Rooting for an extraordinary industry

There’s a cypress tree at Berns Garden Center (located outside Cincinnati) that towers over the eastern portion of the outdoor retail space. It stands between 30 and 40 feet tall, and the sturdy trunk acts as a hub from which paths radiate like spokes.

In terms of garden center design, the tree is an exceptional focal point and a fine way to help customers navigate the grounds and goods. Its boughs provide shade, and the planting below offers inspiration. But the presence of the cypress signifies something deeper.

For the cypress to have grown so strong and well, it had to be cared for and nurtured. It had to have a healthy root system established in nutrient-rich soil. And while it isn’t exceptionally old, it does speak to a sense of longevity and permanence.

There’s a nice symbolism here. After all, Berns has been operated by the same family for three generations. Like that tree, the Berns family has established roots in the community. Their business has grown and expanded over the decades, like the boughs of the cypress at its Greentree Road flagship location.

I saw the cypress in person during The Garden Center Group’s The Fall Event 2023 Tour (see more in Spotted!). Check out the photos of some additional Cincinnati-area garden centers, most of which are also multi-generational businesses.

It will be no surprise to our readers that a great deal of America’s IGCs are passed from generation to generation. But you shouldn’t take it for granted. I’ve covered many businesses as a writer and editor, and as a newcomer to the industry, I was startled to learn how many of your operations are now in the hands of third, fourth and even fifth generations. The knowledge and business acumen represented in that reality is truly extraordinary.

I’m thankful that many of you have shared that knowledge with us for our State of the Industry Report, which is the core of this issue. The majority of IGCs that participated in our SOI survey have been in operation for well over 20 years. And based on the responses, business has still been incredibly strong since the boom years early in the pandemic.

There are some shifts. Houseplants, while still strong sellers, are losing their top spot in profitability; the supply chain issues that have plagued the pandemic years are easing; and there is a distinct focus on organics as a means of anchoring sustainability programs.

There are also persistent challenges. Many owners are planning retirement without succession plans in place, and staffing issues continue to be painful year over year.

I encourage you to look over our data and see how your business stacks up against those of your peers. There’s a wealth of information in these pages, and we’ve worked hard to help you navigate the information and determine the trends that are shaping and moving our vibrant and ever-flourishing industry.

Importantly, I will say that the broad message of our report is clear: Like the cypress tree in the courtyard of Berns Garden Center, the roots of the industry are strong.

So, let’s keep growing.