|
When the owners of McKay’s Hardware in Holly, Mich., (http://mckays.doitbest.com/home.aspx) decided to open a pop-up garden center last spring, they tapped into two of their biggest strengths: an extensive selection of gardening hard goods, and the can-do spirit characteristic of independent retailers. Before: McKay’s Hardware started spring 2010 with a block-and-board setup. Owner Ken McKay knew it would sell plants. But the look, he quipped, was definitely “rustic.”
Just before the spring rush began in earnest, a chance encounter changed McKay’s entire garden center venture. The plants on display caught the eye of Jerry Bennett from a neighboring business—SPC Retail (www.structuralplastics.com), the makers of Benchmaster merchandising systems. The folks at SPC Retail saw a case study in the making, and offered McKay’s a makeover. The store quickly agreed to participate in this merchandising experiment. A few days later a team from SPC Retail convened at the store and replaced the block-and-board setup with a modular system McKay’s could expand and contract based on inventory and customer demand. “Our original ‘rustic’ system was practical, inexpensive and would’ve sold plants,” said Ken. “But I’m sure the presentation that came across after the makeover was definitely much better. Do I think it helped us sell more plants? Sure!” McKay’s is gearing up for a repeat performance this spring. The company ultimately bought the Benchmaster products, and will follow a similar merchandising formula for its green-good sales. Ken said they’ll continue to work closely with local growers to offer top-quality plants. “Last year we had so many customers say ‘We didn’t know you were doing this!’” said Ken. “We’re getting the word out earlier this spring.” |
 | The Garden Center Conference & Expo, presented by Garden Center magazine, is the leading event where garden retailers come together to learn from each other, get inspired and move the industry forward. Be sure to register by April 17 to get the lowest rates for the 2025 show in Kansas City, Missouri, Aug. 5-7.
|
Explore the April 2011 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Garden Center
- From drab to fab: How garden centers can sell more drought tolerant plants
- Online registration opens for 2025 Farwest Show
- Retail Revival: Cultivating sustainability at independent garden centers
- Rhododendron renaissance: Holden Forests & Gardens using research to improve commercial plants
- Boxed in: 2025 Axiom Gardening Outlook Study explores big box vs IGCs
- The Growth Industry Episode 3: Across the Pond with Neville Stein
- Trends: Proven Winners 2025 perennial survey shows strong demand
- Sustainabloom launches Wholesale Nickel Program to support floriculture sustainability
