Maria Zampini

Maria Zampini is president of Lake County New Plants; (440) 812-3249;
maria.zampini@yahoo.com; www.lakecountynursery.com.

Retail ponderings: Common sense strategies

Is it time to rethink your layout? Get inspired by these independent garden centers and retailers in Holland and Scotland for some fresh ideas.

State of the Industry: Get ahead of spring

Take advantage of the rest of 2014 to set your store up for a great 2015.

Retail ponderings: More than mums and pumpkins

Extend the season by catering to autumn activities like football and by emphasizing that fall is for planting

Retail ponderings: A ‘pop’ of profits

Play into pop culture to create new ways of interacting with your customers

Retail ponderings: Work the floor

Make the most of trade show season by planning ahead and making new friends.

Retail ponderings: Paint the town profitable

Use color to create excitement and generate sales.

People power

Before buying the latest gadget, make sure the prospective technology will be a productive business tool.

Get out your party hats

Get creative with holiday celebrations to draw customers' attention year-round.

Give them a reason to stop by

Merrifield Garden Center incorporates education, food and a love of Fido into its recipe for success.

Finding success in fall

Bauman’s Farm & Garden’s October events draw thousands of customers. As the season comes to a close, take a look at this successful garden center's autumn business strategies.