GCA announces Nashville as destination for 2019 Summer Tour

Garden Centers of America officials have revealed that Nashville will host next year’s GCA Summer Tour, slated to explore Music City’s most notable independent garden centers, June 23-26, 2019. 

The announcement comes on the heels of GCA's recent June event in Seattle. The 2018 tour drew record attendance numbers as well as rave reviews, including this one, from Jesse Camargo, Store Manager for Nicholson-Hardie Nursery & Garden Center in Dallas: “It was like a Pinterest board come to life! There was so much creativity, and we brought back so many new ideas from Seattle.” 

Also read: Exploring the garden centers of Hampton Roads - The 2017 GCA Summer Tour took attendees to 10 major retailers and other attractions throughout the historic region of Virginia.

As part of its post-tour wrap-up each year, GCA officials survey IGC retailers for their opinions on the host cities they would most like to see in the future. “Nashville comes up over and over again,” says GCA Executive Director Jeff Morey. “The soaring housing market in the city and its surrounding areas has made Nashville a vital center of IGC innovation, especially as it relates to younger consumers. Nashville’s iconic position as the home of country music is now marrying with its reputation as a cultural hub that’s drawing younger generations from all over to call it home.”

Also read: Ernest Wertheim joins 2018 GCA Summer Tour as featured commentator - The 98-year-old veteran of garden center store design will take part in the June 24-27 tour of 15 Seattle-area retailers.

IGC retailers from all across the country will gather at the GCA Summer Tour as much for the networking as the retail inspirations at each store. “Nashville offers so many opportunities for us to line up a spectacular itinerary, and we are currently in the process of scouting garden centers and networking venues in person,” says GCA Executive Vice President Cheryl Morey. “We are excited about being able to secure great rates for our host hotel, which will be within steps of Music Row, home to many restaurants and bars, such as Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar and Florida Georgia Line’s restaurant, FGL House. Stay tuned for additional details!”