularly in the retail Offering competitive packages: For years, employers sector, where staff turnover tends to be higher. ha e based om et t e a a es aro nd a a s an m ortant factor, but it’s not necessarily the key factor – every generation has So, once you have great employees, how do d fferent r or t es and em o ers sho d ro de enhan ements you keep them? View HR’s Gemma Murphy that a t re e er one s nterest ons der ho da ent t ement passes on her key considerations… e b t n ho rs ens on a a es death n ser e benefit d s o nt s hemes

h d are o

hers and

e to wor s hemes

Conduct “stay” interviews: s we as ond t n

e t nter ews to find o t wh em o ees are ea n ons der as n on ser n em o ees wh the sta h d d the ome to wor here h ha e the sta ed hat wo d ma e them ea e hat wo d the han e or m ro e h s an be sed to strengthen your employee-retention strategy.

Personal development: It is important that staff feel their

ersona de e o ment s be n addressed h s w ar w th the nd d a and ro e b t re ar a ra sa s w he de o on th s ons der areer de e o ment s ess on ann n romote nterna where er oss b e tra n n and n rt re n ro es

Appraisals: ra sa s are a t me for a art es to re e t on the r erforman e oa s and de e o ment ow e se do o et to now an em o ee s areer needs and ro er mana e the r erforman e Recognition: e

ar re o n t on and en o ra ement s r t a staff e to hear we done than o and o be reat at that emember that ra se sho d be t me and ersona to the nd d a or team t s d ffi t to oo at the reasons for em o ees ea n and not ta e t ersona and eas to ta e for ranted a the reasons em o ees sta w tho t re e t n on what o are do n r ht hat s where em o ee en a ement omes nto a

CONTACT

View HR is a HR and employment law consultancy, providing businesses with specialist guidance and independent support.

07496 308540 info@viewhr.co.uk www.viewhr.co.uk

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www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 10:10

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31/08/2017 14:26

Black Friday Business

BLACK FRIDAY PREPARING FOR

Modern Retail’s Rob Gamage shares his top tips for Black Friday preparation

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lack Friday and the days surrounding it will need to be well staffed to cope with the extra demand.

Often the event isn’t limited to just one day anymore; it’s almost its own season, and requires a break from the normal running of a garden centre. It’s a high-pressure period for customers as well as retailers, so it’s important to have staff who are equipped to cope with stress, and who can provide excellent customer service and forge lasting relationships with your customers. Having staff with the right attitude and capabilities is just as important as ha n the r ht staffin levels for Black Friday.

Stock

Be strategic with your stock over Black Friday – think carefully about which lines you want to discount, and by how much. Margins should be protected where possible; you have to be careful to not over-discount on key lines, as you don’t want your customers conditioned into expecting similar discounts in the future, once Black Friday is over.

Having said that, Black Friday

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is followed by the lead-up to Christmas, so, where possible, it may be worth maintaining some level of discount between those two periods.

The Black Friday period is a great opportunity to clear the decks and discount lines that are out of season, end of line stock, or just don’t sell. It’s also a good time to speak to your buyers and collaborate with your suppliers to discuss discounting their less popular lines. Ensuring your stock levels are high enough to cater for the increase in sales and footfall is also essential.

Staff and customers

Garden centres need to re-evaluate their security over Black Friday – we’ve all seen the news stories about stomers fi ht n o er hea reduced products. Garden centres may not fall into the high-risk category, but it makes sense to be prepared for customer violence or fi ht n heft s another ss e that is heightened over this period – shoplifters can take advantage of the increase in footfall and store confusion on Black Friday. The rise in opportunities to steal products

Be strategic with your stock over Black Friday – think carefully about which lines you want to discount, and by how much will not go unnoticed, so ensure your staff and security are aware of this.

Garden centres need to take advantage of the increased footfall over Black Friday to build lasting customer relationships. It’s very easy for Black Friday to result in a negative experience for your customers – issues associated with the increase in footfall such as space, queuing times and stressed staff can translate badly if the event isn’t prepared for properly. Brief staff fully beforehand; they should expect a busy, full-on period and be able to deliver excellent customer service throughout. Consider staff incentives over Black Friday, such as commission, a bonus scheme or a fun staff event once it’s all over, in order to keep them motivated.

Excellent customer experience and service is absolutely key, so do everything you can on the

day to deliver that – little things such as providing a free drink or taster for visitors can make a big difference, as can providing some form of child entertainment to free parents up to shop. Try to capture your customers’ contact details wherever possible for future marketing opportunities. Make sure you market Black Friday in good time beforehand, making it clear how long your discounts will last and what your opening hours are. Have a build-up in-store and across your social media channels. fina t for a r da is not to panic. It’s important not to feel resentment towards forced discounting – try to see the event as an opportunity to take advantage of increased shopper appetite in store. w

CONTACT

Modern Retail www.modernretail.co.uk 0207 183 9560

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31/08/2017 09:50

5YOU NEED TO K features Customer Service

CUSTOMER SERVICE TRENDS

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Empower your staff

Shoe repair company Timpson knows how to empower employees to exceed customers’ expectations. A Guardian columnist recently documented his experience with a repair man who was replacing the battery in his watch. When the columnist mentioned he’d paid extra for a ‘lifetime guarantee’ while buying a battery at another of Timpson’s branches several years before, the repair man immediately said there would be no charge. Some may argue that freebies like

this hurt the bottom line, but Timpson gained a loyal customer for life. And beyond that, the columnist now tells anyone who will listen about the amazing customer service he received – word of mouth ad ert s n that defin te shouldn’t be underestimated.

Train your staff to make decisions for themselves and then step back and let them do it – not only will it bypass those irritating ‘wait for a manager’ scenarios, it can give employees a real sense of responsibility and ownership.

e s

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ere t te

rse

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Convenience

How easy and convenient are you to do business with? Amazon is revolutionising today’s retail experience with its Amazon Go grocery stores. Advanced technology has allowed it to do away with queues and the checkout process – you literally grab and go.

Work out ways in which you can be more convenient than your competition and, in today’s time-poor market, you’re onto a winner (see our Frozen Food feature in next month’s issue for more insight into how you can save your customers time).

Rather than pursuing their own success, successful businesses these days are pursuing their customers’. Think ‘help economy’, rather than ‘sales economy’

2

Seize the opportunity

Occasionally an opportunity may present itself that allows staff to go above and beyond for customers, and staff should be encouraged to look out for these opportunities and make the most of them when they appear. A John Lewis store in High Wycombe showed what can be achieved when heavy snow and gridlocked roads left customers stranded in 2009. The manager on duty made the decision to accommodate more than 100 anxious customers, staff and children overnight in-store, having the beds in the bed department made up and distributing food and toys. The story made the national press the following day and even appeared on BBC News, earning John Lewis a deluge of Xxxxxxxxxxx fantastic publicity and grateful customers to spread the word.

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t

Customer Service features

O KNOW ABOUT s

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Your customers’ success

There has been a subtle shift in the way that leading businesses approach their relationships with customers – the ‘hard sell’ is feeling increasingly outmoded. Successful businesses these days are pursuing their customers success, rather than their own. Think ‘help economy’, rather than ‘sales economy’. Pursue your customers’ success and your company’s success will nat ra ens e h s wa of th n n an a so benefit o r staff employees like to help their customers succeed because it allows them to be a part of something bigger. Amazon is another great example of this – people choose to buy from Amazon because it can deliver things straight to the door (helpful if you don’t have a car and want to buy a heavy object), and it can leave items in an allocated place (helpful if you’re at work all day but don’t have time to collect from the ost ffi e ma on oo s at ts customers’ needs and makes their lives easier. That’s customer service, and that’s what it takes to be successful.

Manage problems and questions on social media well, and customers will develop the confidence to recommend the company to others. Slow responses are more likely to be well received if the tone is personal and helpful

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et

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E-commerce

When it comes to online and social media interaction, there are three key points to consider.

Delivery/returns – Free delivery over a minimum spend has become the norm, but the returns process is less standardised, as garden centres are aware that offering a ‘no hassle’ returns policy on plants or large items of furniture could squeeze margins. That said, with the row n n en e of ma on Prime, there are many things that people are beginning to expect from online retailers. s m fied ret rns ro ess with an easy, automated way to return products that don’t meet expectations, is one of these. More shoppers also expect free return shipping, without hidden fees. This may be something your company has decided against due to cost, but it could help you to stand out from the crowd. Free, simple returns give customers that extra onfiden e n the r r hase and encourage them to buy.

Equally, as retailers like Amazon offer next day and same day delivery to everlarger portions of the country, more and more retailers will be expected to provide next day shipping. The good news is that this is something many consumers are willing to pay more for.

Response time – Numerous surveys have revealed terrible response times to customer comments, complaints and questions on support channels such as social media and email.

A 2016 study by Eptica showed that email response times averaged more than seven hours. Manage problems and questions on social media well, and customers will develop the onfiden e to re ommend the company to others. Waiting an hour to respond feels like the maximum amount of time you can get away with; reply in under 15 minutes and you’re onto a winner. And remember – it pays to be friendly. Slow responses are more likely to be well received if the tone is personal and helpful.

Measurement is key – When it comes to online transactions, technology has made it easier than ever to track customers’ preferences and history. More and more businesses are looking to create a more personalised experience that caters to each customer’s individual needs.

Real-time analytics provide a deeper insight into customer behaviour, and being able to see the behaviour of potential customers and those who decided to buy gives you a lot of insight into what changes you can make to improve the overall conversion rate of your business’s website.

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31/08/2017 09:54

Feature Pet grooming

Add value with

A PET GROOMING SERVICE Incorporating a pet grooming concession into your garden centre is a great way to draw in new customers who haven’t shopped with you e re e fi t t r ss e t t t

uromonitor International’s 2016 report on pet care in the UK found that increasing numbers of owners consider their pets ‘members of the family’, and are more willing to money on pet health and welfare than ever before. This trend has resulted in et room n b s nesses be om n h h rofitab e wh h an trans ate nto a benefi a on ess on for arden entres To examine why it’s worth adding a pet grooming service to a garden centre, and how to do it, GCR speaks to Gareth Thomas, managing director of DoLittle Pet Supplies in Sutton Green Garden Centre, whose grooming business increased the centre’s rofits b a most mmed ate aresh a thatha e a ns wh he chose to add a dog grooming concession to Ansell Garden Centre, while River and Bear’s Rhys Hartley talks to us about how to market a new grooming concession.

Gareth Thomas et es t When did you set up in the garden centre?

We’ve been based in Sutton Green Garden Centre for three ears now we were re o s operating in a building up the road. The centre approached us and asked if we’d like to move onto its site; we were a successful but young business that offered pet grooming, pet supplies and livestock, and the entre saw the benefits we could bring to its offering.

Have you found pet grooming services are in higher demand now than in past years? th n the are o r b s ness is slightly busier than it used to be. I believe the increase in demand is a result of Carla inpeople chef whites more choosing to

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re t r

own cockapoos and similar breeds, which can be higher maintenance in terms of grooming. Labradors, for example, do require grooming, but this can be done easily by the owner the ha e short coats and a regular brush will keep them looking good.

Cockapoos, on the other hand, have a particular type of coat that requires regular, thorough maintenance. Without that, the undercoat gets very matted and pulls on the skin; this will cause the dog to scratch and bite at its skin, resulting in sores. While grooming can be done by owners themselves at home, many people don’t have the right knowledge, and with their increasingly busy lives, they would rather drop the dog off with us and pick it up

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tt e

an hour or two later with the job professionally done.

Why did you decide to operate within a garden centre?

The land we were based on had been purchased by a builder, who intended to knock our building down, so we were looking for a new site. A garden centre is a great location for a pet supplies company like ours, especially as we incorporate the dog grooming service. A good garden centre has high footfall, which means more people are walking past your business and seeing what you offer.

The centre we work within also offers other services such as a hand carwash, a café and a or st th s es o r stomers something to do while they wait for their dog. hat enefits ha e ou seen from the business being within a garden centre?

Sutton Green Garden Centre has reported to us that it e er en ed a n rease in trade almost immediately when we moved onto the site, which is great. We are a very strong pet business and are we nown n the o a t we have more than 2,500 active clients, which has been hugely benefi a for the entre he nature of our services means

that our customers will have an hour or two to kill before they can pick their dog up again, and we’ve found that about eight in 10 of those customers will spend that time in the garden centre, either shopping or in the café. Meanwhile, being based in the centre gives us an advantage over our competition, which doesn’t have a café or shopping facilities on-site.

What would you advise a garden centre to think about before adding a dog grooming concession?

The main consideration is that the garden centre has a quiet space on-site with the orre t fa t es hot and o d water, plenty of electrics, etc.

The area also has to be selfonta ned o ha e a d t of care when it comes to working with animals, and you will need to be able to keep pets safe if the owner is late to pick them up, which is often the case.

Do you think a pet grooming concession is a good idea for any garden centre?

A pet grooming service is a great facility to have on-site for a garden centre, which stands to gain a new customer base who may not have visited otherwise. It enhances a centre and makes it more of a destination venue.

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31/08/2017 15:52

Pet grooming Feature

HOW I DID IT

Ansell Garden Centre owner Paresh Raithatha says adding a salon has been a huge success

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The DoLittle salon

local dog groomer approached us a few years ago and asked whether we would be open to incorporating a grooming concession into the business. We have a pet department, so it complements that very well, and often when a customer for the pet grooming service comes in for an appointment they will wander around the centre and stop for some food or a drink while they wait for their pet. We find the room n ser e attracts a lot of customers who have never previously visited us – many of whom actually spend more than our regular customers, who have seen the majority of the stock we offer before.

The grooming service has gone from strength to strength at the centre

– the groomer has built a great reputation, which is really important for both her business and ours.

The grooming service customers tend to have more disposable income, and as a lot of the services that the groomer offers take an hour or longer, this really frees up the pet owners to browse the garden centre, which increases our sales and turnover.

We’ve really seen no negatives from having the concession – it’s been m t a benefi a and very successful. If you have the space for a grooming service, I think it’s a great idea. Even if you don’t have a pet department, the groomers will bring more traffi nto o r entre and introduce a new customer base to your business.

The grooming service customers tend to have more disposable income, and as a lot of the services that the groomer offers take an hour or longer, this really frees up the pet owners to browse the garden centre, which in turn increases our sales and turnover.

We’ve really seen no negatives

A satisfied DoLittle customer

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31/08/2017 10:19

Feature Pet grooming

A pet grooming service is great to have on-site for a garden centre, which stands to gain new customers who may not have visited otherwise.

It enhances a centre and makes it more of a destination venue

Rhys Hartley, marketing and events manager at River & Bear, shares his top tips on marketing a pet grooming concession

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o matter how big or small your grooming concession, there is no need for a huge outlay when it comes to the marketing budget. There are so many avenues to go down – many of them free.

A new grooming salon should be publicised in as many places as possible, both on ne and of ne to et as many eyes on the new aspect of your business as you can.

Posting onto your website, as well as the groomer’s website, is essential, and getting a presence in online directories is a free, quick and easy way to he eo e find the b s ness online when searching for grooming services.

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Online exposure is critical, but never forget the m ortan e of of ne marketing. If you have a pet department within your garden centre, you will already have a number of customers who will be interested in the new concession, so encourage staff to tell visitors about it. Having posters within the centre that publicise the new business and hand n o t ers n the o a area are great ways to spread the word – the costs for basic design and print are minimal.

Put the posters up a few weeks before the concession opens, and hand o t ers n areas where people walk their dogs, shop windows, cat cafés and dog training class venues.

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It can seem daunting trying to find a f n wa to mar et a new concession, but when your customers are animals, it couldn’t be easier. Anyone can jump on social media, scroll down and see a cute, funny or inspiring photo or video of someone’s pet. Social media is a great way to market a new grooming business – you could start by showing off the new space, equipment and staff members, making sure that all images are clear and were taken in good lighting.

In all the photos, remember to upload the garden centre and grooming logos, which can be done quickly and easily using programs such as PowerPoint.

Upload videos and photos of your furry customers, and consider posting ‘before and after’ images to show off the grooming skills of your staff.

CONTACT

Rhys Hartley is marketing and events manager at River & Bear, a marketing, PR and events agency rhys@riverandbear.co.uk www.riverandbear.co.uk

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When it’s time to reap…

…what you’ve sown.

You’ve put the work in, dug deep and grown your business.

While everything is rosy, it could be the perfect time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. If you’re considering selling your business now or in the future, Alexander Mackie Associates are ready to help bring your sale to fruition.

Contact us now; we’ll be delighted to discuss the possibilities.

01732 522222

A superb range of Crescent Garden planters and planter bowls. Traditional and contemporary styles in a range of colours and sizes 16” – 40” diam.

Manufactured in polyethylene resin, lightweight, extremely robust, and guaranteed frost-proof and colour stable. Most are double-walled for extra insulation, and pre-drilled for drainage. Styles and sizes colour-match if selected in a common colour.

www.biggardenpotcompany.co.uk Tel : 023 8084 5616

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info@alexandermackie.co.uk

alexandermackie.co.uk

ON TREND GARDEN SCREENS FROM GRANGE Grange Fencing, the leading fencing and decorative garden structures company offers an attractive choice of stylish garden screens. It’s most popular model, the Adjustable Slat Garden Screen provides garden centre retailers with a simple and effective route to maximising consumer appeal.

Benefitting from a clever window blind design, the Adjustable Slat Garden Screen can be used to create the look and feel of a chic ‘outdoor room’. With an SRP of £149.99, the Adjustable Slat Garden Screen has been recognised for its innovative design at the 2017 GIMA Awards and has been highly praised amongst trade and consumer audiences alike, since launching in early 2017.

To find out more, visit www.grangefen.co.uk Retailers interested in working with Grange should call the company on 01952588088 or email sales@grangefen.co.uk

01/09/2017 10:02

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31/08/2017 14:37

Web Design Internet

CREATING A GREAT

Website

HTA member and director of Iconography Ltd Wayne Robbins explains the process of creating a new website What makes a great website?

First and foremost, a website needs to really represent a garden centre. If you have a great destination garden centre but your website that doesn’t re e t that o e ot a problem. An effective website, whether it’s e-commerce or just a catalogue site, needs to help a garden centre business be found through web searches – especially product searches – and then be chosen by the searcher. It has to convince potential customers that they want to travel 20 miles to visit the centre. Your website should convey that your garden centre is relevant to the modern consumer; the audience that will be most affected by your online presence will be those who are in their late twenties to early forties.

In my town we have a lot of new builds, and a lot of the people who live in them are new to the area and entirely unaware that there is an independent garden centre fi e m es awa hat arden centre’s website is ineffective, featuring no products, so it hasn’t captured that consumer group – which is full of potentially big spenders.

Where to start?

First, you need to decide what sort of website you need for your business. Your options are:

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• A simple brochure website that a local agency could produce for you, which consists of a few pictures and some text to promote the centre. Such a site will not perform well in Google for product related searches, and is unlikely to engage new potential customers • A brochure or catalogue website, where you feature a lot of your products to draw people into the centre • An e-commerce site, where you sell your products online.

I would suggest hiring an agency to create your garden centre’s website, primarily due to the time that it involves.

It would take a company a s n fi ant amo nt of t me to produce, on its own, a meaningful website that is re e ant n en ears a o a simple website with basic information on the garden centre – for example, listing the various departments and o en n t mes wo d s ffi e In the modern day, however, a garden centre that is serious about its future should really focus on its online presence, investing in a website that

drives footfall and markets itself as a destination. here are a n mber of steps to take when creating a website, and a credible, established website agency should be able to hold your hand throughout the process. he a en sho d be ab e to show you the sort of website you will be purchasing, so that you can then familiarise yourself with it and ensure you understand all its functions. Next, the agency should produce a detailed s e fi at on of the webs te and some design concepts for sign-off, before starting to de e o the s te for o hat s usually a three-month process, which you can observe as it goes along, giving feedback and tweaking when necessary.

Once the site is launched, the agency should help with things such as integrating the site with a payment service provider, and running test transactions.

Practical considerations around e-commerce

One of the key issues around an e-commerce site is stock.

You need to have a good, realistic understanding of your stock levels at any given time if you want to sell online, as you may be selling to a wider geographical area, or even nat ona he ast th n o want is to let customers down 

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Internet Web Design by generating orders that o are nab e to f fi ot of garden centres choose to create a website that enables them to project within a 30 to 35-mile radius, using their site as a marketing platform to drive footfall, phone calls and and o e t o t ons If you have an e-commerce site, you will need staff that can dispatch items effectively, while a click and collect service

requires an area for customers to the r tems With an e-commerce site, there are also the usual terms and conditions around the selling and refunding of products to adhere to, and if items are being made to order then there are selling re at ons to be aware of t s also essential to adhere to the guidelines of the brands you are wor n w th

TOP TIPS

Your website needs to be responsive, which means it has to work well on a mobile, tablet and desktop, and it needs to be someth n that rea adds a e to o r b s ness e information about your centre’s café or restaurant, accessibility, e rod ts and brands sho d a wa s be n ded Make sure that you have a clear, easy to understand check-out system if your site is e-commerce, and show that o ta e r a of data and se r t ser o s professional, well-designed, well-performing website gives o r stomers onfiden e n o r brand and es o r arden entre red b t Avoid basic, out-of-date brochure websites with poor quality imagery and generic text – it looks lazy, and can deter otent a s tors f o e ot a arden entre that s worth going to, your website needs to work hard to convince people of that – particularly if they need to travel to reach the entre wh h s often the ase A content-managed website makes it very easy for a number of garden centre staff to change imagery or create promotions on the site – you ideally want at least one member of staff to be trained by your web design agency on how to ee o r s te rrent and to a w th the han n seasons Garden centre websites aren’t just about e-commerce – some businesses don’t want to sell online, for good reason, or on want to se w th n a erta n eo ra h a rad s he key job of any garden centre website is to be prevalent when a relevant search is made by a potential customer, and it also needs to be an ambassador for the entre o r s te needs to cover all the reasons to visit, which a lot of independent garden entre webs tes nfort nate st aren t do n w

Previous website projects from Iconography Ltd

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One of the key issues around an e-commerce site is stock. You need to have a good, realistic understanding of your stock levels at any given time if you want to sell online, as you may be selling to a wider geographical area, or even nationally

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31/08/2017 14:45

SEO Internet

INCREASE YOUR WEB TRAFFIC WITH

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION

Andrew Spence

r r e e tre e e er t r st ers ee t e e tfi e you’ll fall behind your competitors. Andrew Spence, founder and head of digital strategy at Jiggle t e s t t se r e rese e s t t st ers fi e s

Create content consistently

It’s not enough to have a website with a few pictures thrown in.

Without relevant and consistent content that is optimised with the r ht e words t w be hard for o r stomers to find o se too s s h as S mo or oo e e word anner to find o t what your target audience is searching for, and then strategically incorporate these keywords into your webpages. Ideally, keywords should be placed in the page title, header and sub-headers, as well as added to images and image ALT tags. Don’t know what to write about? Anything from helpful advice to events and promotions can serve as inspiration for both informational and relational content.

Build links to optimise your content

To highlight some of the best content on your website, you need to carry out internal link building. This simply means pointing visitors on one page to other relevant pages on your site. In addition to internal linking, you will also need to build links from external sites.

This is still a ranking factor for Google – the higher the quality of the websites that link back to your site, the better your site will rank in the search engines. Producing great content does generate links, b t o a so benefit when o rea h o t to other webs te owners in gardening or related niches to ask them for links.

Producing great content does generate n t o o enefit hen o e ch out to other website owners in gardening or related niches to ask them for links Optimise for local search

Your customers will probably live close to your garden centre, so o want to ma e t eas for them to find o r webs te and location when they search online. Start by claiming your location by creating a Google Business page and a Google+ page. Do the same for social media sites, including Yelp, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, adding your business’s name, address and phone number for effective local SEO. Google uses this information to determine your credibility and rankings in its search engine.

Leverage the power of email

Email is still one of the most effective communication and marketing tools, especially for a niche market such as gardening. reat wa to m ro e traffi to o r webs te s b n d n customers with consistent and relevant email updates that are a ed w th t s rod ts romot ons and ns rat on sed well, email will keep your customers engaged with your business.

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Get social

Social media has become the pulse of every business. You can be sure that a large majority of your customers or target audience is spending time on one or more social sites, looking for recommendations and inspiration around gardening. Take this opportunity to engage your target audience by posting regularly and linking these posts back to your website. Pictures, videos and even blog posts will do particularly well on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Be sure to add a share button in your email newsletter and webpages to make it easy for customers to share your content.

Pay to advertise

Pay-per-click (PPC) visitors have a 50% greater likelihood of purchasing than organic visitors. PPC platforms such as Google AdWords or Microsoft’s Bing can be very effective at reaching a s e fi tar et a d en e based on a fiers s h as e words n ome o at on and more Sett n these s e fi am a n arameters not on he s to dr e traffi to o r webs te b t to your garden centre as well.

In the age of social media and widespread internet penetration, your garden centre needs a strong web presence. In addition to local SEO, paid search and content marketing, ensure that your website is responsive and user-friendly, given that your customers are highly likely to view it from a mobile device.

CONTACT

www.jiggledigital.com

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 11:00

Catering Christmas

PREPARING FOR

Christmas C

hristmas represents a welcome midwinter peak for garden centres. For many customers, a visit to their local garden centre to purchase their tree and decorations forms the beginning of festivities. Many garden centres are great destination venues at this time of year, so it’s important for the r ater n offer to re e t a festive spirit. Christmas is also a time when customers linger in garden centres for longer, so it’s a great chance to showcase what the café or restaurant has to offer throughout the year – not just in the festive months.

There are numerous opportunities at Christmas for a garden centre to offer something a little unusual with its catering, to differentiate itself from competitors. At the same time, it’s important to remember that traditional rod ts and a o rs s h as cinnamon, cranberry and

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

mince pies are always big sellers, and that’s what your customers will associate with Christmas. I would always encourage garden centres to do something a bit different with their catering offer, while keeping in mind that the majority of sales are going to come from more traditional food items and dishes. Adapting your current offer to embrace those festive a o rs w a wa s ro e popular – speciality coffees, hot chocolates, mince pies and turkey sandwiches are great examples of this.

Preparation and consideration

Make sure that your service e e s are fit for r ose n the run up to Christmas, and that your team is trained to manage the festive peak season.

Temporary staff are typically employed over peak periods, and during the hiring process,

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s

Christmas Catering

MYA Consulting’s Carla McKenzie outlines upcoming trends this Christmas, and what to include on a festive menu to stand out from competitors garden centres should consider whether potential Christmas staff members are able to look after a younger audience. There tend to be far more children in garden centres over the festive period, so being child-friendly, with staff who have a good rapport with youngsters, will give your business more appeal – not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Recipe cards need to be prepared ahead of time for any new dishes appearing on the menu over Christmas, and I would strongly recommend doing an in-house test run of a festive menu before presenting it to your customers. It is also important to make sure that all marketing materials for your Christmas catering are well thought out and prepared for well in advance.

The classic problem for a Christmas catering operation is the over-ordering of seasonal

Christmas pudding

products. Try to avoid this by limiting your food palates wherever possible and making ingredients work hard across several dishes. January is a slower trading period, so you want to be sure that you aren’t carrying over too much stock from Christmas, or having to throw away products.

e t eo

o t nte

Creating a Christmas feel in your café or restaurant will help to extend the buying season, and can encourage customers to treat themselves more than they would normally. Each centre will have a different approach when it comes to making their catering operation more festive – personally, I’m not a big fan of dressing staff up in antlers and Santa hats, but changing your employees’ aprons or shirts, as well as having festive signage, are great ways of getting into the Christmas spirit.

Savoury doughnut

Christmas Chelsea buns

Christmas is all about giving.

The festive period presents a great opportunity for a garden centre to secure its foothold in the local community by inviting in local groups such as carol singers and fundraising for local causes, thereby strengthening the centre’s relationship with the surrounding area. The festive period is also a great chance to look forward as a business – vouchers could be distributed that are redeemable during January and February, to increase footfall in those slower months.

You can ensure that customers see your business as a destination by creating a real Christmas experience – shopping and lunch could be followed by entertainment or an activity such as ‘How to create a Christmas wreath’ using products from the centre. A great Christmas catering operation can help

to extend your customers’ day with you and make it memorable; it’s worth considering the feasibility of elongating your standard catering opening hours, to get the most out of the peak season. There are so many opportunities to tie catering into other activities around Christmas – a trip for families to Santa’s grotto could be followed by jelly and ice cream for the kids; a ladies’ shopping day could be coupled with afternoon tea, or a late-night shopping event could include mulled wine and mince pies.

Alcohol

Christmas should be a time for garden centres to stretch their catering offer and really develop outside of the norm – and that includes their alcohol offering. Most local craft breweries produce a really great Christmas ale, for instance, which could be a

 

e e th t o e ce e e e fit o o e n the n to h t nd th t o te t ned to n e the e t e e e on e o t e t c e o ed o e e e od nd d n the h n oce den cent e ho d con de hethe otent h t t e e e e to oo te o n e d ence

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Catering Christmas en

hristmas tarts

Christmas should be a time for garden centres to stretch their catering offer and really develop outside of the norm – and that includes their alcohol offering fantastic addition to a garden centre menu or even form part of a tasting session of local produce. Selling a local craft ale or wine also shows a commitment to the wider community around the centre.

Alcohol is always going to be an incremental sale in a garden centre environment, but a lot of customers who visit over Christmas will be looking to celebrate and treat themselves to a festive drink. A Christmas afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco is a great example of this. Remember to check that o r ens n s fit for r ose if you intend to extend your alcohol offer over Christmas, and that you are working and selling within the boundaries of the law.

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Keep kids in mind

Garden centres should ensure they have a strong children’s menu over Christmas, especially if they offer a grotto or other festive children’s activities. While this is a great opportunity to make families keen to visit the centre and get brand loyalty at a young age from children, typically one of the weaker points of a garden centre’s café or restaurant will be the kids’ menu. Christmas is a time when parents tend to be less strict about their children’s sugar intake than perhaps they would be for the rest of the year, so that should be borne in mind when putting together your kids’ menu. It’s important to have substantial main courses available for children – after hours waiting in the queue for Santa or looking at Christmas decorations with the family, they will need a proper meal.

A simple bolognese pasta with garlic bread, or burgers and chips, will always go down well with the younger age groups.

Trends

Organic and vegan food is back on the agenda, with a growing number of customers looking for these options on a menu. Become a destination restaurant or café for these people by developing your vegan and organic menu; this will differentiate your business from competitors. Similarly, there has been a rise in food allergies in recent years, so work to produce a Christmas menu that recognises this, and be clear on any allergen information.

Finally, Christmas 2017 is set to see a bit of a Seventies revival in catering – products such as Black Forest gateau, do hn ts and boo tr es will be back and popular. w

FIVE DISHES TO INCLUDE ON YOUR CHRISTMAS MENU The Seventies are going to be back on trend this Christmas, with oo tri es set to be a b h t n art ar r es can be created in garden centre latte glasses and therefore re re no new e ment the oo reat w fit n e on a cool shelf and offer your customers a familiar product with a tw st am es of reat boo hr stmas tr es w th a tw st could be brownies and Baileys, a classic sherry, plum and brandy or black cherry and Kirsch. a our dou hnuts are also set to come into vogue, following the huge popularity of their sweet counterparts.

Some great savoury doughnut ideas for Christmas could include smoked salmon and cream cheese; serrano ham, prawn and avocado; crab, chive and crème fraiche, and turkey club. All of these contain ingredients that can be used throughout the year – launching them at Christmas doesn’t prevent them from being sold after the festive period is over. The beauty of savoury doughnuts is that they can be upscaled or downscaled – sweet potato fries make a nice accompaniment, or they make a reasonable item for a light lunch on their own.

It’s always sensible to include mince pies on a Christmas menu, but think about preserving some summer ams to use as an alternative. There are a good number of people who don’t enjoy dried fruit, so think about offering a twist on the traditional mince pie – a black cherry jam tart, for example. hristmas helsea uns made with mincemeat are a delicious alternative to ever-popular Christmas cookies.

The festive period is a great chance to look at vegan food – there is always an abundance of s uash around Christmas, which translates into satisfying vegan dishes. You could serve butternut squash soup with crispy seaweed and roasted pears, or a butternut squash curry. Both will make your Christmas menu stand out for your vegan customers.

CONTACT

Carla McKenzie is managing director at MYA Consulting. www.mya-consulting.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

esti e tri e

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01/09/2017 08:25

Plant Focus Christmas Trees

EVER

Green

For the team at HA Trim, a Christmas tree isn’t just for Christmas – it’s a year-round labour of love. Owners Hans and Julie Alexandersen tell us about everything that goes into growing t e r est e firs se s s r es

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Christmas Trees Plant Focus

I

t is not uncommon for Julie and Hans of HA Trim to be asked, “What do you do for the rest of the year?”, and the couple are keen to debunk the notion that their Christmas trees are simply planted on their farm and left to grow until it’s harvest time. Hans and his team will plant nearly 100,000 trees every year, across 500 acres of farmland in Surrey, Kent, Buckinghamshire and Sussex – that’s around 2,000 trees per acre.

HA Trim HQ

Varieties

The team offer customers a planting service

HA Trim plants over 100,000 trees every year

A tree takes 10 years to grow 6ft

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Julie and Hans

are

ordmann fi r

Though there are many varieties of Christmas tree available, each with their own pros and cons, the Nordmann fir s rrent the most o ar – particularly with HA Trim and its customers. Of the 100,000 trees Hans will plant, 98% will be ordmann fir and on will be the more traditional Norway spruce. Hans explains that this is down to the ordmann fir s s er or need e retention when compared to the Norway spruce.

“There has been a change in trends over the last 40 years,” Hans tells us. “People have moved from the traditional Norway spruce towards the ordmann fir stomers want to put up their trees earlier and earlier, and so they’re tending towards the ordmann fir which is more likely to look fresher for longer as it has better needle retention than the Norway spruce.

“The Norway spruce has shorter, more spiky needles and a lovely scent. These are often favoured for outside. If customers want to keep them indoors it’s advised that they are bought closer to Christmas da e a so row nob e firs which we use to make our Christmas wreaths.”

Growing a tree

The process of growing a ordmann fir tree starts with the seeds, which are sourced from Russia and Denmark. Specialist nurseries in Denmark produce plants for the European Christmas tree market, and it is there that HA Trim sources its trees. These will be grown for up to four years in a nursery, before being imported to the UK. Hans and his team plant the trees n the fie ds n r and leave them untouched until May of the following year. They will then remain in the ground for another nine years before they are ready to be sold during the festive period.

On average, a Christmas tree will take around 10 years to grow to six feet. Each tree will be handled two or three times a year for pruning and leader reduction to get them into a good shape. “They do grow nicely without interventions, but it will be a lower quality tree,” Hans tells us. “It takes a lot of effort to create a nice, uniform tree.

“In the sixth year, we start to take out all of the faster growing trees, to provide more space for the remaining trees,” Hans explains. “Then we go in and prune the rest, to make them nice and dense. We will harvest a larger number the following year, and so on until ear when the fie d ma be cleared completely.”

Why did Hans choose this area for growing Christmas trees? “We get the rain, we have a long growing season with nice warm weather in the summer, and it’s not too cold in the winter,” he tells us.

“They grow really well in and around the Surrey Hills due to the sandstone, which helps with drainage.”

Trees grow by taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and releasing clean oxygen. One acre of Christmas trees provides enough daily oxygen for at least 18 people

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31/08/2017 10:23

Plant Focus Christmas Trees Environmental aspects

Christmas trees have not escaped the scrutiny of the organic market, or those who are concerned about the use of chemicals and insecticides on crops. In Hans’ experience, however, the organic question mostly comes from the garden centres themselves, not the customers. One way of preventing the overuse of chemicals on the plantation is to allow a certain number of weeds around the trees, to help control the insects.

“We get mites and aphids on the Christmas trees, but if we have weeds in our plantations the predators will hide in the weeds and eat all of the aphids and the mites,” Hans tells us.

Trees are pruned at least twice a year

42

Hans and Julie believe that growing a forest of Christmas trees is an effective way of combatting global warming.

“Put simply, trees grow by taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and releasing clean oxygen,” they explain.

“One acre of Christmas trees provides enough daily oxygen for at least 18 people.”

Quality control

When asked what advice she could give to customers looking for Christmas trees, Julie says it starts with buying British and being able to visit plantations to check the quality of the trees before they are cut. “We encourage everyone to come to our plantation to see them,” she tells us. “All are grown by us in the UK, and we cut them as close to the delivery date as possible.”

Once a garden centre receives its trees they should be taken off the pallet, and HA Trim asks its customers to do this within 24 hours of receiving them, to make sure they don’t start to heat up.

“They should be kept in the open air if possible,” Julie adds. “Ideally, they should be kept outside, and retailers should ask for the trees to be cut as close as possible to their

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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FESTIVE FIRS

Festive Firs at Friezeland Farm Christmas Trees, a specialist in potted Christmas trees, believes the trend for potted Christmas trees is gathering pace – owner Toby Ryley plants around 40,000 of them every year. “The beauty is that the customer can buy it and grow it in their house, then plant it in the garden,” he tells us. “Because it’s grown in the pot, the root system is maintained when the tree is dug up.”

Toby attributes part of the rising interest in potted Christmas trees to the increasing downsizing of houses, with a smaller potted tree being much more appealing than a larger cut alternative to those with smaller houses. Another popular reason that customers are buying pot grown trees is for a smaller tree in a child’s bedroom, as an addition to the main family tree. busiest selling weekend of the season.”

Selling suggestions

It’s important to focus on Christmas tree display, and to make them highly visible to customers. “We stand all of ours up in our retail area,” Julie explains. “It is very labour intensive, though, and we appreciate that many garden centres may not have the space to do this.”

It is also helpful for customers to know how fresh the trees are, and where they’ve come from, says Julie. “We deliver our trees with ‘Home Grown’ labels for garden centre to use, to show their customers that they’re buying a British-grown tree.”

CONTACT

www.hatrim.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 10:23

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31/08/2017 06/07/2017 14:47 11:28

Mathew Cowan, Elaine Willis & Alan Sheppard

E

mbarking upon any major business development project can be daunting, but for the small family business that Antony Harker heads up, last year’s huge programme of brand, packaging and point of sale redesign was pretty monumental.

“When I set up the business almost 15 years ago, there was only a handful of us, we all had to work very hard and do at least three jobs each to keep the business going in the right direction. As we developed, the team has grown and I’ve been fortunate to find some of the most e er en ed and skilled people in our industry to help me build on that. The massive programme we embarked on last September was only possible because I have a truly great team of around 80 people behind me” said Antony The project included a detailed strategic

GCR ads.indd 7

The unique Kelkay merchandising system is now available in several e e o t nd uniquely includes the ‘touch and feel’ concept to help consumers select their preferred aggregate product review of the brand including research and insight work before a new Kelkay ro os t on was defined ore than new products were introduced for the 2017 season b t robab the most s n fi ant and demanding developments were in the unique Kelkay merchandising system which s now a a ab e n se era e b e a o ts and uniquely includes the ‘touch and feel’ concept to help consumers select their preferred aggregate product.

It’s been a mission of Antony to make hard landscaping a focal area of garden centre merchandising, and help centres develop the outside retail space into an inspirational and compelling space for consumers. Garden Centres have certainly appreciated the changes.

“Kelkay have really sorted out the category for us – making the packaging

and merchandising so much better was key to making the retail space look good and wor harder for s sa d atthew owan ana n re tor of o ars rser es n Colchester. “40% of our outdoor landscaping category sales are now accounted for by Kelkay products” Building on the huge success of last year, Antony and the team are ba at rm n ham 13 September Hall 19 Stand A10 – C11. e t to see a f rther new rod ts in aggregates, natural paving, stepping stones, water features and the hugely sucessful RHS branded range.

CONTACT

www.kelkay.com salesenquiries@kelkay.co.uk 01405 869333

31/08/2017 14:49

Spotlight products

Product

INSIDE 46 INDOOR PLANTS

PREVIEW

How to push indoor plant sales, plus great indoor garden products

48 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Floralsilk advises on artificial ower presentation – and top product picks

ROSE AND HYDRANGEA ARRANGEMENT FLORALSILK

A mix of delicate pale peach roses, green and pink hydrangea heads and purple heather, all displayed in a rounded, recycled glass vase. sales@floralsilk.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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RRP

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£19.9

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Products Indoor Plants

HOW TO SELL

INDOOR PLANTS Peter Milne, co-head gardener and founder of The Nunhead Gardener, explains how creating a sensory experience in store helps to encourage indoor plant sales

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here is a growing trend for indoor plants, which currently appear heavily in the media and in interior design magazines. Over the last 12 months, this has been a very lucrative side of the business for us. We display our indoor plant products within two railway arches, and we like to lay the display out as a customer would within their own home. We don’t display any chemicals, tools or accessories in that area – we display our plants as if in a boutique plant or interior design store.

Our indoor plants are displayed in indoor pots, as they would be in the home

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– never just in a plastic pot.

Customers will then buy the pot and plant together, and it encourages sales of pots, too.

Sensory spaces

Indoor plants don’t have much of a scent, so we always have scented candles burning.

When customers enter our indoor plant area, they’re hit with a full sensory experience: along with the scented candles, there is music playing, and the lighting is not too harsh or bright. People feel relaxed, and they like to be in our space. We like to think that it helps encourage them to buy – it certainly helps them to ome n n the first a e

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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We work with a vintage goods trader who works across Europe, incorporating vintage products among our displays. Products such as copper antiquities and old copper pots and vases are incorporated into the displays, just as they would be in the customer’s own home.

A lot of customers want indoor plants but are nervous about their ability to keep them alive. They are often after low maintenance house plants, which is why cacti and succulents are particularly popular now. Being based in London, a lot of our customers live in terraced houses with poor levels of sunlight.

When customers enter our indoor plant area, they’re hit with a full sensory experience: along with scented candles, there is music playing, and the lighting is not too harsh or bright

CONTACT

www.thenunhead gardener.com

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 10:31

Indoor Plants Products

toptips

INDOOR GARDEN PRODUCTS

Customers, especially those new to indoor gardening, can be nervous about maintaining the health of their new plants.

Fortunately, these plants are virtually indestructible

Indoor Hanging Pots

The Heart Bowl

Company: Key Essentials A bestseller in Key Essentials’ contempory range. Measuring 10cm across with three airplants attached to make an attractive display. Airplants grow without dirt, attaching themselves to rocks, trees, shrubs, or the ground with their roots.

RRP: £15.99 mark@keyessentials.co.uk

B.For Soft Watering Can Company: Elho This rounded watering can comes with a matching sprayer and is available in nude and vintage blue and white. The design can be matched with the or Soft ower ot and displayed with an indoor garden feature.

RRP: £8.99 david.nicholson@elho.nl

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Product Focus Sept.indd 47

Hum Flowerpot

Company: Hum Partnership Made in the UK from frostresistant and UV-resistant plastic, the pots can be used outdoors or indoors. The range is available in three vibrant designs. Originally 22cm, the new small version is 15cm x 15cm.

RRP: £3.99 hello@hum-partnership.com

Company: Burgon & Ball With a strong natural leather cord, these hanging pots feature striking textures, colours, and glaze effects in muted shades to complement the current trend for ‘Scandi’ style. These pots have been designed to make a suitable ft for reen fin ered customers and those seeking a stylish home.

RRP: £55 sales@burgonandball.com

Plantpak

Company: Plantpak Responding to the growth in demand for succulents and cacti, this geometric design is available immediately in readiness for the Christmas gift market. Opening on one side for a r ow t an be h n or d s a ed on an at s rfa e RRP: £14.99 enquiries@crest-garden.com

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) Almost unkillable, the ZZ plant can take months of neglect and still look healthy and happy. Water only when the soil is dry. Ideal for spaces with little light.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) Known for their air cleaning qualities, these are best kept in medium to low light. Touch the top of the soil once a week to see if it’s dry before watering.

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) Ideal for cool areas, they tolerate dust, heat, cold, wet soil, drought, neglect and dimly lit places. Effective at resisting pests, they can also tolerate low light levels.

Snake plant (Sanseviera trifasciata) Place in indirect sunlight and avoid over watering, especially in winter. Known for its air cleaning qualities, absorbing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Spider plants can survive a lot of neglect. Allow them to dry out before watering to avoid root rot, and leave in bright but indirect sunlight.

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Products Indoor Plants

FLORALSILK

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE t

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Avoid putting glittered Christmas items close to el et or resh touch artificial o ers as it s er hard to remo e an allout rom the litter

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

Product Focus Sept.indd 48

hen putting a display together, versatile fi t res are e Floral and foliage stems are best d s a ed n n b ets or cylindrical glass vases of varying heights, according to stem lengths – suppliers can s a offer s tab e fi t res Retailers should ensure they have plenty of each product – volume and abundance demonstrates onfiden e whereas a few stems on the r own n a ase an oo stra and n m ortant ood amo nt of fewer sto ee n n ts s better than sma amo nts of man wa s have a clear colour scheme and se o o r b o n to ro owers to ether When using glass vases, try displaying them on a glass tab e and rea et the owers and fo a e do the ta n t s m ortant to ba an e the ora stems with plenty of green

foliage, such as eucalyptus, amb s ear and e horb a particularly at the moment, w th fo a e so on trend remade ora arran ements and potted green plants such as succulents, herbs and ferns wor we on r st tab es of ar n he hts reate he ht and drama at the centre of a display, and have the smaller me tems at the ed e on t m t ants and owers to one area of a ft de artment se ora arrangements and plants to om ement ftware d s a s o ma e s re the are ear priced, though, so customers rea se the are for sa e

Encouraging sales

f a stomer s s a stimulated and can picture how the rod t m ht oo in their own home, they feel n ted to t and et reat e w th the rod t

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Indoor Plants Products

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Be sure to put away ‘highly seasonal items such as da odils lossoms oinsettia and erries at the end of their natural season not the dis la will look neglected ost of these tems are m se r hases so d s a n them we s ta for sa es ee n stems t d s m ortant as the stomer needs to be able to see and se e t the r stems as eas as oss b e t to ether a ar e bea t f ase arran ement or show omb nat ons of stems to he stomers see what the an reate somet mes a stomer w b the who e d s a t s a ood dea to mer hand se n ed sa es such as vases and wire cutters nearb t ma es the de s on to b stems m h eas er rt fi a owers and ants an he m ro e sa es of other products by reinforcing a rod t stor and he n to create a sense of theatre n store th n rasses for a bea h theme roses for a romant tea art and so on hese ft a d s a b adding colour and texture, and an a so he stomers visualise outdoor products in their garden, boosting sa es eta ers an reate an o tdoor arden w th no mess and ma ntenan e w th sa es of tems s h as s r n b bs trellises, garden lighting and arden f rn t re

Putting together a display

se d fferent themes to reate a ta n o nt and a t re stomers attent on

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CONTACT

www. oral lk.co.uk

Do group similarly coloured products together for visual impact. When merchandising in a row or on a circular stand use the colour heel moving from white through yellow and oran e and on to red then in lavender and blue. Intermingle olia e amon the o er stems

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Product Focus Sept.indd 49

Seasona t s m ortant st be a se art fi a owers are available all year round, t doesn t mean the don t res ond to seasona trends Sa es w m rror that of fresh owers so f o on ha e a sma s a e be s re to rotate the range – offer tulips and daffodils in spring, Agapanthus and s n owers n s mmer and mar s and berr es n a t mn and w nter r ett n creative with suitable seasonal onta ners eram o tdoor ots w er bas ets n s am ars and m rrored ases Consider trends in general, and feat re them n a d s a he reen ant trend fo ses on ferns and succulents, while hydrangeas continue to be o ar eadow owers are always popular, as they hold nosta a e f reta ers are creating a window display or a display against a wall, they sho d a so reate a ba dro s n a dramat a nt o o r nd a member of the team who en o s the owers and ants and ma e them res ons b e for the fi t res and d s a s he an ma nta n a ood se e t on of ower types and colours, without o er oad n the fi t res t s essent a to ee the d s a td no one w want to thro h a mess fi t re Ensure there is an a ro r ate he ht onta ner for ea h ower stem and ne er bend the stems before tt n them n a ass ase o not a e bent tems ba nto a ower fi t re as e er th n ets tan ed

ARTIFICIAL PLANT PRODUCTS 1.4m Blossom Tree

Company: Sage Décor A decorative showpiece suitable for e ents offi es wedd n s or anywhere that could do with a ora ft st rd and hard wear n fibre ass and stee tr n w th o ester fa owers RRP: £99 katie@sagedecor.com

Peony Roses

Company: Floral Sundries reated w th nd d a art fi a ower stems w th ea h s ower bunch containing four large peony roses three art fi a berr stems and three h dran ea owers t ed to ether w th reen raffia r bbon ade from b sh n and soft reen tones RRP: £9.99 sales@trevorgreen.co.uk

Artificial La ender Conifer and Rosemary

Company: Stenstyle Ltd Sold in basalt pots, the lavender is m h h the on fer m and the rosemar m w th the ot m h h and m w de RRP: £9.95 sales@stemstyle.com

Savana Rose

Company: ot s m orts Arranged in a glass ribbed jar, th s arran ement s a ro mate m ta and m w de he s owers and ea es are set n e giving the appearance of fresh owers arran ed n water RRP: £9.99 contactus@lotusimports.co.uk

Faux Succulents

Company: Chive Available in 13 varieties that cover a wide range of shapes and sizes, from sma to ar e hese a S ents wor as nd d a displays or can be added to a terrar m a on w th rea s ents to boost the reener RRP: £5.50-£10.50 jez@chiveuk.com

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The high-quality range that keeps on growing Find out more about the full Bathgate Horticulture range, including our award-winning Champions Blend Compost by visiting us at:

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04/09/2017 24/08/2017 15:45 16:31

GIMA Product News

GIMA UPDATE

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND THE BAROMETER OF TRADE e t

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Gima at Glee

GIMA’s role in linking suppliers and retailers is never more evident than at Glee, with GIMA’s Business Village at the centre of the action in Hall 20.

GIMA director Vicky Nuttall and her colleagues are hosting the Buyer’s Connect speed networking sessions, as well as a selection of up and coming companies that are exhibiting with the association’s support.

The 2017 winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund winner will also be announced on the first da Autumn workshops GIMA’s Knowledge Exchange Programme has been expanded for autumn with a session on Sales Territory Planning. Created with Cedar Associates, the workshop on 13 December will help participants to make better use of sales territory plans, to create a more effective sales structure. Advice will help sales leaders to implement new techniques that will help them prioritise tasks and better plan their time, both on the road and n the offi e ‘consultative sales’ approach will also be explained, demonstrating how to develop relationships with existing and potential customers while also increasing link, cross and upsale opportunities.

“The latest workshop is perfect for sales teams that want to streamline their procedures, offering a more effi ent and rofitab e approach to sales and how they work with their customers,” says Vicky Nuttall.

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m s re man w find what Cedar Associates have to say to be extremely thought provoking and inspiring.”

GIMA’s autumn programme includes three other sessions designed to help businesses grow and develop. Spaces are still available, though we urge you to book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Kickstarting the workshops will be ‘Leading & Managing a Team’, which will focus on how managers can improve staff morale, understand team dynamics, and analyse team strengths and weaknesses.

‘Negotiation Skills’ will help attendees to understand the

The latest workshop is perfect for sales teams that want to streamline their procedures difference between traditional ‘positional negotiation’ and collaborative negotiation, while ‘Key Account Management’ will look at how to differentiate between ‘Account Management’ and ‘Key or Strategic Account Management’.

Each workshop will take place at Horticulture House, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Open to members and nonmembers, bookings can be made for individual workshops, or as a suite of four days.

Further information can be found on our website.

Barometer of Trade

GIMA’s role is to support the garden industry and help members to grow. To help us achieve this, the Barometer of Trade was launched in 2015, to provide analysis of key aspects of the garden industry trade.

The survey encourages members to provide opinions on topics affecting manufacturers and suppliers of garden products, such as product sales, distribution and attitudes towards the business environment. Contributions are combined to give an overall picture of the garden industry’s ‘state of trade’.

Now in its third year, the data is providing insight into market trends and how the industry could develop over the next 12-18 months.

It provides participating members with annual and seasonal sales comparisons, changes in distribution and so on. GIMA members also benefit from the tra n of key business indicators such as han es to ost base n en e of imports and changes to the UK manufacturing base, all of which contribute to improved knowledge and increased understanding of the industry.

The survey provides valuable, exclusive data to member companies, so if you are not already involved but would like to contribute, please visit our website, or call 01959 564947.

CONTACT

gima.org.uk

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31/08/2017 10:47

LET ROB DO THE JOB.

THIS POWERFUL ROBOTIC MOWER TAKES THE HASSLE OUT OF MOWING.

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31/08/201713:29:34 14:52 31/08/2017

PATS Show Preview

PATS

SHOW PREVIEW

The Telford International Centre is gearing up for the 2017 edition of PATS Telford – one of the UK’s biggest pet trade shows

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elcome to Garden Centre Retail’s show guide, providing you with everything you need to know about the UK’s number one pet trade event, PATS Telford. It will be the third year that PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, where the massive exhibition hall will host more than 200 exhibiting companies on September 24-25.

Visitors can discover what’s new at the New Product Showcase, and can attend demonstrations from leading dog groomers and ta s from rom nent nd str fi res ar n s free at the e ford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee and a free show catalogue. Those arriving before 10.30am will also receive a free breakfast voucher, redeemable until 11am.

PET GROOMING DEMOS

PATS Telford will be presenting state-of-the art grooming demonstrations and talks on both days of the show. The grooming programme, in association with British Dog Groomers’ Association and KD Grooming Studio, will include some of the country’s leading groomer, with demonstrations highlighting the knowledge and expertise required to successfully complete all traditional grooming techniques – and showing off a few creative twists and turns as well.

With an increasing number of garden centres introducing grooming salons into their stores, the PATS programme of talks and demos will provide an invaluable insight into this side of the business.

GROOMING PROGRAMME AT PATS TELFORD SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Kelly Davis – ualifications Kelly Davis – elsh rin er aniel Mathew Spry – tandard oodle in raduated u trim Mel Overand & Steph Dingley – oat maintenance roducts finishin Mel Overand and Steph Dingley – ichon Kelly Davis – alon creati e Mathew Spry – ini oodle ace eet tail

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Carol Thorpe – rushin techni ues coat maintenance Lucy Arathoon – ichon rise et trim Carol Thorpe – New roducts e ui ment re ie Lisa Caines/Lucy Arathoon – ortunit or attendees to la the role o an e aminer in an interacti e demonstration on s aniels esties and schnau ers Kelly Davis – ualifications

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Show Preview PATS

GO AND SEE AT

PATS

From natural dog food to circus-themed guinea pig toys, these are just a few of the stands we’ll be going to see CARRA PET FOODS STAND H19 Carra Pet Foods arise a family-run company that was formed as a result of a search for a complete 100% natural dog food that met nutritional requirements.

Exhibiting: After trialling products, Carra Pet Foods has now partnered with family-run Dutch company Prins Petfoods, and will be showcasing nutrition line ProCare Protection, s e fi a eared to the needs of a t e do s www.prinspetfoods.com

HAYPIGS! STAND H39 HayPigs! is home to fun and functional products for guinea pigs and other small animals. Coupling great design with no e themes a s a ms to de er entertainment and excitement for pet owners and their small furries.

Exhibiting: HayPigs! will be showcasing its circus-themed toys and feeders, n d n the a annonba t t n t nne the r s de t ee e h de and the hee a on ha ho er haypigs.com

NUTRI DOG BAKERY STAND D34 tr o a er one of the few do food brands that don t onta n ra ns or potato, will be showcasing its products for the first t me at S e ford Exhibiting: tr o a er w be showing its premium wet dog food and natural dog treats, featuring high n tr t ona a e and h h e e s of s n e meat protein.

www.nutridogbakery.com 54

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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The Passionate Gardener's Choice gardena.com/uk

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31/08/2017 15:44

New range for the 2018 season Visit us at Glee on stands: 20S32-T33 to 20S40-T34

A Fresh Approach To Leisure... www.zest4leisure.co.uk

INDEPENDENT

IMPARTIAL

INVALUABLE

More garden centres and horticultural properties and businesses are required to satisfy our current strong demand. We have had a great year with many properties and businesses sold or under offer.

If you are considering a sale please contact Simon or Rachel for a conďŹ dential discussion.

HAMPSHIRE

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Garden Centre & Tourist Attraction For Sale Our Ref: 0241

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2/3 Landscape / Maintenance Businesses For Sale Our Ref: 0258 & 0261

Water Gardens & Fishery Plus Restaurant For Sale Our Ref: 0256

3 SPECIALIST BUSINESSES Wildlife Friendly Products Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Specialist Aquatic Plants Our Ref: 0253 / 0263 / 0259

We are actively seeking a glasshouse nursery close to Chichester with a minimum of 3 acres of glass.

We are also retained by two new entrants to the garden centre industry seeking to acquire garden centres in the Midlands and South of England.

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Quinton Edwards Chartered Surveyors, Bartholomew House, 38 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1JX

sales@quintons.co.uk

31/08/2017 15:46

Clothing Products

Latest products

GARDENING CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

Love the Glove

Company: Burgon & Ball Love the Glove is Burgon & Ball’s range of high performance ladies’ gardening gloves. They feature a protective padded palm, stretch mesh between the fin ers an ad stab e wr st stra and a real leather trim. The two latest styles are a fashionable tweed, and a leafy tropical design.

RRP £14.99 Launched: January 2017 (tropical design) sales@burgonandball.com

Everyday Gardening Trousers for Women

Company: Genus Performance Gardenwear Forget your kneeler and never lose your secateurs again with the Everyday Gardening Trousers for Women, the latest product from Genus Performance Gardenwear. Inspired by Genus’s bestselling 3-Season trousers, the Everyday offers an affordable solution to the problem of what to wear when gardening. Clever features such as a stab-proof pocket for secateurs, waterproof and breathable kneepads, a pocket to keep your mobile phone safe, and lightweight stretch showerproof fabric, all combine to make arden n so m h more omfortab e and en o ab e RRP £85 Launching: February 2018 www.genus.gs

Bristol Boots

Pantone Gloves

Company: Briers Pantone, the world-renowned authority on colour, has teamed up with Briers to produce these hard-wearing cotton-palmed gloves, available in two on-trend colours – Bluebell and Rich Berry. Ideal for the fashionfocused keen, casual or pro gardener.

RRP £12.99 Launching: At Glee sales@briersltd.co.uk

Company: Evercreatures Evercreatures’ designs are fun and fashionable, enhanced with small quirky elements. They have been favourites at Britain’s countless music festivals and in the streets of London on rainy days. These sailing-inspired wellies feature navy and white stripes, enhanced by a touch of deep red on their back straps and lining. Made from natural rubber that is sustainably sourced and mixed, to provide a market leading rubber mix for our price bracket.

RRP £45 Launched: August 2016 hello@evercreatures.co.uk

Rose Apron

Company: Fallen Fruits A bright and colourful garden apron in a vibrant rose print, with a leather tr m and ad stab e ne and back straps. It comes with three deep pockets to keep your garden tools safe, secure and right where you want them. A must-have for any garden enthusiast.

RRP £11.99 Launched: January 2017 sales@fallenfruits.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Products Buildings

Latest products

BUILDINGS

Vermont Summerhouse Range

The Vale

Company: Forest Garden The Vale is an attractive and traditional greenhouse constructed from high quality pressure-treated timber, which carries a 15-year antirot guarantee, and 4mm toughened glass. Ideal for cultivating fruit, e etab es and owers th s s a o s greenhouse comes complete with double doors for easy access, three internal potting shelves, two opening roof windows with auto vents, and high quality ironmongery.

Dimensions (cm): 257 (H) x 257 (W) x 335 (D) (also available in other dimensions) RRP £2,299.99 (including home delivery and assembly) Launched: 2016 www.forestgarden.co.uk

Company: Mercia New for 2017, the Mercia Vermont Summerhouse provides a large open space to relax in on a bright sunny day. This garden room comes with fully glazed bi-folding double doors, bringing the outdoors in. Glazed with shatterproof styrene, a much safer alternative to traditional glazing, it provides shelter from the summer heat when hosting a garden party. The tongue and roo e oor adds ent of stren th for arden f rn t re • British manufacturer two to fi e da de er wo ho r de er s ot not fi at on a ema S S • 10-year anti-rot guarantee • Bi-folding doors, for a wide entrance • Secure lock and key supplied • 100% shatterproof styrene windows • 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding • Optional installation service available RRP £749.99 (8x8), £849 (10x8) Launched: February 2017 Tel: 01636 880504 sales@merciagp.co.uk

Hera

Company: Vitavia he he a ona era reenho se arden room s a a ab e n anodised aluminium, powder-coated green or powder-coated black. It measures approximately 3.8m from corner to corner, with an eave height of 1.8m, providing 9m² of growing space.

With double lockable doors, 3mm toughened safety glass sides panes and 10mm twin wall polycarbonate roof panes, it is an elegant addition to any garden.

RRP £1,463 Launched: January 2014 sales@vitavia.co.uk

Apollo Pergola

Company: Grange For those looking to impress this summer, the Apollo Pergola is a beautifully designed, dome-shaped structure with a contemporary feel.

A real statement piece, the Apollo Pergola can be used to create a focal point for fountains and ornaments, or even as a seating area.

RRP £687.99 Launched: November 2008 www.grangefen.co.uk

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Tiger Garden Studio

Company: Tiger Sheds The Tiger Garden Studio combines traditional charm with modern style. The studio’s stunning full-length windows allow plenty of light in for a bright interior. Its versatile and spacious design provides the ideal space for relaxing, entertaining, exercising or working – perfect for inspiring creativity in your garden. Crafted from pressure-treated timber that is guaranteed against decay for 15 years, the studio features toughened double glazing and a highly durable, weatherproof roof covering. Its striking appearance and premium quality construction will beautifully complement any garden.

RRP From £3,149.99 Launched: June 2016 sales@tigerbox.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 10:37

10,000 Litres e Seaton onfirms that sa es of ast ear are now well in excess of 10,000 litres. It’s both a worm suppressant and a deterrent and is proven to control casts on both lawns and sports turf. It is unique in using a surfactant system that retains the nutrient in the upper soil structure where it remains to form a barrier which the earthworms do not like to pass through. This provides both a persistent and deterrent effect until breaking down to natural nutrients absorbed by the plant roots.

FRESH MAKER

DU: 18.08.2017

Attractively packaged The sizes of 250ml, 500ml and 1,000ml are displayed as an attractive mix and have boosted sales to consumers. As POS (Point of Sale) becomes even more critical, this attractively packaged product really stands out on the shelves! The peak selling period for CastClear® is August to April but it does sell all year round on the product shelves. CastClear® compliments and enhances any lawn care display and will increase your sales so why not stock CastClear® now?

The freshest way in floral business 26. – 29. 1. 2018

THE

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Au is tu co m u n nt or o de n rs *

Call 0871 234 3480 Email sales@CastClear.co.uk www.CastClear.co.uk

Antiqued ornamental stoneware from Hampshire Gardencraft

You can’t get fresher: At Floradecora you can cover your annual demand of flowers and plants together with other florist prerequisites and decorations for that perfect synergy! Ripe and ready to kick-start the season, at one venue and on one date. This is your chance to order fresh flowers, ornamental plants and ready-for-sale arrangements combined with fast-moving decoration products in large or small volumes for all those special occasions that arise during the year. Business doesn’t get much easier!

Simply order any items from our catalogue stating reference Autumn17 when placing your order *.

Buy your ticket (including free public transport) at a discounted advance sale price: floradecora.messefrankfurt.com

Orders can be placed at www.dragonstone.co.uk sales@hampshire-gardencraft.com phone: 01730 895 182 or speak to your local agent

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

* Orders must be delivered by 31st Dec 2017.

We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Applies to all catalogue products. Orders must be over £600. Carriage is free of charge.

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CastClear® is a proven combination of both organic and unique nutrient materials large and small. It’s the solution to lawn worm cast problems and has been selling in Garden Centres since the autumn of 2011 via 350 retail stockists. To enhance further retail sales CastClear® is rolling out a smart new retail carton into the garden retail sector this autumn.

GB

Smart new retail carton for CastClear®

01/09/2017 08:31

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28/04/2017 09:42 31/08/2017 15:53

A N ATO M Y O F A P R O D U C T

Noise Reduction Panel Anatomy of a Product All you need to know to sell...

FOREST GARDEN DECIBEL NOISE REDUCTION PANEL These noise-reducing fence panels appear to be conventional fence panels, but Forest Garden’s Triform technology reduces surrounding noise by 30dB – with each successive reduction of 10dB equal to halving the noise level. The panels can cut the impact of noises such as loud music, barking dogs, noisy neighbours and road traffic by as much as eight times. Though other noise-reducing garden fences are available, Forest claims that this DIY acoustic panel is more attractive and more affordable, and it can be fitted as a replacement or as a new fence.

www.gardencentreretail.com

AnatomySept.indd 61

Thoroughly tested

Each panel is 180cm high and 183cm wide, with the boards mounted vertically, making it a standard 6ft panel size. The 17mm interlocking tongue and groove boards have a triangulated shape and are mounted within a 45mm tick-rebated frame, ensuring there are no gaps for noise to pass through.

Tests were conducted in 2017 by independent laboratories Exova BM Trada, in accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 and ISO 717-1. The tests were carried out to relevant British Standards and covered both road traffic noise-reducing devices and methods for measuring airborne sound insulation. Decibel noise scales are logarithmic and so cannot be equated

in percentage terms. The Forest Garden product achieved a Category B3 rating according to British Standards tests, which equates to a noise reduction of 25-34dB. Each panel carries a recommended retail price of £199.99, and comes with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee.

The panels can cut the impact of noises such as loud music, barking dogs, noisy neighbours nd o d t fic much as eight times

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 10:35

Trading with Bonningtons

TRADING WITH...

BONNINGTONS

Ian Fisher

Bonningtons managing director Ian Fisher talks to Garden Centre Retail about how the company has grown and ers fie s e st rt t e e se

We continue to source new products and to innovate, to make sure we stay ahead of the competition How did the company start up?

My dad, Paul Fisher, founded the company in 1967, with £200 cash and a telephone. he first rem ses was an old bakehouse in the village of Sutton Bonnington, e estersh re and the first items my dad bought and sold were hosepipes and rubber sheeting. Through sheer hard work and determination, he grew the business over the years, moving into larger premises where the company could manufacture its own products to gain more control in the industry When I joined the business in 2001, we began importing products from China under the brand name n fisher We expanded the range to include garden tools and watering products, garden sundries and accessories, solar lighting, greenhouses and garden games, resulting in a rapid increase in turnover. In 2007, in order to address the seasonality of the business, we acquired a catering

62

disposables company, which ed to the a n h of n fisher Catering. We also introduced new ranges of heating, housewares and bird care.

We now warehouse 2,500 product lines in the UK, and in 2016 we were named one of the UK’s fastest growing smallmedium sized enterprises (SME). In 2017 we were listed in the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

What is the company’s ethos?

Our ethos is based around our three core values: quality, integrity and trust. Quality is at the centre of the business – in products, service levels, sales and marketing and in business relationships with customers.

Integrity means doing the right thing for employees and customers. We have a similar professional approach to all business activity. In terms of trust, we work hard to deliver on promises and put the necessary resources in place to make sure customers can rely on us.

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

TradingWith.indd 62

What are the company’s plans for growth in the future?

Bonningtons has recently rebranded, launching six premium brands and 1000 new products. The rebrand has enabled us to develop new lines that complement the e st n n fisher ran es and to build trade relationships with new customers and markets that were previously inaccessible. We can do this without damaging our core n fisher stomer base b offering a strong ‘good-betterbest’ hierarchy. We continue to source new products and to innovate, to make sure we stay ahead of the competition.

What does Bonningtons do to support garden centres that stock its products?

Garden centres are an immensely important market to Bonningtons, and we are keen to grow this side of the business by offering great deals on our new brands. We hold regular open events at our showrooms in Nottingham,

where garden centre owners can visit and take advantage of s e a offers s e fi a targeted to their customers.

The next open event will be a huge celebration for our 50th anniversary, and will take place on 5-14 September.

What do you think has been key to Bonningtons’ success?

The key to our success is our ability to source great selling products at a price that enables our customers to a h e e a de ent rofit mar n While we are always sourcing new lines, we also pay close attention to our core products, ens r n we ha e s ffi ent stock levels all year round.

CONTACT

Bonningtons n fi er ou e la ale arkway o n a www. onn n la c .co

on

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 11:02

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FOOD Septem

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16/08/201

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t2017.ind

Cover Sep

Blend Filler Ad.indd 1

30/08/2017 15:02

Jobs

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

Call 01903 777 580 or email laura.harris@eljays44.com with your vacancy

ASSISTANT PLANT AREA MANAGERS SQUIRE’S GARDEN CENTRES -Crawley, West Sussex -Twickenham, London -Long Ditton, Surrey

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking familyowned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards. Squire’s Gardens Centres is looking for assistant plant area managers for its Crawley centre in West Sussex, Twickenham centre in London and Long Ditton centre in Surrey.

The successful candidates will be responsible for the bedding plant departments at the garden centres, which each have an extensive and well stocked plant area. You will need to have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department, as well as a horticultural qualification.

A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential. You will need to be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware, and have the ability to create dynamic displays.

The posts are each full time, including alternate weekends, with competitive salaries offered and free parking on-site.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AND FURNITURE DEPARTMENT MANAGERS TAYLOR2RECRUITMENT LTD Derby and Hampshire

A prestigious garden centre business is looking for Christmas and furniture department managers. You should have first class knowledge of Christmas and furniture, great financial and commercial acumen, along with merchandising ability.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

OUTDOOR SECTION HEAD HORTICRUITMENT Buckinghamshire

Do you have passion and dedication to delivering high standards? Do you enjoy working as part of a successful team? A garden centre that is renowned for supplying top quality plants is looking for an outdoor section head to work as part of a successful team of staff, delivering excellent customer service. You will play a key part in the success of the centre by assisting the management team, and have a wide and varied role focused on supporting management on the financial, customer service and staff performance of your department. You must have a high level of plant knowledge, previous supervisory experience, good merchandising skills and attention to detail, good team leadership skills, and experience in providing coaching and supporting a team.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

GARDEN CENTRE MANAGER

GARDEN CENTRE GENERAL ASSISTANTS

Do you enjoy leading and inspiring a team to reach both personal and corporate goals? We are looking for a garden centre manager to carry out the day to day running of the centre, covering all aspects of the business.

You will be assisting with implementing a high standard of retailing and merchandising, providing support training and guidance to the team where necessary, motivating staff on a daily basis and through weekly meetings, and achieving company targets and objectives, maximising the potential for the site. You must have fantastic communication and people skills, a proven track record of leading teams in the garden centre industry, a passion to achieve exceptional results, and a willingness to go the extra mile, with a flexible approach to daily tasks.

We are always on the lookout for highly motivated, customer focused staff wit a keen interest in plants and gardening and a creative eye for detail, to join our plant area and gardening sundries teams. To be successful as a general assistant you will need to have a confident, outgoing and energetic personality, understand what it takes to deliver excellent customer service, have great communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team, have a willingness to learn and develop, and possess a can-do attitude.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

HORTICRUITMENT Kent

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

BLUE DIAMOND Nationwide

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 15:59

With over 45 years experience we pride ourselves on customer service.

New and second hand aluminium benching: Fixed, Semi rolling, mobile and sales benches.

VALEKA BV • Heliniumweg 14 • 3133 AX Vlaardingen, The Netherlands Tel: +31-10 599 74 02 • info@valeka.nl • www.valeka.nl

From initial design concept through to full installation, Clovis Canopies can take care of your canopy and walkway needs.

01622 873 907

clovis-canopies.co.uk

Glasshouses bought, sold and refurbished.

Venlo specialists. Structures for Garden Centres.

All aspects of glasshouse work including poly roofs, snow damage and Composite panels.

01724 734374

01482 648032

Tel: 01724 734374 Fax: 01482 648032 Email: info@newcenturyglass.co.uk

GARDEN CENTRE TROLLIES

Austin Stone Hand made in the UK Highly detailed and finished in the popular Cotswold Cream Treated to improve resistance to frost and other types of weathering Please contact us for a full brochure, price list and details of our stock introduction plan

£59 EACH + VAT. FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OF 10 OR MORE* *For mainland England, Wales and Southern Scotland.

Heavy Duty Galvanised frame, solid wheels.

In stock for immediate delivery.

MAE Trading Ltd, The Stables, Cockshut Lane, Melbourne, Derbys, DE73 8DG. Tel: 01332 694569 email: mark@maetradingltd.co.uk

GCR ads.indd 27

austinstonegardenornaments.weebly.com 07963116359

31/08/2017 16:13

“ I w as very im pres s ed w ith th e w ay F ord ing b rid g e c om pleted th e ex tens ion of our g ard en c entre s h op at Long Ditton. They undertook the construction of the new extension and the total contract management. This made for a very tidy project which finished on time and allowed trading to continue from the existing shop. I was particularly pleased with the management control, attention to detail and the professional skill of the Fordingbridge team.�

C olin S q uire - S q uire' s G ard en C entre

Canopies, walkways and inspiring buildings designed around you With over 50 years experience, Fordingbridge are passionate about helping garden centres transform their retail offerings to increase commercial potential and enhance the customer journey.

01243 55 44 55 www.fordingbridge.co.uk info@fordingbridge.co.uk

We provide the in-house expertise and understanding to provide you with inspiring, durable and proven solutions.

Contact us today to arrange a FREE site visit GCR ads.indd 28

31/08/2017 16:16

Show preview Glee

SHOW PREVIEW 11-13 SEPTEMBER • NEC BIRMINGHAM

How to get there CAR

Sat Nav asddress: The NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT Car parking is free at the NEC. Visitors can travel to the site directly using the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and M42.

Please be aware that a Sat Nav system will not direct you into an on-site car park – upon arrival please follow the clearly signposted directions.

TRAIN

The nearest train station to the NEC is Birmingham International, wh h s a fi e m n te wa nder a o ered br d e

BUS

Regular local buses depart from Birmingham City Centre.

The 900 service runs every 15 minutes during the day and the 97 service operates every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Local bus services also run every 30 minutes throughout the day to Solihull (service 966) and Coventry (service 900).

www.gardencentreretail.com

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his year’s Glee is bigger and bolder than ever. After a fresh new makeover, Glee is back and full of innovative feature content, tangible business advice and a strong collection of brands ready and willing to forge relationships with retailers.

Matthew Mein, Glee’s event director Matthew Mein said: “Glee 2017 is the start of an exciting new chapter for the show. We’ll still be offering the core elements that form the main reason why retailers attend, but we’re also building additional content that will add real value, and provide our visitors with inspiration and valuable advice that will help them to future proof their businesses. All of this will be underpinned by our new look, which we believe is demonstrative of the changes that our industry is undertaking, through adopting more innovative and contemporary approaches to retailing.”

This year will see the introduction of the Retail Lab, Glee 2017’s crowning glory. The Retail Lab @ Glee will provide an interactive hub full of inspirational and educational content as well as the latest trend information.

Created by a panel of industry experts, the Retail Lab @ Glee focuses on consumer engagement, market insight and effective access to future facing trend information, providing visitors with a  long-term vision for their retail environments.

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 13:21

Glee Show preview

RETAIL LAB @ GLEE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Created by a panel of industry experts to create something entirely fresh and new at Glee, the Retail lab @ Glee is set to be the key focal point of the 2017 show, and will form the exhibition’s interactive hub full of inspiration and the latest trend information Community

With the increasing urban population, community gardening, shared gardens and public spaces are becoming the new meeting places and the centre of community life. Garden centres are in a unique position to tap into this, providing a platform to enable people to work together to enjoy a greener lifestyle, even those w tho t reen fin ers

Family

Garden centres are already well-known for their approach to family, with many incorporating play areas and family friendly fa t es nto the m owe er the theme of fam w th n the Retail Lab @ Glee will go beyond this.

Projects are a huge part of the Family trend, and at Glee it will address the many ways that retailers can optimise this. am w a so address wa s that reta ers an br n the outside in, through indoor growing zones and even interior barbe es and fire a es erfe t for ont n ed stomer engagement throughout the year, even when the weather is classically British.

Re-wilding

U

nlike any previous features at Glee, the Retail Lab will be future facing, providing visiting retailers with a long term vision for their retail environments.

Focusing on consumer engagement, market insight and effective access to trend information, the Retail Lab @ Glee will be located at the very heart of the show. Combining interactive content, guided tours and self-learning material, visitors will be able to arm themselves with content that not just inspires but will also drive them to action new retailing ideas within their own stores. The aim of all of this is to help retailers grow both their offering and business, whilst also targeting new customers.

Split into four sections, the area will focus on four key consumer themes as dent fied b the eta ab s reat e re tor omeo Sommers, and world-leading trend experts, WGSN. These themes w be omm n t am e w d n and e be n

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

ht fi e er ent of eo e e n an rban en ronment and this number is growing. However, there is a latent attraction to wildlife, and as the urban environment becomes greener there is a different market emerging.

This new market is characterised as having limited space available, and where gardens are far from conventional. Garden retailers have a fantastic opportunity to capture this market by providing inspiration, a can-do philosophy, and knowledge on the benefits of row n n sma s a es as we as oo n at wa s to encourage nature into the garden.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a truly global trend, stretching across a wide variety of products and industries. The immediate reaction would be to look at ideas that promote health and wellbeing, such as healthy eating and environmental consciousness, and this is certainly true of the content on display within the Retail Lab @ Glee, however so much more than that will also be on offer.

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:22

Show preview Glee

The Retail Lab has been created to offer something that looks to the future, focusing on trends that are within touching distance and will directly affect consumer spending habits in the future

THE RETAIL LAB @ GLEE BRANDING: MORE THAN JUST A LOGO

Like all aspects of Glee 2017, the Retail Lab has been issued with its own branding identity. The icon itself takes inspiration from the Fibonacci Sequence. It represents the team of specialists working together to help you take advantage of new de e o ments n arden entre reta n s e fi a the Golden Section, which occurs throughout nature and has a three-fold meaning: • It represents growth, evolution, progression and trust s ent fi so t on w th or an s or ns nat ra m of s e fi e ements that reate a erfe t balance.

The four carefully selected colours represent the Retail Lab’s four themes: Family, Community, Re-Wilding and Wellbeing.

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017



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31/08/2017 13:23

Glee Show preview

FLOOR PLAN

Know your way around the NEC before the event to ensure you don’t miss any of your must-visit stands

Glee is back and full of innovative feature content, tangible business advice and a strong collection of brands ready and willing to forge relationships with retailers

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:25

Show preview Glee

AN

Seminar programme Monday 11 September 10.30 - 11.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers, Creative Director, Retail Lab @ Glee 11.00 - 11.30 How can garden centres increase sales within the given perimeters of their site?

Robin Moore, Founder, Moore Consultancy 11.45 - 12.15 How to implement Retail Lab @ Glee in your own store and see the enefits Romeo Sommers 12.30 - 13.00 Keynote: Emerging Garden Trends Nick Bailey, Freelance horticulturist, bestselling author, TV presenter and garden designer 14.00 - 14.30 Keynote: How to use garden shows to promote your garden centre Nick Bailey 14.30 - 15.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers 14.45 - 15.15 Xylella Fastidiosa – Essential information and fi e oint lan or our garden retail business Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture, HTA 15.30 - 16.00 Keynote address: Ways to engage the youth in horticulture Nick Bailey

www.gardencentreretail.com

Glee2017.indd 71

Tuesday 12 September 10.30 - 11.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers

Wednesday 13 September 2017 10.30 - 11.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers

11.00 - 12.00 Glee Buyers Power List 2017

11.00 - 11.30 How market data can be used to improve your business strategy David Denny, Marketing and Insights Manager, HTA

12.30 - 13.00 Inside Retail Interviews James Wong Live On Stage Sophy Searight, Editor, Inside Retail and James Wong, Botanist, science writer and broadcaster 13.15 - 13.55 WGSN’s Outdoor Living and Lifestyle Trends for Spring Summer 2018 Lisa White, Head of Lifestyle & Interiors and The Vision, WGSN Lifestyle and Interiors 14.10 - 14.40 The secrets to a successful wildlife garden Simon King OBE, Author, Broadcaster 14.30 - 15.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers 14.50 - 15.20 In just 30 minutes we can help you seriously improve your w-health!

Boyd Douglas-Davies, CEO Hillview Garden Centres, reenfin ers har t r stee and Founder of Garden ReLeaf Day, Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising & Communiat ons reenfin ers har t and charity Ambassadors Bob Hewitt, Trevor Pfeiffer and Kate Ebbens

11.45 - 12.15 How to boost your online revenue via third party channels Edwin Meijer, Founder, Garden Connect 12.30 - 13.00 How to implement Retail Lab @ Glee in your own store and see the enefits Romeo Sommers 13.15 - 13.45 Amazon’s future role in garden and gift retail and what this means for your business John Romanoski, Head of UK Development, MMP Living 14.00 - 14.30 Xylella Fastidiosa – Essential information and fi e oint lan or our garden retail business Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture, HTA 14.30 - 15.15 Tour of Retail Lab @ Glee Romeo Sommers

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 13:25

GCR ads.indd 11

31/08/2017 16:18

Show preview Glee STAND 20S32-T33

ZEST 4 LEISURE NEW A GLEE! T

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 20F47

DAVIDSON

RICHARDS LTD Retail management solutions company Davidson Richards talks business longevity and maintaining the high quality of its products What will Zest 4 Leisure be showcasing at Glee?

Zest 4 Leisure will be exhibiting a selection of our high quality, st sh and d nam S ert fied t mber arden rod ts including both extensions to our winning ranges and completely new products – all designed to appeal to your customers. We are ready to impress with our new range, which includes the stunning Madison Picnic Table, the stand-out Denver Arbour Swing, the elegant Bahama Large Round Table and Stool Set, and many others.

www.zest4leisure.co.uk

STAND 18N30-P31 CREATIVE PRODUCTS LTD

AT NEW E! GLE

What will Creative Products be showcasing at Glee?

Creative Products will be showcasing our new range of products and packaging at this year’s Glee. We offer a wide range of kitchen and home utensils and gadgets on a fully sale or return basis, and will be unveiling a host of additions to our product range, including our Tool Hanger, Chef’s Basket, Easy Salad and Heritage Ceramic Frying Pans – as well as our new heritage-inspired packaging. The Creative Products offer is ideal for independents, garden centres, cook shops, large retail chains and department stores alike.

www.creativeproducts.ltd.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

Glee2017.indd 73

W

orking with over 70 organisations, including single sites, multiple stores and destination centres, Davidson Richards’ OpSuite multi-channel EPoS and retail management solution provides all the features you would expect, with resilient in-store trading and 24/7 access to your real-time retail data for total management and control.

How was Davidson Richards set up?

David Goodley formed the company in 1977 just as technology was taking off and the early PCs were being introduced. He saw the potential for businesses, and we’ve been developing software ever since. David’s son Richard is now our CEO, along with fellow directors Keith Bateman and Chris Worthington – all three have been directly involved in the business for over 26 years. Our ethos of harnessing technology has never stopped – our latest system, OpSuite, takes advantage of cloud technology, making it easier to provide our solutions and reducing the costs of ownership.

What makes you different from your competitors?

More than 60% of our team have been with us for over 10 years, meaning we have great knowledge retention – our customers can benefit from o r o e t e now ed e and ont n t of ser e As well as this, our team includes ex-garden centre retailers, which ensures that our advice and approach is authentic.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Davidson Richards?

We celebrate our 40th anniversary this September! We believe our longevity is unrivalled in this particular sector.

CONTACT

www.davrich.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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31/08/2017 13:26

Glee Show preview

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 20J57

BERGS

POTTER

Family-owned Danish pot company Bergs Potter tells us about the challenges thrown up by the harsh Danish ters ts s e fi es e

F

ounded in 1942 and now in its third generation of family ownership, Bergs Potter is a Danish company that sells handmade classical Italian pots, created using high quality materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Bergs Potter is making its debut appearance at Glee this year, and will be showcasing its premium Tuscan-style clay pots.

One of the products that Bergs Potter will be introducing is its Copenhagen glazed pot – one of its bestselling models. Hand-glazed with intense and lively colours, the Copenhagen pot has a vintage feel, but with a modern twist. The colours complement the rest of the collection, and work well both together and as a single stand-out piece.

STAND 18K02 DURSTON GARDEN PRODUCTS

What challenges has Bergs Potter had to overcome?

All companies experience different challenges in their everyday work, both large and small, and Bergs Potter is no exception.

One example is that in the first year after the third generation took over the company, it was a tough winter in Denmark, and the old warehouse – best described as a plastic greenhouse – had only a thin plastic cover to keep out the snow and freezing temperatures. One cold January night, a winter storm hit the warehouse and pulled the plastic cover apart, leaving pottery and employees covered in snow.

How did we manage? Well, gloves, coats, and in the end with a new warehouse – with a roof!

Can you tell us an interesting fact about Bergs Potter?

STAND 19E66-F67

In 2016, Bergs needed a new office and had a unique opportunity to buy an old inn. After many months of restoration, we now run our business among walls that could tell many stories. We kept the old teak bar, which was hand-built in the Sixties, and it doesn’t seem to mind that it now hosts coffee cups rather than beer jugs.

CONTACT

bergspotter.com

FAIRYGLASS LTD

AT NEW E! E L G

NEW A T GLEE! What will Durston Garden Products be showcasing at Glee?

Durston Garden Products is looking forward to talking to buyers at Glee about the company’s ever-growing range of composts and growing media, which incorporates an added nutrient, Gro-Boost. We will also be urging buyers to buy British. The two bestsellers in our range include Manor Farm and the premium Durston’s Multi-Purpose brand, which are UK-produced composts of the highest quality.

www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk

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What will FairyGlass be showcasing at Glee?

At Glee, we will be showcasing The Fiddlehead Fairy Garden, one of the oldest and longest established miniature garden brands on the market. Established in in the , it’s known for its fine detail and high quality. The brand has been hugely successful in the UK since its debut here in 2013, and is a favourite among independent retailers and garden centres. Miniature gardening appeals to several consumer sectors at once and is a fantastic way to attract a new customer base to your premises. www.fairygoodies.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:27

31/08/2017 02/08/2017 16:19 12:42

www.suttonsretail.co.uk retail@suttons.co.uk 01803 696400 For information on the complete Suttons 2018 seed range please contact us on:

25/04/2017 08:37

01803 696400

4542

Q

UIPMEN

T

N TS

Sow by:

PL A

retail@suttons.co.uk

www.suttonsretail.co.uk

Sow by:

Sow by:

Sow Sow by: by:

Packed Packed year year ending: ending:

Packed year ending:

SOW: Mar-Apr HARVEST: Jul-Oct

POSITION: Full sun SOW: Mar-May FLOWERS: Jul-Sep

Large beef type with striped fruit

Molotov Mix Single/semi double medium-sized blooms in profusion

Striped Stuffer

TOMATO

ZINNIA

Grow a roaring dragon

Ka le

Antirrhinum seeds

n drago r flowe

SUTT

...for healthy eating

18 24 83

SUTT

S ON

13 90 46

Average Contents

20

25

Average Contents Seeds

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED

TOMATO

Striped Stuffer

Sow

Plant out

18 77 21

100 Seeds

Your colourful flowers will bloom from late June to October in a wide range of colours. Squeeze the flowers gently and watch them open and ‘roar’ at you!

Flowers

Sow

SOWING AND GROWING

Harvest

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year 2

Kale Black Magic Sowing & Growing

Jan indoors OctonNov Jul Aug Feb Marin Apr May Jun Sow cell trays or small pots.Sep Grow andDec transplant when seedlings are between 6-8 weeks old planting out 50cm (20") between plants each way.

Alternatively, sow April to June, direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 1.3cm (½"). Transfer when large enough to handle leaving 50cm (20") between plants each way. Water in well if the soil is dry. Grows best in firm rich ground. Use both leaves and stems.

Sowing Cropping: 24-28 weeks

healthy veg gang

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age: ...........

Address:. . . . . . ............. ............. .. ............. ............. ............. ..

HELPFUL HINT

Keep the kids entertained by printing out our colouring in scenes, fun fact sheets, games to make and much more.

Cut and come again flowers – so keep cutting!

Visit: www.suttons.co.uk/kids FTG veg colour in A3.indd 1

16/11/2011 14:16

Not only packed with glucosinolates but also HIGH in Simple vitamins A, C science to and K! They supercharge look great as a nutrition border plant too!

What your child can learn - Your child will learn elements of the National Curriculum including seed germination and plant growth.

WARNING: NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS DUE TO SMALL PARTS. ADULT SUPERVISION RECOMMENDED.

SUTTONS SEEDS G , G www s ttons co

13 90 46

18 24 83

Plant

Year 1

Sow your seeds from February to April.

Sow your seeds in small plant pots, cover with compost and grow on a well-lit windowsill. Make sure the compost is moist and seedlings will appear in 10-20 days.

When big enough to handle, plant your ‘magic carpet’ three kids’ hands width apart in the garden or a large pot from late May. Take off faded flowers to encourage more to form.

See your flowers from June to October.

Outdoor sowing - choose a sunny position and sow t inly direct into finely ra ed, oist, war , weed ree soil, 6mm (¼") deep. Germination 10-21 days. Thin seedlings by degrees to a final spacing o c ndoor sowing - in pots or trays in a windowsill propagator or green o se at ˚C (60-68˚F), 6mm (¼ deep in finely sie ed, oist co post ransplant seedlings into trays c apart and grow on prior to planting out.

HEALTHY EATING Easily removable core for stuffing (skin stripes disappear with cooking)

Standard Seed.

EU rules and standards.

SUTTONS SEEDS PAIGNTON, ENGLAND www.suttons.co.uk

Average Contents

Antirrhinum Magic Carpet Mix

• Hardy Annual – sow direct outside • For borders or large containers • Ideal for florists as a cut flower Harvest

SOWING AND GROWING

Sow March-April for greenhouse growing (or April for outdoors) in a propagator on a windowsill or pots or trays in a greenhouse at 18-21°C (65-70°F) using a quality compost.

Cover seeds with 6mm (¼") sieved compost. Germination 8-12 days. Transplant seedlings singly into 7.5cm (3") pots.

Grow on, finally planting into large pots, grow bags or direct into the greenhouse border; or outdoors 45cm (18") apart when frost risk has passed. Feed regularly and sideshoot as necessary. Sowing Cropping: 17-19 weeks.

Quality Control: This seed has been carefully tested to ensure high germination. Prior to use, store in a dry cool place.

Quality Control: This seed has been carefully tested to ensure high germination.

Prior to use, store in a dry cool place.

14 09 90

Height 15cm (6”)

Seeds

ZINNIA

Molotov Mix

• Large, attractive fruit • For fresh use or stuffing • For greenhouse or patio Plant out

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED, DEVON

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED, DEVON

2018 Retail Catalogue Grow with Suttons 2018

Suttons Consumer Products Ltd. Woodview Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7NG, UK Registered in England & Wales No. 284448

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED, DEVON

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GCR210x297 ads.inddPoppy.indd 16 HTA 1

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SEEDSMEN SUTTONS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LIMITED, DEVON

As seed purveyors since 1806 it’s no surprise we have all the gardener’s favourite seeds, together with new and exclusive varieties.

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Unsurprisingly Suttons...

Unsurprisingly, as seed purveyors since 1806 we have all the gardener’s favourite seeds. What you may not be aware of is that we also supply an innovative and quality range of plants and garden equipment.

NEW Flower & Vegetable varieties

NEW Fun To Grow Kids Range

NEW James Wong Nutrition Range

60cm (24")

RANGE FOR R E TA I L

NEW 2018

Squeeze my head, watch me roar!

Quality Guaranteed Suttons Seeds, Paignton, England TQ4 7NG www.suttons.co.uk

5/17/A

Standard Seed. EU rules and standards.

Quality Control: This seed has been carefully tested to ensure high germination. Prior to use, store in a dry cool place.

SUTTONS SEEDS, PAIGNTON, ENGLAND www.suttons.co.uk

5/17/A

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02/08/2017 12:09

New Poppy Lauren’s Grape 900 seeds £2.49

Greenhouses Garden rooms Wall Gardens cold Frames accessories Greenhouses Garden rooms Wall Gardens cold Frames accessories

Visit us at Glee

VitaVia Garden Products ltd t: 01473 218100

e: info@vitavia.co.uk

@VitaviaLtd

Vitavia.co.uk

Visit us at Glee 11-13 september 2017 www.gleebirmingham.com Hall 20 l50-M51

VitaVia Garden Products ltd GCR ads.indd 19

t: 01473 218100

e: info@vitavia.co.uk

11-13 september 2017

31/08/2017 16:21

Show preview Glee

COMPANY PROFILE

COMPANY PROFILE

STAND 20G20-H21

STAND 19C30-F31

FORDINGBRIDGE HUSQVARNA

UK LTD

PLC

Specialist design and build contractor Fordingbridge Plc speaks to us about its experienced team and the importance of maintaining client relationships

S

tarted over 50 years ago by the current chairman’s father, Fordingbridge has a lot of experience in the design and build of canopies, walkways and inspiring building solutions for the garden centre sector.

What is your company ethos?

Our ethos is to conduct ourselves with integrity by f fi n the ro e t br ef and costings honestly. We hope that the quality and durability of o r ro e ts w onfirm people’s faith in our products.

We are proud to have more than 35 talented and skilled members on our team. Our wide range of experience and expertise, from the drawing offi e to the wor sho s what enables us to deliver successful ro e ts t me and t me a a n We have numerous long term relationships with professional intermediaries and clients, such as Squires Garden Centres, and with architects and s e fiers s h as e de Smithyman.

www.gardencentreretail.com

Glee2017.indd 77

All of our buildings are sustainable and achieve an A-rated energy performance ert fi ate awarded b an independent assessor, through use of a tried and tested fabricfirst a roa h to onstr t on We like to embrace any challenge we are presented with, designing and building inspired solutions that combine aesthetic appeal with practicality. Through our design capabilities, we enable clients to transform their spaces while enhancing the environment.

What are you looking forward to at Glee?

Glee gives us the opportunity to meet both new and existing clients – we always have high footfall at our stand and we love to hear what clients have been up to, talking about their plans.

CONTACT

www.fordingbridge.co.uk

We catch up with Husqvarna Ltd, which will be showcasing products from Gardena, Flymo and McCulloch at this year’s show

T

he Husqvarna stand will be showcasing new products from Gardena, Flymo and McCulloch, including the Sileno City robotic lawnmower, the ardena r t er and Gutter Cleaner, the MightiMo 300 Li Lawnmower and Trimmer, the Glider Compact 330VC and 330VCX, the 58V ower n ro o e t on and ROB robotic lawnmowers.

What challenges has Husqvarna had to overcome?

With a portfolio of petrol gardening products, it was a challenge for us to become more sustainable.

We integrated sustainability into our business with ‘Sustainovate’ – rooted in our passion for innovation.

Husqvarna UK Ltd has recently become certified to 14001 standard and has an environmental management system. This is how we will raise the bar on safety and efficiency and find new ways to reduce consumption of energy, water

and other resources. More importantly, this is how we will explore innovative product ideas and business models that will have a positive impact on people and the planet, and make these technologies available to more people.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Husqvarna? he first us varna plant was established in 1689 as a weapons foundry. Over the centuries, Husqvarna has made a huge range of products, including sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles and kitchen equipment.

What are you looking forward to at Glee?

We enjoy meeting our customers to understand how we can effectively serve their needs and requirements.

CONTACT

www.gardena.com/uk www. y o.co uk www.mcculloch.com/uk

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Glee Show preview STAND 19G56

FISKARS UK

STAND 17P61

GA PET FOOD PARTNERS NEW GLEEAT !

AT NEW E! E L G

What will Fiskars UK be showcasing at Glee? rst ass n ts fie d o r brand new ower ear e es o ree r ner s a ersat e add t on to the s ars ower ear fam and s a m st ha e arden n too aref des ned for t mate on en en e and erforman e han s to ts e tendab e shaft wh h rea hes to an m ress e m om ared to the standard m th s oneer n tree r ner enab es ardeners to eas tr m o erhead bran hes t rea hes e en the ta est of trees w tho t the need for a adder and feat res an ad stab e tt n an e of to so no bran h s eft nto hed

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STAND 18K56-L57

What will GA Pet Food Partners be showcasing at Glee? e w be show as n o r ra n ree ran e n wh h a re es onta n a m n m m of meat he a so onta n a m n m m of fresh re ared n red ents and w th o er re es to hoose from there are o t ons to s t the f ss est of ets he ra n ree ran e ses otato as the ma n arboh drate so r e s form ated w tho t ra ns has added me a and onta ns no added art fi a o o rs a o rs or reser at es e w a so be ro d n nformat on on o r ser es w th ad e on how to row o r brand and abe

et ood

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BRUNDLE GARDENER r nd e ardener offers a ran e of rod ts to meet o r b s ness re rements whether t s arden f rn t re heaters or ma be someth n a tt e d fferent s h as o r h dren f rn t re sets m nated b stro set or n e ran e of re a s th o r broad se e t on of rod ts and wareho ses o ated aro nd the r nd e ardener s erfe t a ed to s both arden entres and h h street reta ers nd e dene co

STAND 19G10

ELHO ho s the ro ean e ert w th ears e er en e n the de e o ment rod t on mar et n and sa es of s nthet otter and re ated rod ts th of ts rod ts made from re ed mater a s ho s a eader n nno at on and ro des o tstand n s ort for arden entres nd o t how ho are n room to nat re at ee e ho co

STAND 20Q02

EVERGREEN HORTICULTURE er reen ort t re s a on estab shed and re tab e hort t ra man fa t rer of e s e row n med a rod ts and s e a st m s bstrates s n r sh moss s ha n m eat w th no re ed mater a s he stren th of the er reen brand s now a e fa tor n d st n sh n ts rod ts from that of other om et tors hen e wh er reen rema ns to be one of the ead n man fa t rers of row n med a rod ts n toda s mar et e e een e t co

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:28

Digging

Cultivation

Transformation

Available from crocus.co.uk, waitrosegarden.com and leading retailers.

A Tel: 01279 401570 • info@pedigreegarden.co.uk • www.pedigreegarden.co.uk Available from

GCR ads.indd GIllustrated 13 ID2015_Pedigree One Page Ad.indd 1

31/08/2017 27/01/201716:22 14:57

THE COMPLETE GARDEN WILDLIFE RANGE LIFE

WILD

ER WINN

PET &

WINNER

WINNER OF 10 PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS NEW PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT tel: +44 (0)1666 505333

BESPOKE PRODUCTION FROM OUR UK WORKSHOPS

fax: +44 (0)1666 505320 email: info@wildlifeworld.co.uk www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

GCR - half-page advert - July17.indd 1

18/07/2017 16:17:56

Tel: 01323 831888 Email: sales@timberdisplays.co.uk www.timberdisplays.co.uk

Oaks Four E53 Stand

GLEE

0F41

2 Stand

Timber Displays is an established company set up to provide treated timber display products to the garden centre and nursery industries.

We have spent a lot of time this year introducing some new products to our range and offering some great value for money deals on these products in order for retailers to benefit from trying them in their centres.

We have continued to ensure our products are made to a high specification from pressure treated timber and designed to increase your turnover by showing your merchandise to its full potential and to add an attractive feature to your outlet while remaining competitively priced.

We will be introducing our new products at Four Oaks and GLEE this year along with a new website and a new brochure - so come and see us at the show and take advantage of our show offers to get your seasonal displays off to a great start.

For further information on great quality benching at affordable prices please call Jo on 01323 831888 or email us at sales@timberdisplays.co.uk or visit our website www.timberdisplays.co.uk

GCR ads.indd 29

31/08/2017 16:24

Show preview Glee STAND 17W30-X31 KADAI FIREBOWLS

STAND 17R02

NEAT IDEAS LTD

AT NEW E! GLE

NEW GLEEAT !

What will Kadai Firebowls be showcasing at Glee?

Celebrating all that is special about outdoor living, we will showcase the Kadai Firebowl, as well as 10 new accessories for 2017, including the Hot Plate, Warming Rack, Kadai Shield, Marshmallow Fork and Kadai Scraper. Innovation is key to the success of Kadai Firebowls by Wilstone, which has been at the ead n ed e of fire bow barbe n for the ast de ade Our approach brings together the traditional skills of artisan producers with innovative British designs that have shaped the wa fire bow oo er has e o ed

What will Neat Ideas Ltd be showcasing at Glee?

We will be showcasing our Salad Chef, the 60-second salad maker. Great for everyday salads, the Salad Chef is easy to se and red es mea re arat on t me wh e o r fin ers are kept safe at all times. Salad Chef is not just a salad cutter, it can also be used as a strainer, so you can wash your fruit and vegetables all together. With over 30 years’ experience, Neat Ideas consistently delivers exceptional sales through a combination of our innovative products and in-store media promotion.

www.kadai.com

www.neatideasdirect.co.uk

STAND 19C10

G PLANTS LTD G Plants has been manufacturing quality garden gifts, seeds and bulbs for almost 10 years, and this year at Glee its stand will be focused on its large range of UK-packed gardening gifts, with options ranging from higher end garden centre lines right through to great value promo lines. Look out for its top brand BEES Gifts, Bee Friends and the launch of its brand new Easy Gardening Speedy Seed collections. www.gplants.com

STAND 20F31

GARDEN CONNECT LTD Garden Connect helps you to attract more customers to your garden centre using innovative online marketing solutions. With over 250 garden centres using our services, Garden Connect’s key focus is on bringing in more footfall to your garden centre via the internet, and also on providing content, support and expert advice. www.gardenconnect.com

STAND NB18, NB20

HAWKESMILL NURSERIES CO LTD aw esm s a fam r n b s ness that rows an e tens e ran e of erenn a s herbs w d owers alpines, vegetables, ferns and grasses, providing the perfect plants for bright and versatile garden centre displays. The team is proud to announce that it has a brand new and exclusive Victorian Violas range, as well as Salvia, which will both be on show at Glee for 2017. www.hawkesmillnurseries.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Glee Show preview

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 19A10-C11, 19A20-C21

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 18N50

KELKAY

KLASS

We chat to family-run decorative aggregate supplier Kelkay Ltd fi t t ts s ess re r the WWII memorial garden located on its site

es e r r Klass discusses the pleasures of working in the garden centre industry, and its high hopes for the future

K

K

LTD

elkay, the UK’s leading supplier of decorative aggregates, paving and water features, will be consolidating its hugely successful rebrand for Kelkay Aggregates – introducing new merchandising options, as well as expanding the Borderstone range of stepping stones and introducing new design water features for 2018. Antony Harker and his partner Hayley have been running Kelkay for over 15 years, and as it’s grown, more of the family have joined the business – their daughters Cally and Kelsey now both work full time in the team.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Kelkay?

Our main manufacturing and logistics hub near Snaith in East Yorkshire is on the site of a a rfie d wh h or na became operational in 1941 and from which 150 Squadron participated in Bomber Command until late 1942. A

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memorial garden is located on the site, commemorating the 892 airmen who lost their lives on active duty. When we n ested n a eet of h h performance forklift trucks earlier this year to streamline our material handling at the site, it seemed appropriate for us to give each of the new trucks badges naming them after WWII aircraft.

What challenges has Kelkay had to overcome?

In 2015, Antony took a strategic decision to invest in a category and brand review for his business, with the aim of further developing his already market-leading position. A commercial review of the categories and ranges, critical assessment of branding, packaging and merchandising was then all tested in a research phase with retailers and consumers.

CONTACT

www.kelkay.com

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

lass offers a range of women’s fashion, available in sizes 1022. For over 30 years it has hand ed st es that atter and add a r to ts stomers wardrobes. Its in-house designers are constantly developing collections that make the latest trends accessible to a wide age range, while capturing a look and fit that es onfiden e all at amazing prices.

What are you looking forward to at Glee?

The garden centre industry is a pleasure to be part of. We enjoy dealing with straightforward and honest owners and management.

What has been Klass’s best moment?

Our growth into garden centres back in 2012 has been led by our current chairman Arnold Barnett, who has around 40-50 years of manufacturing experience in ladieswear. Klass is now in

more than 60 garden centres across the UK. In May we also started trading with Hillier, at its Eastbourne Centre, and that’s been hugely successful.

We’re really growing with them, as well as with Klondyke.

It is a true honour to be a part of such an honest and hardworking industry.

Where does Klass hope to be in 10 years?

We’re focused on holding firm hono rab e artnersh s with the people and the companies we work with. In 10 years we hope to continue to be recognised as the leading fashionable ladieswear provider in the garden centre market.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Klass?

Four out of the six directors on the board are called David!

CONTACT

www.klass.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:29

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31/08/2017 16:28

Neat Ideas provide an exceptional no risk profit opportunity for Retailers.

Neat Ideas are the original in-store media promotions company with over 30 years’ experience, we consistently deliver exceptional sales through a combination of innovative products and in-store media promotion.

T he O ri g i na l I n-S tore M edia Company

This year at Glee 2017 we have a number of new products to add to our extensive existing range that we are excited to show you! Come to stand 17RO2 and see for yourself!

They are not to be missed!

Full sale or return so no risk!

Glee Hall 17 Stand RO2 E: sales@neatideas.tv | T: 01476 576289 | Sales Manager: Colin Higgs

GCR ads.indd 31

31/08/2017 16:30

Show preview Glee

COMPANY PROFILE

LEON

STAND 17Q01

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 20A24

PINWHEEL

BOOTS CO. LIP BALMS We talk to Leon Boots Co. about its plans for global distribution, and its revolutionary alternative to heavy rubber or PVC footwear

A

distributor of EVA Wellington Boots for the last seven years, Leon Boots Co. Ltd has gained experience and knowledge in this market and found great potential in these products.

Through listening to its customers, the company has also discovered a growing market for ULTRALight ‘Safety 1st Model’ Boots, a revolutionary alternative to heavy rubber or PVC footwear, which will be on show at Glee.

offi a a n hed o r brand to the international markets.

What has been Leon Boots Co.’s best moment?

Our best moment came after seven years on the market, when our main distributing partner company from Ireland decided to join and invest in our venture, establishing an international brand with a worldwide distribution networ he onfiden e and passion of the new team brought us to Las Vegas’ Convention Centre for the US National Hardware Show earlier this year, where we

Where does Leon Boots Co. hope to be in 10 years?

Our goal is to become globally the most recognizable ULTRALIGHT Boots brand.

We know that this may require further investments and new partnerships, and we believe that our passion, revolutionary ideas and great energy will attract appropriate partners to achieve our goal.

www.gardencentreretail.com

Glee2017.indd 85

What is your company ethos?

By using innovative technology and new-era materials such as EVA Foam, we are not only environmentally friendly but also provide the most comfortable and durable wellington boots, designed for many professions and hobbies – from farming, construction, arden n and fish n to everyday use.

CONTACT

www.leonbootsco.com

Pinwheel Lip Balms tells us about its commitment to supporting British bee populations, and to staying focused on quality over quantity

T

his year, Pinwheel Lip Balms is bringing its handmade, awardwinning beeswax lip balms to ee for the first t me he company recently won a Green Parent Magazine ‘Gold’ award for its Calendula lip balm.

What is your company ethos?

We source our ingredients carefully to deliver a quality product, while taking our responsibility to the environment seriously. We use beeswax from our local beekeeper in London – this helps to support British bee populations, which is really important for pollinating crops and owers What challenges has Pinwheel Lip Balms had to overcome?

There’s quite rightly a lot of regulation surrounding cosmetic production, so, along with all the creative challenges of formulating products and designing a brand, we had a lot of work to do with a

cosmetic chemist to make sure that the products were safe and effective.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Pinwheel Lip Balms?

All our products are handmade in small batches.

Where does Pinwheel Lip Balms hope to be in 10 years?

We’re a small company and we plan to stay that way.

‘Quality over quantity’ is at the forefront of everything we do, and our retailers can offer a product that their customers won’t see in many other places.

What makes you different from your competitors?

We try to inject a bit of fun into our products. We group them into gift sets, such as our Tea Lover’s set, which gives added value to customers who are looking for small gifts.

CONTACT

www.pinwheelbalms.com

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Glee Show preview STAND 17V16

POUF DADDY LTD

STAND 18L20-M21 SMART GARDEN PRODUCTS

AT NEWEE! GL

NEW GLEEAT !

What will Pouf Daddy be showcasing at Glee?

Pouf Daddy is showcasing all-new products at Glee, including new designs, new fabrics and general enhancements to o r ran e of o tdoor bean fi ed f rn t re and do beds The new dog beds from Pouf Doggy, the sub brand of Pouf Daddy, come with a luxurious faux fur top that can be n ed and washed a ab e n to h n on or fa leather with a range of sumptuously coloured tops, the Pouf Doggy is incredibly comfortable, easy to clean and, when it omes to ed ree and a e defin te the best n show

What will Smart Garden Products be showcasing at Glee?

Smart Garden Products will be launching more than 300 new products at Glee, across both existing and brand new ate or es e ha e added an add t ona stand s a e wh h w be ded ated to o r ts de n brand ers w a so be ab e to ew o r ra d e and n rod t ortfo o Our Garden Décor category will see Smart Garden Products’ b est e er e ans on and was reated to ma m se the r s n trend for more de orat e arden a essor es he n reta ers to e o t add on and m se b s

www.poufdaddy.co.uk

www.sgpuk.com

STAND 20F21

ICONOGRAPHY ono ra h w be demonstrat n o r f res ons e one e ommer e atform a h h on ert n enter r se e e s stem that s sed s essf to ower man on ne b s nesses including leading international footwear brand ECCO in the UK and Debenhams luggage concession brand r wh h ses one to r n ts e ommer e o erat ons aro nd ro e www.iconography.co.uk

STAND 20G36-H37

M&M TIMBER Established for more than 30 years, M&M Timber has become the UK’s leading manufacturer of machine-rounded timber products, and is the supplier of choice to the agricultural, utility, commercial, ands a n andowner and a mar et se tors e won the reated ood rade of the ear award for www.mmtimber.co.uk

STAND 17S58

PALMTREE PRODUCTS Palmtree Products was started by Megan Randall in 2015, offering miniature fairy products to garden entres and sho s oda we offer stomers reat reta s ort b n free o nt of sa e d s a s w th m n m m orders and re ar ntrod n new e t n rod ts a mtree rod ts w be ntrod n ood and or d offer n new fa r arden n and eram arden rod ts w th brand new a a n and d s a s www.palmtreeproducts.co.uk

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Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:30

Pouf Daddy launched just 24 months ago. We are now committed to building a strong retail client base in the UK and B2B sales to garden centre retail and other outdoor specialists including interior designers, product speciiers.

Over 60 lines in stock, Very fast turnaround Fully bespoke service available, Clients own branding – embroidery, leather labels etc Pouf Daddy sourced material or COM, with low MOQ Exceptional manufacturing quality, Hi-tech fabrics including UV Pro and Sunbrella and our outdoor faux leather For orders, to receive information or a quote please contact Ben Sowton on +44 (0) 845 5443055 or email ben@poufdaddy.co.uk www.poufdaddy.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail Systems Multi-channel Retail Management Solution In-Store Mobile Web T 02393 873 170 E sales@swanretail.co.uk W swanretail.co.uk

GCR ads.indd 32

31/08/2017 16:58

Newbuild, refurbishment

or maintenance?

A NEW AGE OF OUTDOOR LIVING

www.muztagoutdoorfires.co.uk 01803 428260 sales@muztagoutdoorfires.co.uk PO Box 318, Torquay, TQ1 9HR

GCR ads.indd 33

Visit us at the Glee, stand: 20G54 www.smiemansprojecten.com PROJECTEN

31/08/2017 16:35

Show preview Glee

COMPANY PROFILE

SBM LIFE

STAND 18N51

COMPANY PROFILE ATTENDING AS INDIVIDUALS

SUTTONS

SCIENCE LTD SEEDS SBM Life Science Ltd speaks to us about going the extra mile to understand customers’ needs, and its ambitions to become a market leader

S

BM Life Science is a leader in the home and garden market in France, developing, formulating and producing crop and non-crop solutions for professionals and consumers. Investing in the future, SBM Life Science is introducing innovation to the market as it brings its New Time, New Way strategy to life, with exciting new brands and products to be showcased at Glee. These products include the Job Done weedkiller range, the Solabiol natural garden care range, Toprose range, the Baby Bio’s Orchid Gift Pack, and the Baby Bio Houseplant Care Pack.

What makes you different from your competitors?

We aim to intimately connect with gardeners and their gardens, providing them with effective and trusted product solutions that are well balanced and in tune with nature. We talk to customers to understand how we can better meet their future needs and

www.gardencentreretail.com

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add increased value to the UK market. Their feedback is at the heart of our business and is embedded in our core values: entrepreneurship, support, partnerships, rapid response, innovation and teamwork.

What has been SBM Life Science’s best moment?

SBM Life Science was established in October, and is now fully operational throughout Europe and North America. We are now moving into the next phase of our business development with the launch of our New Time, New Way strategy.

Where does SBM Life Science hope to be in 10 years?

We want to become a worldwide leader for home and garden solutions, to offer an innovative portfolio that will meet evolving expectations of our customers.

CONTACT

www.sbm-lifescience. co.uk

Catching up with Suttons Seeds, which tells us about its history supplying seeds to the royal family, and how it bounced back from making losses

S

uttons Seeds is an internationally renowned supplier of ower and vegetable seeds, young plants, bulbs, fruit bushes and other horticultural products to amateur gardeners, and has a reputation for quality and service that is second to none.

Suttons Seeds is committed to launching on-trend new products for all types of gardeners, and at Glee it will be showcasing its new ‘Fun to Grow’ range, which is especially designed for children. It will also be exhibiting its Successional Sowing Seed Tins.

Can you tell us an interesting fact about Suttons Seeds?

In the 1850s, Queen Victoria requested that Suttons supply seeds to the royal household, and in 1871 we received a Royal Warrant as seed merchants to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. To this day, we proudly continue to supply seed and plants to members of the royal family.

What are you looking forward to at Glee?

Glee represents a great opportunity to showcase new products and catch up with industry contacts. The talks and presentations are also very useful, as there are always new ideas to share in this industry – we must never rest on our Prunus laurocerasus (laurels!).

What challenges has Suttons Seeds had to overcome?

In 2014, we lost £2.3m on a turnover of £14m, and had lost £6m over the previous four years. Over the past two and a half years we have taken the business back into profit and we are now growing and investing in the future of Suttons and other businesses, to generate future profits and increased employment.

CONTACT

www.suttons.co.uk

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Glee Show preview STAND 18M50 WILDLIFE WORLD

STAND 18L50-M51 STV INTERNATIONAL LTD NEW GLEEAT !

AT NEWEE! GL

What will Wildlife World be showcasing at Glee?

Wildlife World will be showing a new range of products, including items designed in partnership with wildlife author and TV presenter Simon King OBE. New products will include a number of bird foods, feeders and a premium National Trust range. Wildlife World was awarded the Best New Retail Product (Wildlife) at the 2017 Garden Retail Awards, and last year won an award for Simon King’s Brushwood Robin Nester at the Glee Awards. More new products are being submitted to the 2017 Glee Awards.

What will STV International be showcasing at Glee?

Specialist home and garden pest control product supplier STV is releasing a record number of new products for 2018, with over 100 being launched from September 2017. These include a revised rodent bait range, new decoys, a new pond protection range, fencing kits, bird care and insect control products, with one of the highlights being Defenders Hawl Kite, which protects smallholdings and gardens. STV’s four brands – The Big Cheese, Defenders, The Buzz and Zero In – are well known to customers worldwide.

www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

www.stvpestcontrol.com

STAND 20G54

SMIEMANS PROJECTEN BV For more than 45 years, Smiemans Projecten’s family-owned company has developed and built special glass constructions for garden centres and botanical gardens. Whether it is a turnkey garden centre, refurbishment or maintenance, we provide a quality service at an affordable price. We are now working on building the Kipster chicken farm, which is set to open this month. It will have over 1000 solar panels and a low carbon footprint, making it both sustainable and innovative. www.smiemansprojecten.com

STAND 19G30-H31

TILDENET GARDENWARE Tildenet’s presence at Glee has grown year on year, with the Bosmere, Haxnicks and Mainframe brands adding significantly to the ildenet ardenware portfolio and continuing to strengthen our offer to retailers ur stand will showcase a full brand refresh for the ever popular axnicks, with new retail packaging and display solutions ew products on the ildenet ardenware stand will include a simple self watering system for pots and peed eed an ergonomically designed hand tool www.tildenetgardenware.co.uk

STAND 17R60-S61

TURTLE MAT COMPANY LTD ased n the otswo ds and fo nded b ames rt e n the rt e at om an was the first company to bring dirt-trapping cotton doormats to the UK consumer market. We have chosen Glee to unveil our brand new ‘Lume’ collection of nylon, design-led washable mats – a collection aimed at consumers who like to refresh their décor with the seasons. The mats are made of nylon, meaning they an ho d br hter bo der o o rs than those made of nat ra fibres www.turtlemat.co.uk

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www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:31

Smart Garden Products has an exceptional selection of brands and products with proven sales success

For further information, please email sales@sgpuk.com or telephone 01235 424100

www.sgpuk.com

GCR ads.indd 34

31/08/2017 16:37

Come visit us at Stand 20Q02

Showcase Seasonal Displays Natural timber merchandising solution for fresh plants

IN STOC READY K T DELIVE O R

M&M Timber retail display stands are the ideal solution for fresh plants, trees, shrubs, gardening or building products and seasonal promotional displays. The range includes: • 3 and 4 Tiered displays

• Tables compact and tall

• Square and hexagonal displays

• Trellis

• Pot Holders • Box display units

Call 0333 003 5133 for brochure and prices

www.evergreenpeat.com

E: sales@mmtimber.co.uk www.mmtimber.co.uk

SEE US AT GLEE 2017 IN HALL 20 STAND # G36-H37

MM-91x118-staging-ad.indd 2

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M&M Timber is a Division of Forest Garden Limited.

23/08/2017 11:24

31/08/2017 16:42

Show preview Glee

COMPANY PROFILE

THE POT

STAND 20K20-L21

COMPANY

We chat to The Pot Company about its products’ appearances on the small screen, and its longstanding experience of more than 30 years

T

he Pot Company has more than 30 years’ experience sourcing garden planters and gives stomers the e b t to order whatever they want. It w be show as n a ran e of s e a offer a et dea s n ts bestse n mater a s a ow n customers to order in the quickest and most economical wa wh e ha n the freedom to order whatever stock they require to top up.

What makes you different from your competitors?

Our experience allows us to effe t e omm n ate mar et trends to o r fa tor es all over the world. We ensure our products not only look ood b t are a so of the h hest a t ne of o r

www.gardencentreretail.com

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rod t ran es the a m ots s ho owed b hand from the tr n s of a m trees a h ot s nd d a and so r ed from ndones an renewab e forests ma n them s sta nab e and en ronmenta fr end Could you tell us an interesting fact about The Pot Company? ne of o r orten Stee re ab es a eared on s Love your Garden with Alan t hmarsh S n e then o r products have also appeared on Channel 4’s Inside Out omes a fash on shoot b the a ress and S Ss d ba n o ember

CONTACT

www.thepotco.com

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 20H41

THERMOFLOR

BV

Garden centre builder Thermo or discusses reaching milestone anniversaries – and the trouble with its founder’s surname

T

hermo or has been building glass and steel structures since 77 and has built more than , worldwide ow in its fifth generation of ownership, hermo or has evolved into one of the largest garden centre builders in urope ts latest showcases are the osebourne arden entre in ndover, arforth arden entre in eeds, and arsons arden entre in itchfield hermo or’s history goes back to 77, when rimbergen r opened a blacksmith in the west of the etherlands round , rimbergen could rightly claim to be the first greenhouse builder’ in the etherlands hermo or forms part of the rimbergen roup, the fifth generation of a family business

hat has een Thermo or s best moment? h s ear we w be enter n o r th ear and we are ann n some fest t es n 2019 to coincide with the 50th ann ersar of o r rrent location in Heerlen. We have e o ed from be n the first reenho se b der n the ether ands and now we are reat n bea t f reta s a es for arden entre owners a over the world.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Thermo or r mber en s a so a we nown brand of a t beer and as o r fo nder s name s r mber en we often re e e orders for beer as we as garden centres.

CONTACT www.

er o or.co

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

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Glee Show preview STAND 20F23

SWAN RETAIL LTD

NEW GLEEAT !

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 20N36-P37

BATHGATE

SILICA SAND We talk to compost company Bathgate Silica Sand t e e t efi e t e s ste and an unexpected use for one of its products

What will Swan Retail Ltd be showcasing at Glee?

This year, we will be showcasing brand new features and products – a new suite of apps and hand-held terminals to action stock movements, ticketing, loyalty registration and more n rea t me on the sho oor hese w n de s n e and multi-use vouchers to drive new and repeat customer revenues, a loyalty registration app, HTA gift cards with balances and enquiries, point of display ticketing, handheld terminals for real-time stock admin, and our fully featured e ommer e atform Swan re t

www.swanretail.co.uk

STAND 20F41

TIMBER DISPLAYS LTD

AT NEW !

GLEE

What will Timber Displays Ltd be showcasing at Glee?

We will be introducing our new timber display products this year, along with a new website and a new brochure. We have spent a lot of time this year introducing new display products and offering great value for money deals on them, so that retailers can try them out. Our products are made to a high specification from pressure treated timber, and are designed to increase your turnover by showing your merchandise to its full potential, and to add an attractive feature to your outlet while remaining competitively priced.

www.timberdisplays.co.uk

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E

stablished for 100 years, Bathgate Silica Sand initially moved coal around the UK, and then obtained Arclid Quarry in Sandbach to support the fo ndr nd str rom there it moved into glass and adhesives, and later expanded into the sports and leisure industry, now producing a w de ran e of rod ts Could you tell us an interesting fact about Bathgate Silica Sand?

Bathgate sand is used in a wide range of products – from the sand that is used in horse arenas across the world, to the rod t on of a award Where does Bathgate Silica Sand hope to be in 10 years?

We want to become a recognised brand, associated w th a t and erforman e We are dedicated to providing high quality products and service – we won Best Retail Product or Service at the o r a s show ast ear

for our Champions Blend All Purpose Compost, with judges commenting that it “brought together probiotics, volcanic rock dust and natural seaweed e tra t n one eas m What has been Bathgate Silica Sand’s best moment?

In 2007, Bathgate Silica Sand purchased a fully-automated bagging system, which increased the production o me from fi e tonnes an hour to more than 20 tonnes an ho r S n e then ath ate Silica Sand has implemented an e en more effi ent s stem which allows the production of to ba s er m n te What will you be showcasing at Glee?

We are excited to be showcasing our award-winning Champions Blend All Purpose Compost, and our Champions end ran e

CONTACT

bathgatehorticulture.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:33

Outstanding performance from MossOff

National Structures have been designers, manufacturers and installers of insulated buildings, canopies and walkways for garden centres for over 20 years.

Providing a full in-house professional Design and Project Management team, enabling projects to be undertaken from concept to completion.

Designed • Manufactured • Constructed

• Retail Buildings • Canopies • Walkways • Refurbishments • Roofing • Conversion • Entrance Ways • • Trolley Bays • Doors & Glazing • Storage • Warehousing • John Jackson, Swarkestone Nurseries said: “We are really impressed by the professional attitude of National Structures and their attention to detail. I am very much like that too, so to have a firm who I could trust to get it right was a great relief.

They were a good team and did a first class job bringing it all together”

National Structures have been designers, manufacturers and installers of insulated buildings, canopies and walkways for garden centres for over 25 years. Providing a full in-house professional Design and Project Main Buildings Management team, enabling projects to be National Structures have Pittman been designers, National Structures.

4 Cable Court, Way, Fulwood, manufacturers Preston. PR2 9YW and installers undertaken to over completion. walkways for from gardenconcept centres for 20 years. sales@nationalstructures.co.uk •

•

•

Canopies

•

•

Walkways

•

Last year’s GIMA Innovators Winner, MossOff is the only chemical-free moss and algae killer that’s safe for all outdoor surfaces. Brown stains to the patio can be the unintended result of using iron - based lawn moss killers whilst standard patio cleaners scorch grass and plants. But MossOff is entirely chemical free and om ete safe to h dren ets and ant fe and e en fish and onds Diarmuid Gavin is a huge advocate for MossOff. “MossOff is easy to use and effective and most importantly it’s safe.” said Diarmuid. “Not only for me and my kids and pets, but also to the plants and especially my lawn.”

2L £12.99

01772 799222

of insulated buildings, canopies and

Providing a full in-house professional Design and Project Management team, enabling projects to be undertaken from concept to completion.

• Main Buildings • Entrance Ways

al Structures have been designers, manufacturers and installers of insulated buildings, canopies and •20Retail • Walkways • Refurbishments • Roofing • Conversion • Entrance Ways • • Walkways • Trolley Bays ays for garden centres for over years.Buildings • Canopies Trolley Baysteam, • Doors & Glazing • Storage Warehousing • ng a full in-house professional Design and Project •Management projects to be•undertaken • John Refurbishments • Doors &enabling Glazing oncept to completion.

Jackson, Swarkestone Nurseries said: are really impressed by the professional attitude of National • “We Roofing • Storage Structures and their attention to detail.

I am very much likeWays that•too, ail Buildings • Canopies • Walkways • Refurbishments • Roofing • Conversion • Entrance Conversion ••Warehousing to have a firm•who I could trust to get •it right was a great relief.

• Trolley Bays ••so Doors & Glazing Storage Warehousing They were a good team and did a first class job bringing it all together” ackson, Swarkestone Nurseries said: National Structures. 4 Cable Court, e really impressed by the professional attitude of National ures and their attention to detail. I am very much like that too, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston. PR2 9YW ave a firm who I could trust to get it right was a great relief. ere a good team and did a first class job bringing it all together” • Main Buildings • • Canopies •

sales@nationalstructures.co.uk

Main Buildings sales@nationalstructures.co.uk

al Structures. 4 Cable Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston. PR2 9YW

es@nationalstructures.co.uk

•

•

01772 799222 01772 799222

National Structures. 4 Cable Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston. PR2 9YW •

See the team from Walkways Vivagreen at GLEE from 11 – 13 September on stand 18H52

•

•

Canopies

•

•

Walkways

•

CONTACT

www.vivagreengroup.com o fice v va reen rou .co 020 7197 2317

01772 799222

Tildenet’s presence at GLEE has grown year on year with Bosmere, a nic s and ain rame rands addin si nificantl to the Tildenet Gardenware portfolio and continuing to strengthen their offer to retailers.

Another year of substantial investment in company infrastructure has seen the launch of a new trade website where customers can order directly 24/7 as well as continued warehouse expansion to meet growing demand.

The GLEE 2017 stand will showcase a full brand refresh for the ever-popular Haxnicks brand with a softer colour palette throughout the packaging and point of sale material. There will also be consolidated ranges, updates to packaging and new merchandising solutions developed in response to customer feedback in order to help promote retail sales.

Building on the success of last year’s new look stand, the layout for 2017 has been des ned to show reta ers e a t how the r sho oor an oo and how the brands comfortably complement each other side-by-side with the full Tildenet Gardenware range represented.

New products to look out for on the Tildenet Gardenware stand will include a simple self-watering system for pots and SpeedWeed - an ergonomically designed hand tool to complement the popular Speedhoe as part of the Haxnicks range.

Visit Tildenet Gardenware at Hall 19 Stand G30-H31

0117 9341799 www.tildenetgardenware.co.uk

GCR ads.indd 36

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31/08/2017 16:51

Show preview Glee

COMPANY PROFILE

VITAVIA

STAND 20L50-M51

UK

Greenhouse manufacturer Vitavia UK tells us how it plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary – and why Vitavia is literally a way of life

T

he Vitavia Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017. Its range of greenhouses, wall gardens, garden rooms and accessories is thought to be the bestselling range of hobby greenhouses in Europe. One of the new products Vitavia UK will be launching at Glee is the pent roof Freya greenhouse.

How was Vitavia set up?

Having been a supplier to OPJ in Denmark and EPH Schmidt in Germany, Tony Hutchinson was approached by the two companies to develop the UK market for the new Vitavia brand. OPJ and EPH each had a good working relationship with a Chinese garden products supplier so they joined forces to build the Vitavia factory in Qingdao.

What are you doing to celebrate your 10th anniversary?

We will be launching some exciting new models in the UK – visit our stand to preview the

www.gardencentreretail.com

Glee2017.indd 97

new models and enjoy a glass of bubbly!

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Vitavia?

It’s a truly family-run business.

Tony has been joined by his sons and daughter and yes, they all get along famously!

Also, Vitavia is Latin for ‘the way of life’, and we like to think that growing in a Vitavia greenhouse becomes a very rewarding way of life.

What challenges has Vitavia had to overcome? xchange rate uctuations have been challenging over the past two years, but we have a good balance of domestic and foreign sales, ensuring we can maintain the best trade prices for our retailers. With business partners based in Europe we should be well placed to deal with Brexit challenges.

CONTACT

www.vitavia.co.uk

COMPANY PROFILE STAND 17P65

TRILANCO

LTD

We speak to Trilanco Ltd about being included in the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, and its focus on old-fashioned good service

L

eading agricultural, equine and pet products wholesaler Trilanco Ltd helps retailers of all sizes offer their customers a diverse range of quality products.

With over 12,000 items in their current catalogue and new lines being added all the time, Trilanco offers brands from leading manufacturers all over the world.

How was Trilanco set up?

We started trading as an agricultural product wholesaler in 1979. As the demand for equine and pet products increased, our offering evolved to support the needs of our retail customers.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Trilanco?

As a family-owned wholesaler, many members of the Balmer family are involved in the business – including our bearded collie, Rosie, who o ns the team at the offi e every day!

What will you be showcasing at Glee?

We will be showcasing new ranges, including Caldene wellington boots, Clipperman clippers, trimmers and shearers and Easidri cleaning, grooming and cooling pet products.

What has been Trilanco’s best moment?

Being named in the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report. We have also won the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Trade Supplier of the Year award three times.

What makes you different from your competitors?

We believe in old-fashioned British courtesy, and quality products backed by modern technology. It’s the people and the personal service that make us different.

CONTACT

www.trilanco.com

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Glee Show preview

COMPANY PROFILE

BULLDOG

MEADOW VIEW STONE

STAND 19E61

TOOLS LTD We catch up with Bulldog Tools Ltd fi t t e s ret r s r te ts s r r s t e ts

NEW GLEEAT !

t t

What will Meadow View Stone Ltd be showcasing at Glee?

Meadow View Stone will be exhibiting new decorative aggregate and paving category products, rebranded packaging and points of sale, and a range of new products designed to inspire customers by meeting the demand for unique and contemporary hard landscaping products. We are an established supplier of decorative aggregates, paving and stoneware for the garden centre trade, with access to a wide range of products from around the world – keeping us at the forefront of new product development.

www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

B

ulldog Tools specialises in strong and high quality tools; its newest range, Pedigree, was born to meet the demands of a new type of gardener, where design matters as much as performance. The tools are made from light and strong stainless steel and easily exceed a bend test of 210lbs above the British Standard. All shafts and handles are made from quality-checked FSCert fied ash and a fet me guarantee is offered over the entire range. The Pedigree brand divides into three colour coded areas – Digging, Cultivation and Transformation – which are branded on all points of sale and ticketing to make it easy to choose the right tool for the right task.

What will you be showcasing at Glee?

We are launching our newly designed Pedigree Loppers and Shears, which are light, easy to use and very strong.

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What has been Bulldog Tools’ best moment?

The take-up from industry professionals and specialist independent retailers, who were looking for a new tool range from a manufacturer with a reputation for making a quality product with a low return rate – less than 0.25%.

What is your company ethos?

We create tools you can trust, and pride ourselves on the quality and longevity of our products.

Could you tell us an interesting fact about Bulldog Tools?

In 1963, Bulldog made all the fir n sho e s that t the coal into the engines of the Flying Scotsman locomotives.

Copies of them are still held at the National Railway Museum warehouse today.

CONTACT

VIVAGREEN VivaGreen has been developing and manufacturing a range of compostable and truly biodegradable products since 1992. One of our unique products is the award-winning chemical-free solution to moss and algae, which is returning for a second year at Glee, having gained listings all around the UK. We are now hoping to extend our distribution further.

www.vivagreengroup.com

Bulldog tools are made from light and strong stainless steel and easily exceed a bend test of 210lbs above the British Standard. All shafts and handles are made from quality-checked FSCce t fied h nd et e ntee offered over the entire range

www.bulldogtools.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail September/October 2017

www.gardencentreretail.com

31/08/2017 13:33

Show preview Glee STAND E165

QUINTON EDWARDS NEW GLEEAT !

STAND 20E24

National Structures designs, manufacturs and installs insulated buildings, canopies, walkways, Polytunnels and curtain walling, drawing on over 25 years’ experience within the garden centre industry. Our canopies and walkways provide ideal, cost effective cover for all manner of uses – from full retail display to play areas and social spaces. We employ in-house construction crews who are fully trained in all aspects of steel erection. www.nationalstructures.co.uk

STAND 17X02 What will Quinton Edwards be showcasing at Glee?

Quinton Edwards offer a full range of property services to garden centre and horticultural property and businesses owners ban s and finan a nst t t ons t ee we w be showcasing our wide range of commercial property services, which include valuations, sales and lettings, acquisitions, lease renewals and rent reviews (landlord and tenant), Energy erforman e ert fi ates S hed es of ond t on and d s te reso t ons

www.quintonedwards.co.uk

NATIONAL STRUCTURES

MUZTAG OUTDOOR FIRES LTD

Muztag Outdoor Fires Ltd is a new, innovative company introducing stylish outside heat sources. Based in the South West of England, we specialise in the manufacture and distribution of outdoor gas fires sing over years experience in the gas fire and stove industry, we offer a selection of aesthetically pleasing gas fire products, with an emphasis on both functionality and visual excellence. t o tdoo fi e co

Garden Centre Retail

Stand 17W56

re Retail t n e C n e Gard PEOPLE

Issue 33

October

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Garden Centre Retail is the leading publication for the garden centre retail industry. It is a content-driven brand that aims to deliver actionable and inspirational business information that can help garden centres grow their company.

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2017

Indoor plants ING’S N GARDES T TREND HOTTE

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30/08/2017

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PET TRAVEL The trend jet-se for tting pets

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RETAIL SECURIT Prote Y busin ct your ess from shoplifter s

32

What to offer during the festive season and how to market it

06/06/20

17 14:53

The northern powerhouse set to take the industry by storm

FOOD SUPPLEMENT INCLUDED

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• All from award-winning publishers Eljays44, producing industry-leading magazines and events Pro Landscaper, FutureScape, Pet Care Retail, The Blend and Florist Business

Come and see us at Glee and get 20% off the usual subscription price! www.gardencentreretail.com

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PC_EH_210x265_Glee2017:Layout 1 31/08/2017 10:39 Page 1

find us on Glee stand 20K20-L21

The Heritage Collection Inspired by History

A Pot Company range. Now available to order for 2018

In association with

01892 890 353 sales@thepotco.com

www.thepotco.com

GCR ads.indd 17

31/08/2017 16:54