Curated vignettes

The “shop-within-a-shop” concept can give your brick-and-mortar an edge.

Julianne Mobilian and Kate Spirgen

Published August 09, 2021

At Cultivate’21, we checked out some of the latest trends in the garden center world, and IGCs should take note of the growing “store-within-a-store” displays taking hold of the industry. These new twists on brick-and-mortar are encouraging patrons to stick around by bringing the age-old lesson to life: It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Here are some of the vignettes that caught our eye.

— Julianne Mobilian and Kate Spirgen

Greendigs Design Studio

At Greendigs Design Studio, a retail space/studio conceived by Scotts Miracle-Gro, each department is elevated by design, and the items are carefully assorted by function. Greendigs features a DIY potting station, a wellness space, a propagation station and even a wall mounted with gardening tools so customers can find what they’re looking for with ease.
ALL PHOTOS: JULIANNE MOBILIAN AND KATE SPIRGEN

A Proper Garden

A Proper Garden sections off special areas for home decor and gift items like scents, tableware, decorative ribbons and more indoors, while plant material is displayed outdoors.

The café offers a full menu from coffees to salads, quiches and risotto all made from scratch right on the grounds.

Oakland Nursery

Oakland Nursery set aside a little corner for gift materials like books, throw pillows, signs and cards — all with a botanical theme, of course.

Wilson’s Garden Center

Local edible items at Wilson’s Garden Center sit in a separated set of rustic shelves near the checkout.

With designated areas for chemicals and bargains, Wilson’s has clear signage for shoppers to find what they need.

Read Next

Finding the right way

August 2021

Explore the August 2021 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

View More

Leading Women of Horticulture: Katie Dubow, Garden Media Group, and Aubry Field, Lizzy Blossom

Farwest Show calls for 2025 New Varieties Showcase entries

Leading Women of Horticulture: Arden Pontasch, North Creek Nurseries

Leading Women of Horticulture: Emily Showalter, Willoway Nurseries

Leading Women of Horticulture: Anna Ball, Ball Hort, and Terri McEnaney, Bailey Nurseries

Garden Center 2025 Top 100 IGCs List open for submissions with new judging criteria