Florist Ireland :: Latest News, Trends, Courses and Jobs for Florist & Flower Sector :: www.HortiTrends.com :: http://florists.posterous.com Floristry Ireland :: Horticulture Trends Latest News, Trends, Courses, Services, Products, Suppliers & Jobs for Floristry Sector in Ireland: Garden Centre, Landscape, Architecture, Nurseries, Arboriculture, Sports Turf, Greenkeepers & Fresh Produce Sectors posterous.com Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:22:55 -0800 Botanists Take Aim at War Zone http://florists.posterous.com/botanists-take-aim-at-war-zone http://florists.posterous.com/botanists-take-aim-at-war-zone A group of botanists from Edinburgh has travelled to Afghanistan to train a new generation of plant scientists in how to conserve the region's unique but threatened plant species.

The team from the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants, part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
, are at the start of a three-year programme in partnership with Kabul University to teach a group of 20 students how to identify and conserve plants.

Team member Dr Matthew Hall said the strategy of involving the Afghan people in conservation efforts is quite deliberate. 'I could do it myself, but that's not engaging the botanical community in Afghanistan,' he said. 'We're starting from scratch in training, research concepts and plant identification, but that way we leave a lot more of a legacy than a list with a lot of Latin names on it.'

Afghanistan has one of the richest populations of plants in the world, nearly a fifth of which grow nowhere else. However, more than30 years of war has devastated the environment and put the survival of many species under threat. At the same time the fighting has severely curtailed plant collecting expeditions, so records of many species are limited to single sightings in the 1970s.

The team hopes to travel into the field with the students in selected areas where the situation is more stable to assess populations of wild tulips and irises including the highly rare Iris porphyrochrysa, recorded only once in the Bamia region of central Afghanistan. The information will be used to draw up a Red List of plants in need of protection. At the same time a parallel programme is helping develop the Kabul Botanic Garden.

'I was bowled over by the amount of enthusiasm and concern in Afghanistan about the normal things – the quality of the air, conservation and the environment,' said Matt. 'In Kabul real life has to happen if Afghanistan is going to have a sustainable future – and biodiversity is part of that.'

Keep Yourself updated! Click Here to Subscribe to our News Letter and Alerts for the Horticulture & Fresh Produce Sectors In Ireland www.HortiTrends.com 

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News . Horticulture B2B Directory . Advertising . Sales . Marketing . Business Development & Support. 

Expertise, Practical Know-how, Passion for the Horticulture, Fresh Produce & Lifestyle Sectors.

Address: Suite 5 . 64 Dame Street . Dublin 2 . Ireland . Location: Map

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Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:21:16 -0800 Banks Rule the Roost at Monrovia. http://florists.posterous.com/banks-rule-the-roost-at-monrovia http://florists.posterous.com/banks-rule-the-roost-at-monrovia


Last Thursday, Monrovia customers found an e-mail in their inboxes containing two letters. The first letter, signed by Monrovia leadership, read (in part): 

“Our banks have expressed their concern by giving us until January 31 to show significant improvement [$20 million] to our 2011 bookings or face a distressed sale of our inventories";

“Accordingly, we are offering you the opportunity to add to your spring bookings now and until January 31 [reductions of 35%-50% on products]”; and

“Candidly, we are being advised by our lenders and their advisors to sell to the big box channel if we are unable to significantly increase our booked orders. We will not sell our brand into the big box channel but the quality of our plants, even in a black pot speaks for itself. We are aware that this affects your competitive advantage.”

Monrovia has long been an independent-only grower of premium nursery products. Which is why a possible move into the big boxes prompted a group of 75 garden retailers to pen a letter of support (also included in the Monrovia e-mail): 

“We, as Independent Nurseries, cannot afford this to happen,” the letter of support reads. “We agree that we shall increase our spring bookings by a significant amount to help Monrovia Growers reach their goal.”

Monrovia’s response
I was traveling when all this went down, but Green Profit Editor-at-Large Ellen Wells was hard at work in her Boston office, so she called Monrovia for the story. Here’s her report:

I spoke with Monrovia CEO Miles Roseland Friday to learn more. Sales, Miles says, had been “fine” for a six- to eight-year period—then for the last two years they’ve “slowed”—recession-related, he says. 

As for two of their three banks (one wants out of the industry), “They are encouraging us to sell our plants into all channels and to find ways to increase our profitability as a company.” The one channel Monrovia currently isn’t in is the mass market. 

Asked if there would be a reluctance to go in that direction, Miles assured customers that Monrovia “wouldn’t go into that channel with our brand, and we haven’t been in business there so we don’t know exactly how to do it, but we’re going to look into it.”

“Humbling and quite remarkable” are how Miles describes the IGC letter of support. “When our garden centers became aware of our need to go into all channels, they said ‘Let us help you sell more plants. If you can pass savings on to us, we can try to pass savings on to our customers. Maybe we can order a little more.’” 

Premium nursery material in the mass-market channel—even in an anonymous black nursery pot—can and will be a threat to sales at IGCs. Does Monrovia feel they’d lose a lot of support from customers if they were to go into the big boxes, even if it wasn’t in a branded form? “We’re hopeful that our customers will understand the need for us to survive, and appreciate that we’re offering a differentiated product with a brand to them,” says Miles. 

What Monrovia wants IGCs to know is this:

* They’re in full production and have lots of plants to sell;
* They’re prepared to offer good pricing so they can pass savings along to consumers;
* They’re not asking you to take away from other growers; and
* They’ll continue to offer high-value, high-quality plants.

“Response has been very favorable,” says Miles. “If they [IGCs] are willing to increase their business, that should give us the basis to find bank support.”

The conference call
On Tuesday, Monrovia held four conference calls with customers and other interested parties (like me), sharing details of the issue and opening the phone lines to questions.

They explained that one of their three banks doesn’t want to be in business with an industry that has inventory on the books for more than 12 months. That bank has apparently been burned by other nurseries, and so wanted out of this field. “We’re faced with the need to replace one of our three banks, and that is what has precipitated this outreach,” said Miles. 

He was quick to add, “We’re not asking you to cancel from other growers. We recognize that other growers are in the same situation as we are, the same marketplace. We hope you’ll see the opportunity to add to your bookings with us, but we’re not asking you to cancel with someone else just to give us an advantage.”

Monrovia has more than 3,000 independent garden center customers. Quick math says each customer would have to increase its business by $6,700. Is that impossible? 

“We certainly don’t think so," said Bob Smiland, chief sales & marketing officer. "You can do the math yourself, but 3,000-plus locations, you don’t have to buy too much more per location to get to that number. So this is not something just for the larger multi-store operations or super-destination garden centers."

Will they enter the mass market?
That’s what one caller asked. Replied Miles, “The simple answer is, we really don’t know at this point. We haven’t done business in the box channel for 15 years, and really are not familiar with it, but it wouldn’t be prudent for us, facing our demise, so to speak, to not consider all the channels, and that’s what we are doing. So at this point we really can’t give you a definite answer one way or the other.”

But he added, “Our approach into the box channel is not with the brand. The brand is something that’s been built by the independent garden centers, and we want to keep that exclusive to your channel.”

That was the only probing question. Otherwise, the few comments were pledges of support. Said one caller, “Do what you can for Monrovia in this tough time. They’ve been here for us for many, many years.”

Added a representative from a multi-store independent, “I just can’t envision this industry without Monrovia. When things do turn around, we’re going to depend a lot on the guaranteed availability from Monrovia and being able to introduce their new varieties to our customers.” With that, he pledged to increase purchases this year by 25%.

Keep Yourself updated! Click Here to Subscribe to our News Letter and Alerts for the Horticulture & Fresh Produce Sectors In Ireland www.HortiTrends.com 

Click Here! to Promote Your Business and Grow Your Trade on Irelands Leading Business2Businesss Horticulture Directory of Supplies & Services www.HortiTrends.com

News . Horticulture B2B Directory . Advertising . Sales . Marketing . Business Development & Support. 

Expertise, Practical Know-how, Passion for the Horticulture, Fresh Produce & Lifestyle Sectors.

Address: Suite 5 . 64 Dame Street . Dublin 2 . Ireland . Location: Map

Mobile: 353 (0)87 9212044  

Email: jblair@hortitrends.com     

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Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:39:34 -0800 The French Connection by John Stanley http://florists.posterous.com/the-french-connection-by-john-stanley http://florists.posterous.com/the-french-connection-by-john-stanley

Garden retailing in France is controlled by a relatively small number of retailers who between them own the major share of the garden market. The key players are Botanic, Jardiland and Truffaut.

What makes these retailers special and what can retailers in other countries learn from them and the French retailer?

Many of you may think it is the way they put the product together, the French are famous for their flair as fashion leaders, but this was not the main lesson I took away for a week looking at the industry.

My journey started with the annual nursery awards dinner organized by Groupe J, the main magazine company for the gardening and pet sector. The dinner is a combination of wonderful entertainment, fine food and the awards ceremony. The awards are dominated by presentations to the Buyers.

Awards are presented to the best buyers in each category and the buyer is held in more esteem than the store owner, or that is how it seems to come across to a visitor looking at the industry.

The argument is that the key to success is based on a business having a good buyer, as stock turn and getting the right product mix is critically important.

Having seen the French industry and the industry in other countries I can see why the French put so much emphasis on the buyer. Heroic buyers can make a big difference. I talked to Brond Wagenaar,

a French garden centre consultant, concerning the awards and how they are judged. He informed me that they are judged based on the following criteria.

Technical Knowledge

Partnership approach with the supplier

Mid and long term vision of the business and the industry

Respect and commitment.

With the shift in consumer thinking, this type of award needs to be promoted in other countries as well.

HOW ARE THE FRENCH PERFORMING?

The average French garden centre generates between 1000 and 1500 Euro per square metre with an average sale per customer of around 30 Euro, except this does rise to 40 euro in the more wealthy Paris region.

Pets are part of the garden centre scene and a typical centre will donate between 25% and 30% of retail space to the pet category. The return on pets is higher than the return on gardening.

The segmentation of the market is interesting. At the higher end is Botanic, the middle market is supplied by Jardiland and Truffaut and the lower end of the market by Garden Price

Botanic

First stop was Botanic  

who promote themselves as the first alternative brand  
in garden centres. The claim comes from them leading the way in natural, eco-friendly garden products. Consumers seem to like the message and have voted the company the best garden retailers in 2007 and 2008

Their Suresnes store, overlooking the Seine just outside Paris, is the flagship store in the chain and offers some interesting new trends in garden retailing. As a consultant I often advise retailers that a lifestyle retail store has to be on one level as it is difficult to get garden customers to travel from one floor to another. This store breaks those rules and is located on three levels and it works.

The lower level is the garden department, the second level is seasonal, including a balcony of outdoor plants and the top level is the pet department. Keeping pets and balcony gardens are the key interests of the local consumers and this business does a great job in serving both.

The middle market is the Jardiland and Truffaut market. Jardiland is a 800 million euro business started 30 years ago and now has 217 stores  aiming  to be the IKEA of the garden industry in France, Spain and Italy. Truffaut, a 440 million euro business is part of the De Haize supermarket family and has 55 stores spread across France, but has a critical 50% market share of the Paris market.

The challenge for these businesses is that 25% of their business comes in 25 days.

In fact Jardiland quoted the “three” concept in their business.

The business relies on THREE months...15 March until 15 June

                                        THREE days...Friday, Saturday and Sunday

                                         THREE hours...2.00pm until 5.00pm

Scarfs and Tea Towels

A new business to me was Garden Price, operated by three ex Truffaut team members .Their aim is to own the bottom of the market. They are the place you come when you want to buy on price. They locate themselves in retail parks near a Truffaut as they realize that their customers will have to finish their shopping at a fully fledged garden centre. You go to Garden Place for a limited range based on price. The stores are a warehouse with pallets and racking as shop fixtures.

During my visit Christmas lead up was in full swing, I asked what happened in January as stock turn was clearly critical to the business.  I was told that while other garden centres moved into garden furniture which does not pick up in sales until March , they move in to tea towels and scarfs to keep female customers coming in and buying product.

The French market has moved forward in the last five years.  It is clear that some retailers have a clear vision of where they want to be in the future and are focused on getting there. They realize that the buyer is a critical player in that process and they are recognised as the retail heroes.

John Stanley is a retail business coach, speaker and author.  John films retail stores with new ideas and films great display ideas or retail trends as he travels around the world for his internet TV program.   Members of his Club can view the TV program for free and receive team training for free.  John has authored several successful marketing and retail books including the best seller “Just About Everything a Retail Manager Needs to Know”. 
John Stanley helps retailers:

·          Increase sales per square metre

·          Train staff to increase the average sale per customer

·          Better manage stock, merchandising and display to maximise potential

·          Marketing more effectively to convert more lookers into buyers

  For more information on John Stanley or how to become a Member of his Club, visit www.johnstanley.com.au or email info@johnstanley.com.au

Keep Yourself updated! Click Here to Subscribe to our News Letter and Alerts for the Horticulture & Fresh Produce Sectors In Ireland www.HortiTrends.com 

Click Here! to Promote Your Business and Grow Your Trade on Irelands Leading Business2Businesss Horticulture Directory of Supplies & Services www.HortiTrends.com

News . Horticulture B2B Directory . Advertising . Sales . Marketing . Business Development & Support. 

Expertise, Practical Know-how, Passion for the Horticulture, Fresh Produce & Lifestyle Sectors.

Address: Suite 5 . 64 Dame Street . Dublin 2 . Ireland . Location: Map

Mobile: 353 (0)87 9212044  

Email: jblair@hortitrends.com     

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Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:08:02 -0800 Silence is Golden. First Load Carriers in the World to Be PIEK Certified http://florists.posterous.com/silence-is-golden-first-load-carriers-in-the http://florists.posterous.com/silence-is-golden-first-load-carriers-in-the

Unique silent transportation units from Container Centralen

The noise levels of the rolling ½ and ¼ steel euro pallets CC Rolly and CC Dolly from Container Centralen (CC) have been tested by TNO (a Dutch independent scientific research organisation) to acquire the PIEK certification. Noise levels of both pallets stay within the maximum of 60 dB(A) to classify for this certification. This means that CC is the first company in the world to obtain a PIEK certificate in the category “goods carts” (load carriers). This milestone within goods deliveries was furthermore awarded a so-called ‘Noise Oscar’ November 9. 

At a ceremony held by the British Noise Abatement Society at the House of Commons November 9, Container Centralen and its range of low-noise returnable transport items were awarded the Highly Commended accolade.


Joseph Blair
HorticultureTrends

Keep Yourself updated! Click Here to Subscribe to our News Letter and Alerts for the Horticulture & Fresh Produce Sectors In Ireland www.HortiTrends.com 

Click Here! to Promote Your Business and Grow Your Trade on Irelands Leading Business2Businesss Horticulture Directory of Supplies & Services www.HortiTrends.com

News . Horticulture B2B Directory . Advertising . Sales . Marketing . Business Development & Support. 

Expertise, Practical Know-how, Passion for the Horticulture, Fresh Produce & Lifestyle Sectors.

Address: Suite 5 . 64 Dame Street . Dublin 2 . Ireland . Location: Map

Mobile: 353 (0)87 9212044  

Email: jblair@hortitrends.com     

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Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:32:25 -0800 M&S Gearing up for Christmas Flower Sales http://florists.posterous.com/ms-gearing-up-for-christmas-flower-sales http://florists.posterous.com/ms-gearing-up-for-christmas-flower-sales
Imag0077

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Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:00:29 -0700 FACTS & FIGURES HORTI FAIR 2010 http://florists.posterous.com/facts-figures-horti-fair-2010 http://florists.posterous.com/facts-figures-horti-fair-2010

FACTS & FIGURES HORTI FAIR 2010

FACTS AND FIGURES as at 4 October 2010

International Horti Fair 2010

In 2010 the International Horti Fair is being held in the Amsterdam RAI for the eleventh time. It is the joint continuation of the NTV international horticulture trade fair in Bleiswijk (since 1972) and the International Flower Trade Show in Aalsmeer (since 1962).

Organizer

International Horti Fair BV

Amsterdam RAI, halls 1 to 6 inclusive

Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam (use this address for satellite navigation as well)

Dates

From Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 October 2010 inclusive

Opening times

From 10.00 – 19.00 hours on all days

Admission

Free of charge for professionals on production of invitation/entrance tickets, which are distributed via exhibitors and trade publications or can be downloaded from www.hortifair.com/tickets (price

€ 40 at ticket office).

Surface area

Approximately 35,000 gross m2

Segmentation

Horti Tech (technology and supplies) in halls 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Horti Grow & Trade (production and trade/services) in halls 1 and 5

 

Number of exhibitors

approximately 530

House of Quality: 1.000 participants

Exhibition theme 2010

‘Earning Sustainably’

National entries

China, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Kenya, South Korea, Spain

Countries of origin

Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States.

Visitors

The International Horti Fair attracted more than 34,000 visitors in 2009, approximately 48% of them from the Netherlands. Registrations and surveys have shown that the international visitors come from more than 100 countries, making the Horti Fair in the Netherlands the most intensively visited trade event in horticulture and the most international of horticultural trade fairs worldwide at the same time.

Board

Chairman of the Board is Ewald van Vliet, mayor of Lansingerland and member of the Board of Greenport Nederland, among other things. Harm Maters (chairman AVAG), Cees Visser (director Visser International Trade & Engineering), Maarten Leune (member of the board of Plantum NL) and Igo Janssen (managing director Horticoop) are members of the Board on behalf of the sector organizations AVAG, Federatie Agrotechniek, Plantum NL and VPN respectively. Independent board members from the sector are Frank Hendriks (cultivation, director Hendriks-Agro), Sander Kroll (commerce, director Ki Plants) and Dick Oosthoek (services, Rabobank Nederland), Bert Koeze (Royal Van Zanten) and Jacques Teelen (former director of FloraHolland).

Exhibition Committee

Sjaak Bakker (Javo), John van der Knaap (Priva), Mariëlle van Buuren (BVB Substrates), Harry Kloppenburg (Fides), Frank Boers (Boal Systemen) and Leo Swart (Modiform).

Horti Fair Innovation Award

All new products and services registered on time by Horti Fair participants automatically compete for the Horti Fair Innovation Award (in partnership with Reed Business). The winner will be announced on Tuesday 12 October, the first day of the trade show.

Horti Fair Breakfast Briefings
 under the auspices of Syntens

Participants organize Breakfast Briefings before the exhibition opens in the morning. The Briefings are a creative combination of presentations, networking and breakfast, in preparation for a visit to the Horti Fair. 

Special pavilions:

Technical Trials

(stand 04.0417)

Technical Trials is a new pavilion at the Horti Fair and is the result of cooperation between a number of leading technical producers. The participants “Central Station” is the pick-up point at the Horti Fair, where visitors to the trade show receive information from and about the 17 participating companies.

Horti Fair Stage

(hall 6)

The Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI exhibition complex is the new events platform and the official opening, the prize ceremony for the Horti Fair Innovation Award, product demonstrations, receptions, announcement of the prize-winners from the House of Quality and the final round of Ranking the Grower will all be held here. Furthermore, the Horti Fair Stage is a platform for theme and new products presentations and the first rounds of the Horti Business Game.

Horti Fair House of Quality

hall 1 (01.0126, 01,0228) and hall 5 (05.0102, 05.0202)

The Horti Fair House of Quality (sponsored by Interpolis) with more than 1,000 entries is worldwide the greatest judging event for flowers and plants from individual growers. Their entries are assessed by expert judges from the Stichting VKC (Permanent Judging Committee).

Horti Fair House of Technology & Innovation

(stand  04.0226)

With the addition of Innovation to the name to emphasize renewal and a vibrant programme of debates once more, the Horti Fair House of Technology & Innovation again promises to be one of the top attractions at the coming Horti Fair. Participants present horticultural technology.

Horti Fair House of Software

(stand 01.0428)

This special interest pavilion offers visitors a complete and future-focused impression of the latest developments in software for greenhouse horticulture. The Horti Fair Internet café completes the pavilion.

Horti Fair Breeders’ Market 

(stand 01.0440)

This pavilion offers a concentrated overview of the ranges offered by specialized breeders and suppliers of parental material.

Horti Fair Career Plaza

(stand 03.0302)

The Career Plaza is the pavilion at the Horti Fair that links the horticultural sector with young people who are looking for a job or are considering their choice of profession. Special activities are organized in the pavilion for students who are becoming acquainted with trade and industry by meeting exhibitors at the trade show.

AVAG Market

(stand 04.0220)

Sector pavilion for members of this organisation for Dutch suppliers to greenhouse horticulture.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:14:33 -0700 HortiFair 2010 Update http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-2010-update http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-2010-update

Horti Fair Stage: presentation venue available

There are still opportunities on the Horti Fair Stage for Horti Fair participants who would like to take advantage of an extra platform to present their activities. Your presentation of a product, introduction of a new product, welcome for a large delegation: inquire into the options and send us a mail.

But send it as soon as possible, so that your event can also be included in the daily agenda for the Horti Fair (appears in the Daily News, the press agenda, on the website, etc). The Horti Fair Stage is certainly the platform for the opening of the Horti Fair, prize ceremonies, Flowertrends (flowered by Dutch Creations), introduction of the Anthura marketing concept, the presentation of the award for Ranking the Grower, interviews for KAS TV and rounds of the Horti Business Game. Opportunities are still available on every day of the exhibition and no extra costs are charged for this service!

lijntje

Registrations start for 2011

The Horti Fair 2010 will see the start of registrations for the Horti Fair 2011, when your trade show will be held in the first week of November at the same time as the FloraHolland Trade Fair. This means the Horti Fair is one of the founding partners of the International HortiWeek and has the Holland Complex (halls 8 to 11 inclusive) of the Amsterdam RAI in use.

The registration forms will be delivered by the Horti Fair team and you can also meet the team members on the Horti Fair stand in the House of Software (stand 01.0428). The modern exhibition accommodation of the Holland Complex (high halls, more direct light, modern entrance, good restaurants and excellent facilities for supply and dismantling) is extremely suitable for the Horti Fair horticultural trade show. Participants in 2010 will be given first opportunity of taking out an option on stand space for the Horti Fair 2011! Please contact Jacco Mantel (j.mantel@hortifair.nl) for details.

lijntje

Principal stand contractor Arti'70

You can still place additional orders for furniture in the Arti'70 webshop (link) until 10 October. Thereafter Arti'70 can be reached via the service desk in the main entrance of the Amsterdam RAI. The opening times are: Monday 11 October from 08.00 to 17.00 hours and Tuesday 12 October from 08.00 to 10.00 hours.

lijntje

Press Room Horti Fair 2010: K102

Press room K102 is in use for the Horti Fair 2010 and you can deliver press files for the international trade press there between 14.00 and 15.00 hours on Monday 11 October. Also check out the tips for optimum PR before, during and after the Horti Fair. Are there any ideas, special stand campaigns or events you haven't passed on yet? Then don't lose any time in contacting the Horti Fair press service.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:22:14 -0700 Value or Premium, let the customer make a Choice http://florists.posterous.com/value-or-premium-let-the-customer-make-a-choi http://florists.posterous.com/value-or-premium-let-the-customer-make-a-choi

Value or Premium, let the customer make a Choice

John Stanley

The last few years have been tough for many retailers. Many have relied on discounting to get them through a difficult retailing period, but the discount formula was always a short term measure and the winning retailers had to find a new strategy to ensure they could grow their business.

The global recession has lasted longer than many predicted and as a result retailers have had to change tactics to grow their businesses.

I first observed a strategic change coming from the fast food sector and I talk about this in the October edition of Retail World Report on my members site. As countries went into the recession many fast food companies benefited as consumers downgraded from more expensive restaurants and graduated towards cheaper food offers. In the USA, for example, the fast food retailers have trained their consumers into thinking about a hamburger as a known value product and as a result they have been forced to keep the product below the five dollar price barrier to ensure they generated traffic to their stores. This policy can only last so long before increasing costs and the need to improve the bottom line means a new strategy has to be developed.

The fast food retailers had a dilemma; they could not destroy the loyalty they had built with the $4.99 customer market, but at the same time they needed to attract new customers whom they wanted to spend more plus they wanted existing customers to spend more too.

The answer was to keep their existing range and price structure, but create a new category in store that was more profitable and market this to their consumer base.

Value and Premium

The solution was to develop the existing product range as a Value range and to introduce a new range at a Premium level. This strategy resulted in deluxe hamburgers and ribs being introduced into the menu at a much higher price point.

In the UK it has resulted in MacDonald’s developing an upmarket coffee strategy and in 2009 that meant they moved over 84 million cups of coffee. According to an article in the Daily Mail [Sept 23, 2010] the next stage is to develop espresso coffee as a premium product.

The Premium and Value approach is not confined to fast food; supermarkets are also going down the same avenue. In the same newspaper it was reported the Sainsbury’s have launched a “Taste the Difference“ range which will be promoted by Jamie Oliver the celebrity chef. Sainsbury’s have launched a Premium range that contains 1,100 different S.K.U’s and one billion pounds worth of sales last year. Research carried out by Kantar Worldpanel [Daily Mail 23 Sept 2010] highlighted that the supermarkets that have seen the fastest growth in the last twelve months have developed a value and a premium strategy. One reason for the growth is that consumers are shifting from restaurants to home cooking using premium products in a tight economy.

How Does this Apply to You?

 

How does this apply to you? The changes taking place in the food industry in developing a value and premium range are just as important for any retailer. The market is changing and many would argue that the middle price point products are disappearing. Some buying decisions are being made on value, whilst on the same shopping trip other decisions are being made based on premium buying decisions, products positioned in the middle range are today often overlooked by consumers.

This means that every retailer needs to stand back and relook at the category range they are stocking and ask themselves:

1.       

 Do we have a value range and are we promoting it as such?

2.        Is there a premium range and is this being promoted as a premium range?

3.        What products do we have in the middle of the range and should they be on the shelf?

And what about the Discounting?

Discounting strategies will continue and are needed to ensure products stay fresh in the customers eyes. The most successful large retailer, Tesco, has a very successful discount policy and use it as a customer draw. The company has a policy of graduated discounting, which is something all retailers need to adopt. It is based on product life cycles and set time limits, all stock is monitored. The discount starts at 25%, then moves to 50% and then to75%.  Once a product passes a certain time date in the UK it is sold for a penny as it goes through the till.  According to the website moneysavingexperts.com they recently monitored 50 items at one time that were being managed in this way.

The key is to manage the stock and to ensure stock turn is profitable.

John Stanley conducts monthly training on his Members site that helps all retailers keep up with current changes in the marketplace.  Visit his website for details www.johnstanley.com.au

John Stanley is WA Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 and his business JSA is WA Small Business Champion – Education 2009. He is an acclaimed conference speaker, retail consultant and author.  For more information on how he can help your business grow, visit his website www.johnstanley.com.au, or his resources site www.johnstanleyretailguru.com.au

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:06:21 -0700 Amenity Trees and Woodlands: A Guide to their Management in Ireland http://florists.posterous.com/amenity-trees-and-woodlands-a-guide-to-their http://florists.posterous.com/amenity-trees-and-woodlands-a-guide-to-their

Amenity Trees and Woodlands: A Guide to their Management in Ireland

The Tree Council of Ireland in association with the Arboricultural Association [Irish Branch] and the Society of Irish Foresters present a seminar on Amenity Trees and Woodlands: A Guide to their Management in Ireland

Monday, 18th October  2010

National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Co. Dublin

Amenity trees and woodlands are an indispensable part of our everyday landscape, helping to create places where people want to live, work and play. Planning and managing the resource, particularly within the built-up environment, requires the input of a wide range of professionals and stakeholders. It also requires an awareness and understanding of best practice, both in relation to individual tree care and overarching issues.

Click here to download further information, programme and booking form in PDF format [PDF 506K]

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:10:27 -0700 Colour Your Life October Newsletter http://florists.posterous.com/colour-your-life-october-newsletter http://florists.posterous.com/colour-your-life-october-newsletter

Heading
Colour your Life presents.... October 2010
‘Ever stylish’ with a selection of conifers 

You can generate lots of interest in the planteria in autumn and what better plant group to focus on than conifers? 

They must be the ultimate plant group for year-round appeal. Any weather, any season, almost any soil, they are there delivering structure, style and environmental benefits. 

There is always a demand for conifers because of this. 

But what is the magic recipe to translate that into sales?


It’s as easy as 1,2,3

You can boost plant sales with skilful use of POS, positioning and by highlighting their benefits.

Download your FREE POS now from the Colour your Life website!

Use our tutorial to find out how to personalise your POS by adding your own logo or go straight to the poster service to try it yourself. You can download high resolution images to print yourself or alternatively you can use the poster printing service to have them printed and sent to you at a reasonable cost.


See more...

Style, fun & function

These are key concepts to have in mind. Conifers are so diverse, you can maximise visual value in-store by including varieties with unusually coloured leaves or exciting shapes. Many of the golden conifers available in this country are dwarf varieties which can provide colour and interest in tight spaces, when many other garden plants are dormant. 
Dwarf species, (e.g. Pinus mugo) are full of natural humour. Take ‘Mops’ that almost spherical little tree that works so well in beds and borders, or Pinus pumila (Dwarf Siberian pine). 

And it isn’t just the benefit of what we see, it has been proven scientifically that the needles of conifers trap and neutralise those deadly disease-causing particulates, thereby improving air quality around our homes and workplaces. This is a strong promotional message that will have resonance with today’s customers.

Some more species suggestions for special promotion


Colour your Life makes big splash at GLEE!

Did you make it to the Colour your Life seminar at GLEE on September 22nd? It was great, with retail guruPhil Rogers (IKEA, ASDA and Warner Bros) and Mark Long (Director of PPH UK bureau) offering some great ideas on how to engage with customers, get more out of Colour your Life and benefit from theGreen Community Award.

We had loads of feedback from the floor with some leading retailers including Paul Cooling (Coolings Nurseries) and Neil Gow(Burcot Garden Centre) contributing their thoughts to the session. Gillie Westwood (Chief Executive GCA) commented on the changes in our industry and Steve Fry of Dorset Based Gardens Group spoke on the benefits of being involved in the Green Community Award. Gary Buttle from Ned Yates’ garden centre spoke about the benefits of using Colour your Life POS. If you didn’t make it, don’t worry... 

You can see a copy of Phil's Top Retail Tips by clicking here....


Have you seen the poster service tutorial?

The online poster service is brilliant and we can vouch personally  for the quality of the materials available. Why not have a look at the tutorial film on Youtube? It takes you through the steps to create wonderful POS that will help to boost sales in-store.

Just look at what some campaign users have to say about its benefits:


X Factor - Now plants have their own talent show!

At this year’s Plantarium trade show in Boskoop, organisers trialled a new idea – a catwalk style show for new plants. Run with suitable razamataz (plus some very lovely assistants) the plants strutted their stuff before an admiring, yet critical audience.  Find out what plants stole the show...


If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:04:45 -0700 HortiFair News 2010 http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-news-2010-0 http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-news-2010-0

New products, new philosophy'

"Where we are concerned, the Horti Fair is the trade show for introducing new products and communicating our new philosophy. This is very visible in the new logo in a clear and fresh shade of blue, instead of the familiar 31-year old green logo. 
And we will be pleased to explain the change on the stand,’’ says Ruud van Gils from Saint-Gobain Cultilène (stand 02.0206).

'Cultilène cares' is the substrate supplier's philosophy. ,,We supply not just substrate products but services as well, besides assisting our customers in choosing the best growth medium. With respect for our living environment, naturally. Because all our products are made from natural raw materials and contribute to the use of less water, energy and nutrients," explains Van Gils. As well as the new philosophy and new products, the Cultilène stand will also be showcasing the X-fibre technique. Cultilène is the sole substrate supplier that uses this technique to produce an optimum imitation of the natural root environment for plants.

lijntje

House of Software: third successful edition on its way

For the third year in succession, the House of Software will be one of the extra attractions at the trade exhibition for professional (greenhouse) horticulture.Participants in this pavilion represent all links in the chain from breeder through retailer. This special interest pavilion (stand 01.0428) provides visitors with a complete and future-focused picture of the latest developments in software for greenhouse horticulture.

 

The Horti Fair internetcafé is part of this pavilion, where participants also introduce new products and services, such as the low threshold step-up to software updates from Sercom. New products and services from other participants like Distel Software, Florecom, Hawe Systems Europe, SDF Tuinbouwautomatisering and Wevab have not yet been announced. Discussions are still in progress with a number of sector colleagues concerning their participation in the Horti Fair House of Software. 

The oldest of the companies has been specializing in horticulture for no less than fifty years and they are all presenting a wide range of products: advice/communications, automation, control systems, certification, internal transport and delivery systems, logistical systems (software), management software, software applications for horticulture, and registration programs.

lijntje

Opening and Happy Hour: 12 October

Participants at and associates of the Horti Fair will shortly be receiving their invitations for the official opening of the Horti Fair from 09.00 to 10.00 hours on Tuesday 12 October in the Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI. The opening will be performed by Ewald van Vliet, the new chairman of the International Horti Fair, who will discuss the added value of the trade show supported by horticulture in a period of ongoing internationalization, virtualization and changing competition.

The second theme of the opening is 'Innovation', in the context of which the prestigious Horti Fair Innovation Award will be presented to one of the participants nominated for this prize.

The first day of the Horti Fair will be brought to a close with exhibitors, guests and associates during a Happy Hour that starts at 18.00 hours (walk-in 17.30 hours) on Tuesday 12 October. 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:53:33 -0700 Glee is not a landscaping or gardening show http://florists.posterous.com/glee-is-not-a-landscaping-or-gardening-show http://florists.posterous.com/glee-is-not-a-landscaping-or-gardening-show

Glee is not a landscaping or gardening show

by 
Philip Voice

RotovatorLet's end it here and now. Glee (that's the garden centre and pet product exhibition at NEC Birmingham and not the popular TV programme of the same name) is not, never was and never will be, a place to promote the world of landscaping and horticulture.

The Emap marketing machine has been allowed to generate whirls of positive spin, unchallenged - but aided and abetted by the trade press - for far too long.

I've not read or heard one positive review from a landscaper or gardener who has attended the show and it proves - to me at least - what Dan Thurlow told me about doing more for our industry was just not true (if I'm wrong here Dan, I'd be happy to be shown otherwise).

Emap have got to be honest with us all, and themselves and return the show to grass roots level and that is, first and foremost, as a pet and garden centre event. I told Emap before, we do not want our exhibitions stands to be tucked away behind the pet stands as an afterthought.

Landscaping and gardening is a serious business and it contributes a great deal of money to the UK economy so it deserves to be treated with more respect.

I did a search on the Glee website using the search words "landscape" or "landscaping" and it returned just 10 results.

I know my comments may stimulate a debate amongst Glee supporters that my intention is just to knock other shows because it's mine and Landscape Juice's intention to run our own event.

Let me dispel any of these thoughts before they grow roots. Yes we are going to put on an industry event for landscapers and gardeners in 2011 - and the integral and peripheral businesses that go hand in hand - but Creating Landscapes (as the show will be named) has grown from need: in a way, I've decided to put my money and reputation where my mouth is and I've spent the last eighteen months or more talking and listening to the industry practitioners who feel left out and neglected.

There just isn't an event for landscapers and gardeners that is centric to their needs - Landscape Juice, in conjunction with our partners - Hale Events - have worked hard to research what has been missing so we can deliver a rich and profitable experience.

As always, I want to hear your comments and if you are a landscaper or gardener and you did think it was worthwhile attending or if you are a an exhibitor who sells to landscapers and gardeners and you feel the show was benefit then please do leave a comment.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:53:09 -0700 "Operation Chip It" News http://florists.posterous.com/operation-chip-it-news http://florists.posterous.com/operation-chip-it-news

"Operation Chip It" News September, 2010

Andersons Transport: “We plan to use RFID to its full potential!”

There is a great deal of concern about the implementation of RFID in the horticultural industry supply chain. This is understandable as the introduction of new technology or significant change always takes some getting used to in the beginning. However, RFID is widely used already, but we don’t even notice it: At toll roads, in supermarkets, at the airport, in hospitals, etc. Before long RFID will be an integral part of horticultural logistics too.


Andersons Transport

Andersons Transport is a full transport service provider that has been operating in the UK for more than 40 years. They are eagerly awaiting the technology that will allow the horticultural supply chain to advance further. 

“It is clear that the CC Container pool is affected by the intrusion of the counterfeit containers,” says Scott Cumming, Project Manager at Andersons Transport. “Clearing up this problem is something that should be a priority for the industry and resolving it by introducing RFID is in our opinion an added benefit.”

 


Andersons Transport and changes to the industry

“I am convinced that Andersons Transport will benefit significantly from taking a proactive approach in embracing the introduction of RFID technology,” says Scott Cumming. “It is clear that early adopters of the new technology who communicate effectively with their clients will be able to enhance their customer offer, and they will create enhanced benefits to each end of the supply chain.”

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:13:35 -0700 Tree Council of Ireland "Bliain na Beithe". "Year of the Birch " http://florists.posterous.com/tree-council-of-ireland-bliain-na-beithe-year http://florists.posterous.com/tree-council-of-ireland-bliain-na-beithe-year

"Bliain na Beithe". "Year of the Birch ".

On Thursday, 7 October 2010 primary school children all over Ireland are encourage to put away their school books and spend the day learning about trees in a fun, relaxed and engaging environment.  The aim of ‘Tree Day’ is to create a learning experience that will enthuse and enlighten all children by making them aware of the magic, beauty and importance of trees and the wider environment. The event is sponsored by Tetra Pak tetrapak logoand supported by the Department of Education and Science. Many schools take the opportunity to

participate in guided woodland walks at over 120 locations throughout the country. These walks are hosted by Tree Council member organisations including Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Heritage Service of the OPW, the Dublin local authorities and private owners.

Tree Day was first held in 1997 and has since grown from strength to strength with hundreds of thousands of pupils estimated to have taken part in a woodland walk for the day.  It ensures that each child who passes through the primary school curriculum will have eight full days of education about trees during the primary school cycle. 

 tetrapak logo

Tetra Pak Website

To arrange a walk for your school please click here for details of a contact in your area

 

Each year a different tree is celebrated on Tree Day. Tree Day 2010 will celebrate one of our most common natives, the birch tree.  A poster with the theme “The Year of the birch” has been circulated to all primary schools with a factsheet about birch.

 To support Tree Day, the Tree Council has developed a comprehensive resource pack on the subject of trees.  It is complimentary to the science syllabus of the school curriculum and covers over 40 topics on the subject of trees such as “why trees are planted,” “wildlife in woodlands” “trees in poetry” and a range of interesting and fun science experiments and worksheets to stimulate project work and practical activities, both in the classroom and in the school grounds.  The Tree Day Manual is available in all schools and is also free to download from the left column of this page.school children dressed as witches on broom

 

 

 

 

Eanna Ni Lamhna, Vice President, Tree Council of Ireland with some schoolchildren at the National Botanic Gardens where details of Tree Day 2010 were announced. Posing with a birch tree above and the broom called a besom - a broom made from birch twigs. 

 

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:21:03 -0700 CC - RFID Scanner Deadline October 15th 2010 http://florists.posterous.com/cc-rfid-scanner-deadline-october-15th-2010 http://florists.posterous.com/cc-rfid-scanner-deadline-october-15th-2010

After a long selection process and several rounds of equipment testing, Container Centralen has certified Nordic ID and PANMOBIL as suppliers of RFID scanners to the European horticultural industry.

Both suppliers have scanners that are capable of supporting the RFID solution that has been developed in co-operation with IBM. All scanners are able to clearly verify the authenticity of the CC Container. Other features, integration options and prices vary, and are explained in more detail below.

To ensure that you receive your scanners in due time before January 10, 2011, the suppliers recommend that you make your order no later than October 15, 2010.

Download a brief RFID scanner overview

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:20:03 -0700 Greenmount Floristry Student at the RHS Tatton Park Show http://florists.posterous.com/greenmount-floristry-student-at-the-rhs-tatto http://florists.posterous.com/greenmount-floristry-student-at-the-rhs-tatto

Greenmount Floristry Student, Valerie Clarke, writes on her experiences behind the scenes at the RHS Tatton Park Show….

I finished my Floristry course at Greenmount Campus in June 2010 and was thrilled to be invited to help leading UK designer, Amanda Canning, with her floristry demonstrations at the RHS Tatton Park Show in July.  I was accompanied by my two friends Dorothy Blair and Pat Hunter whom I met and trained with at Greenmount.  

Our first experience at Tatton involved joining a willing band of volunteers within the British Florist Association marquee to prepare costumes for a Catwalk Show featuring West End musicals.  We made a range of body adornments for the dancers and quickly learned that everything has to be BIG for the stage. We also contributed by making a range of accessories to enhance the costumes.  For example, Pat made a beautiful bustle for ‘My Fair Lady’ and Dorothy and I made the head for beast in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – it’s wonderful what you can do with floristry materials!   

The highlight of our trip was supporting and assisting Amanda in her floristry demonstrations.  We assisted with the preparations for the designs, stage design set up and scene changes and, of course, learning to be in the right place at the right time so that our designer was presented with everything she needed to complete her creations.  We also had a bird’s eye view behind the stage as Amanda completed an outstanding range of commercial floristry designs.

The BFA marquee also hosted the International Design Competition for 18-25 year olds which took place over the three days we were there.  It was a privilege to see such talented florists push the boundaries of traditional floristry to create a host of stunning creations.  It was truly inspiring to see these young people at work and amazing to see the variety of designs that were created using the same materials.    

On the last day of the trip we visited ‘The Flower and Plant Works’ flower shop in Runcorn run by Amanda and her sister Barbara. We saw first hand how all the floristry training at Greenmount was applied within a successful high street florist.  We all wanted to work there but sadly there were no vacancies!

Floristry students celebrating at Greenmount Campus Awards Day in June. Valerie Clarke (2nd left) was awarded the prize for First Overall in Floristry
Floristry students celebrating at Greenmount Campus Awards Day in June. Valerie Clarke (2nd left) was awarded the prize for First Overall in Floristry

Leading UK floristry designer, Amanda Canning, (back) taking a break from her demonstrations in the BFA marquee with Greenmount floristry students (from left) Dorothy Blair, Patricia Hunter and Valerie Clarke
Leading UK floristry designer, Amanda Canning, (back) taking a break from her demonstrations in the BFA marquee with Greenmount floristry students (from left) Dorothy Blair, Patricia Hunter and Valerie Clarke

Floral costumes for Beauty and the Beast in the BFA Catwalk Show.
Floral costumes for Beauty and the Beast in the BFA Catwalk Show

Some of the stunning work in the International Design Competition
Some of the stunning work in the International Design Competition

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:48:20 -0700 Product to Shopper Experience by John Stanley http://florists.posterous.com/product-to-shopper-experience-by-john-stanley http://florists.posterous.com/product-to-shopper-experience-by-john-stanley

Product to Shopper Experience
John Stanley

The changes in retailing seem to be happening at a faster pace than ever. Keeping up can be a real challenge. A new word seems to be creeping into the retail vocabulary: shopcentric.

I first noticed the word in reports coming out of mainland Europe, but what is shopcentric all about?  It is about a shift in thinking processes.  It is about being less concerned about the product being sold and more concerned about providing the right experience for the consumer.

Some organisations are using other words that mean the same thing. Shopping malls are emphasising that they are "Activity Centres" rather than places you just go to shop. Whatever word you use to describe it, the emphasis has turned to creating a shopping experience rather than just selling "stuff".

What does this mean for retailers?   It means retailers have to focus more on the consumer and their needs and wants than in the past. Many retailers will argue that they have always focused on the consumer, but now it has become more fashionable for more retailers to do this and as a result the competition for this space has become more aggressive.
 
What do you need to focus on to provide a point of difference?

My first concern is that the word “experience" is now overdone. A recent launch of an American shopping centre was heralded as a "New Shopping Experience”.  The latest marketing from Jakarta in Indonesia is 'Family weekend shopping experience in Jakarta".

The trouble is not many people believe in the headline any more.  For example, 56% of American shoppers "cross shop" on a regular basis when purchasing a product. In other words the so called experience has not bought customer loyalty.

There are exceptions and Starbucks, Anthropologie and Abercrombie and Fitch shoppers are good examples of consumers who are true followers due to the experience they have experienced in those stores.

Creating an experience or being shopcentric means following some specific guidelines in retailing that other retailers either do not implement or do badly or inconsistently.

In 2004 Indiana University produced a report entitled "Creating the Ideal Shopping Experience."  They interviewed consumers to identify what they preferred. It is not the actual results that I find interesting for today's retailers, it is their approach and how that research technique can be adapted to any retail situation.
 
The report was split into five segments:
 
Must Have .  The first question asked of consumers was what must a retailer provide?  The answers were what you would expect. Knowledgeable staff, customer service, cash and credit card payment facilities, product availability and cashiers and people to bag your products. The challenge is if you did a similar survey in your store, what would be the MUST HAVES
 
Should Have.  This was the second question asked of consumers and the response included promotional flyers, staff having computer access to find out information, products signed, a map of the store, products individually priced. Again this may be "common sense", but I recently worked with a retailer where computer access was banned as the owner felt that the sales team could not be trusted to use the computer professionally.
 
Nice to Have.  This was the third part of the survey and looked at what the consumer considered to be a bit of luxury when they were shopping. It got the consumer to think about the shopping experience and this was the core of the survey. The challenge is what would the consumer feel were the nice-to-haves in your store; this would probably revolve around extra services rather than more products.
 
Indifferent.  This part of the survey focused on what you may feel is important, but your customer felt it did not make a difference to their shopping experience.  Too often as retailers we focus on the wrong things in the customer eyes and we could be focusing on the wrong areas of developing the business.
 
Prefer not to have.  The final question focused on the things customers would prefer not to have in their shopping experience, comments like a dirty store became one of the issues in the customers mind.

As I mentioned, this survey was carried out six years ago and the results would not apply to retailers today. The key issue is how would your clients complete such a survey and how you manage and implement the suggestions and ideas that are offered.

You may argue, quite rightly, that you are already providing an experience for your customer base. My challenge to you is that providing an experience has now become trendy and all sorts of retailers and shopping centres are now joining the band wagon.  This means that everyone in the experience economy needs to improve their game to ensure they impress their customers and provide a better experience than the retailer next door.

Customers are not only comparing the experience you provide against other retailers that do what you do, but also against other retailers in other categories or industries.

We have found this in our own town. Six months ago the experience retailers in town on a Sunday were the local garden centre and breakfast coffee shop. Both businesses have seen a drop in town once the farmers market opened during the same time period. The customers changed shopping habits for a better shopping experience even though the product sold was completely different.
 
The Challenge
 
The challenge for all retailers is to improve their game. This starts by asking the customer where they feel the business fits into the experience game.You need to know your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Once you have done that, work with the team to improve them. You will probably find that the opportunities fall into specific groups. Most retailers find they split into customer service, services offered, merchandising and display and management issues. Create some action teams to address each area and come up with a plan to truly enhance the shopping experience.
 
If you would like more information on experience retailing and would like to keep up with what is happening around the world, John Stanley has developed a low-cost, high-value means of doing just that and training your team every month at the same time.  For AUD$45 a month you can become a member of his exclusive club and stay ahead of your competition, watch his monthly TV program online, and train your team, visit his resource site www.johnstanleyretailguru.com.au to join up and start reaping benefits today.

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:21:47 -0700 Retailing...are you the new social church? by John Stanley http://florists.posterous.com/retailingare-you-the-new-social-church-by-joh http://florists.posterous.com/retailingare-you-the-new-social-church-by-joh

Retailing...are you the new social church?
John Stanley

Various reports have been produced on retailing in recent years that focus on why people go shopping. Some of these reports identify that consumers are driven by convenience and price. I agree that these are key drivers and the multitude of "box" stores and TV commercials will verify that this is the case for many retailers.
 
Having said that, there is a fundamental change going on in some retail sectors that we need to be aware of. The consumer is re looking at their most precious commodity, TIME, and asking themselves how can they use it more effectively, but also how can they develop quality time within the community.
The community is still an important factor for consumers and they still want to gather and connect as a community. Historically the village and town square became the focal point for the local population and the weekly market was a must be place to be seen, catch up on the latest local gossip and to connect as a community. The town square remained the centre of the community until the emergence of the supermarket. This resulted in consumers changing their shopping habits and as a result they would often go shopping and not engage with anyone else in the community whilst on that shopping trip.
 
During the last twenty years this has become the main shopping focus. Out of town shopping complexes were developed and as a result the hub of many towns went into decline and the community suffered as a result.
 
We are now in a period of change once more.  Consumers want their "Social Church" back and as a result we are seeing a number of changes in the way people plan to shop.
What is Social Church?
 
My definition of social church is where the community can gather and connect. This may take place at a market, a community hall, club, or of course, church. Over recent years the social church has become more segregated with consumers congregating in tribes based on age or hobbies rather than mixing as a community where all ages and interests get together and enjoy the community.
Communities need to get together.  Alas in many communities in the last few decades people have moved in and out of houses and may not even know the neighbours; the result is a breakdown of the overall community.
Consumers are now challenging this concept and as a result we are seeing a change in the way we retail and I believe this will be a trend rather than a fashion and retailing may have changed for decades as a result of it.
 
Activity Centres
 
The shopping mall is already seeing this evolution take place. Some estimates are that 50% of American shopping centres are already in decline and empty malls are now a common site in the USA.  The consumer has started to rebel against an experience where they are left in a controlled environment to walk along lines of global shops without much respite.
The result has been the emergence of the main street in new "shopping villages" and architects beginning to design shopping centres that look more like town hubs than boxes with shops in them.
 
In Australia we have the term "Activity Centres.”  An Activity Centre is where 50% of available rental space is made available to activities other than retailing. This means that libraries, night clubs, taverns and community halls are now being introduced into the same retail complex and a 24/7 community experience is on offer to local residents.
The local farmers market traditionally was the "Social Church" for the community. The farmer would bring products direct from the farm and sell directly to a local community. In countries such as Italy, Spain and France the market has continued to be a community focus, but in many countries it went out of fashion as the supermarkets grew their market share.
 
The Farmers Market is back and has become one of the fasted retail growing sectors, it is the ideal social church and many new Activity Centres have created a central plaza to allow the market to be reintroduced into the central hub of activities.
My Book Shop Experience
 
I recently had a meeting in a suburb of Perth and we planned to meet at Millpoint Cafe Bookshop, a business I was unfamiliar with. I was told it was an independent bookshop. The meeting was on a Friday morning.  I arrived at the book shop to find the place full of consumers, reading books, buying books and having a late breakfast or early lunch, in fact we had a challenge to find a seat.
 
Here was an independent, locally owned bookshop that had discovered that if they could tap into Social Church they would have a thriving business.  The place I am told is humming like this every day of the week.

What had they discovered
 
1 You need to create a relaxing atmosphere to get consumers to linger longer
2 The product does not dominate the experience; the customer needs space to enjoy the experience
3 They provide social activities, spread in their case around authors, that are provided consistently and at various times of the day and the week
4 The quality of the food and coffee is as important as the quality of the product they sell
5 The customer is encouraged to linger longer
6 The staff were exceptionally good at their interactive personal skills
7 The team had a passion for the product and how the customer could enjoy it
8 The environment was authentic and unique; you knew you were not in a globally designed retail environment
All forms of retailing need to develop the social church niche. For some retailers it can be a broad church whilst others will develop a narrow church and build on the hobby or interest of their customers.

The businesses that have an advantage are locally owned independent operators who are keen to develop their market penetration within the community.
 
If you would like more information on how to create experiences for your customers, John Stanley has developed a low-cost, high-value means of doing just that and training your team every month at the same time.  For AUD$45 a month you can become a member of his exclusive club and stay ahead of your competition, watch his monthly TV program online, and train your team, visit his resource site www.johnstanleyretailguru.com.au to join up and start reaping benefits today.

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:06:02 -0700 HortiFair 2010 News http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-2010-news http://florists.posterous.com/hortifair-2010-news

'Revolution in handling cut flowers'

"The Bercomex grading and bunching machine signifies a revolution in the handling of cut flowers. We have worked on this innovation for ten years with our partners, invested millions in it and have succeeded in developing a machine that singles flowers from the greenhouse fully automatically, sorts them in accordance with the required specification and gathers them together again.

Sleeving, fully automatic taping and the addition of a sachet of Chrysal flower food can also be integrated into the system," states Roland Kroese, the managing director of Bercomex (stand 01.0424). The bunching machine has a modular construction for practically every variety of cut flower, handles 4 stems per second in practice and will be receiving its new name on the first day of the Horti Fair. "We supplied 10,000 systems worldwide in thirty years with its predecessor. The generic bunching machine is a huge leap forward with the integration of new technologies, digitalization and robotics. And it also maintains product quality and uniformity more effectively, besides realizing savings on labour costs,’’ says Kroese.

lijntje

Horti Fair Stage: an extra platform for you as well!

The Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI exhibition centre is the new events platform during the coming Horti Fair. For you too perhaps!

Because time slots are still available in the stage diary for company presentations, special gatherings, workshops, demonstrations, product launches and receptions. The Horti Fair Stage will be the theatre for the official opening, prize ceremonies for the Horti Fair Innovation Award, the House of Quality (incl. the Interpolis Quality Cup), the Best Participant Award, the final round of Ranking the Grower, trend demonstrations with flowers and plants, TV recordings for KAS Tuinbouw and the first rounds of the Horti Business Game. No costs are involved if your presentation meets the requirements! So take advantage of this extra Horti Fair platform and send us a mail with your idea or proposal!

lijntje

Building and dismantling

All participants have received written information about the dates and times for building and dismantling the Horti Fair 2010 and the phased delivery of the required materials. Please pass this information on to stand builders and subcontractors as well, so that all of us can help to ensure the organization of the trade exhibition proceeds without a hitch!

Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Amsterdam RAI are open for the building and fitting out of stands at the following times:

  • Friday 8 October from 07.00 tot 22.00 hours
  • Saturday 9 October from 08.00 to 18.00 hours
  • Sunday 10 October from 08.00 to 18.00 hours
  • Monday 11 October from 07.00 to 17.00 hours

Removal of goods and dismantling of stands for halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be commenced at 19.30 hours on Friday 15 October and continues until 24.00 hours on Saturday 16 October. Check the precise details for your entry in the personal mailing sent by post.

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:20:51 -0700 GIY (Grow it Yourself) Ireland 2010 Conference http://florists.posterous.com/giy-grow-it-yourself-ireland-2010-conference http://florists.posterous.com/giy-grow-it-yourself-ireland-2010-conference

GIY (Grow it Yourself) Ireland 2010 Conference

Under 24 hours to go now to the GIY 2010 Conference which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at the

 Guinness Storehouse.  There will be some tickets available at the door or you can also book in advance atwww.giyireland.com/shop.  Tickets cost €40 and include a hot lunch, access to the Storehouse Tour (normally €15) and access to talks.  For details on how to get to the Storehouse go to http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/GettingThere.aspx

The theme of this year's conference is Together We Grow and the event is aimed at GIY local champions, and anyone who is interested in finding out more about GIY.  

The GIY 2010 Conference is proudly supported by Woodies DIY.

GIY is thrilled to announce that the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese will open the event – her attendance is due to her interest in GIYing and in the spirit of community and volunteerism that GIY represents. It is also due recognition for the huge work that all GIY local champions have put in to getting their groups up and running.

GIY Ireland has put together a stellar cast of speakers for the event, including:

•       Diarmuid Gavin - Garden Designer, TV Presenter and GIY Patron

•       Duncan Stewart - Environmentalist and presenter of Eco-Eye

•       Michael Kelly - Founder of GIY and author of Tales from the Home Farm

•       Klaus Laitenberger - Former Organic Centre Lecturer and author of Vegetables for the Irish Garden

•       Paddy Gleeson - Horticulture Consultant, Woodies DIY

•       Fionnuala Fallon - Irish Times Urban Farmer Columnist

•       Victoria Mary Clarke - TV Presenter, journalist and Yoga instructor

•       Nicky Kyle - Organic Gardening Expert, former director of IOFGA and the Organic Trust 

•       Michael Fox - Chairman of the South Dublin Allotments Association

•       John Carney - Organic Gardening Expert

•       Laurent Bertomier – Former head chef at the Palais de L'elyse (Presidential Palace) in Paris

•       Pat Whelan - Farmer, butcher and author of An Irish Butcher Shop

The conference agenda also includes:

·       World Cafe POD sessions where you can meet fellow GIYers from around Ireland

·       Presentation of the GIYer and GIY Group of the Year awards

·       Launch of the “Friend of GIY” Loyalty Card programme

·       Launch of GIY Bulk Seed Order programme

·       Tour of the Guinness Storehouse - find out about Guinness history and the brewing process

·       Free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar 

    Tickets

    Tickets are priced at €40 and include refreshments, a hot buffet lunch, and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse (the tour normally costs €15 per person). 

    Venue: The Guinness Storehouse

    The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's Number One international visitor attraction and is about ten minutes walk from Houston Station. The STOREHOUSE® was originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. This incredible building was constructed in the style of the Chicago school of architecture, with massive steel beams providing the support for the structure of the building. The STOREHOUSE® building housed the fermentation of Guinness beer until 1988, and opened its doors as a tourist attraction in November 2000.

    About GIY Ireland

    GIY is a registered charity (CHY 18920) which aims to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills they need to do so successfully.  We do this by getting GIYers together online and in community groups around Ireland so that they can learn from each other and exchange tips, ideas and produce. GIY meetings and membership are free and open to people interested in food growing at all levels, i.e. from growing a few herbs on the balcony to complete self-sufficiency, from beginners to old hands.

    There are over 70 GIY groups in communities around Ireland and approximately 5,000 people involved between our community groups and online social network at www.giyireland.com.  GIY Ireland was founded in 2009 by author and journalist Michael Kelly.  Sponsors include the Arthur Guinness Fund, Woodies DIY, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Bord Bia and the AIB.  Patrons of GIY Ireland include Diarmuid Gavin, Darina Allen, Clodagh McKenna and Joy Larkcom. 

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

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