Our new Web site is up, chock full o’ information, interactive sections, video/audio links and the proverbial “more.” All the content from the past is in there; we’ve lost nothing. But we have brought everything together under one roof in an easy-to-use design. New features, such as social networking, forums, blogs, supplier databases, market places and other useful platforms, will be part of the mix in the near future. In the present, we suggest you visit www.gardencentermagazine.com.
-- Yale
Because you can never have enough nifty products to sell, here are three more, courtesy of a trek down random aisles at the recent National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. (And, no, I’m not writing this to convince the lovely Mrs. Y that I actually took a trek down random aisles at the recent National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.)
The Cinch Stainless Steel Plant Hanger from Strong Marketing is adjustable, so it fits many container sizes and shapes. Just place the pot in the “eye” of the wire loop; then pull to tighten. The hangers are sleek and barely noticeable, yet they are strong enough to hold up to practically any weather condition. They are available in a 3-foot length, but they can be hung at different levels on a deck to create a tiered look.
Fiskars markets a range of Rainwater Harvesting Systems that connect to the downspout to help your customers save water after rain storms to use on their plants. These “green solutions” come in a variety of sizes and styles (pictured is the 58-gallon Salsa-Spice Granite harvesting system). They have flat backs to allow for installation flush with the house.
Be on the lookout this fall for a new lawn- and people-friendly weed remover: Clear Choice from Petro-Canada. This selective herbicide is formulated using a microtechnology manufacturing process that features a patented blend of elements that improves the penetration of active ingredients into the weeds – yet isn’t harmful to the environment. It is scheduled to make its debut in the U.S. in September. Here’s some technical information on the product.
-- Yale
Despite rising unemployment rates, customer confidence is on the rise, according to an executive briefing from Bigresearch. Nearly one in three (31.2%) consumers is confident/very confident in chances for a strong economy over the next six months, rising five points from April (26.0%), nearly 12 points from a year ago (19.5%) and the highest reading since January 2008 (33.5%).
While retail sales continued to fall in April, the months ahead might pique summer spending interests, as practicality has declined in May: 47.4% contend they’ve become more practical/realistic when spending, compared to 51.6% in April. Consumers are also easing back on prioritizing needs over wants. While the majority (56.9%) continues to maintain a needs-based bent when buying, this has declined 2+ points from April (59.5%).
Still, consumers remain more focused on the necessities compared to a year ago (50.7%), a sign that shoppers may only cautiously wade back into the spending pool.
-- Sarah
As you enjoy the unofficial start of summer, I hope you’ll take the time to reflect upon the significance of Memorial Day. This will be the third year that a particular name pops into my head during this most somber of holidays: Staff Sergeant Eric Caban. Eric was an incredibly funny, easy-going and charming guy I went to high school with. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in July 2006. He’s only one of several classmates I had that are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I have no doubt that you and your business have been impacted somehow by the wars waging overseas. Many garden retailers I’ve talked to have mentioned key employees who are in the Reserves, and are currently on active duty. I invite you to leave a comment below to thank them for their service to our country.
Wishing everyone a safe holiday.
-- Sarah
Per my vow of a week ago, here are three more “can’t miss” products/product lines seen while doing the Vegas scene at the recent National Hardware Show:
Tierra-Derco Inc. is venturing, big-time, into the birding market. From nesting bags to a variety of heavy-duty tube feeders, the nature line from the tool specialist is primed to make a mark on the industry. And with more emphasis being placed on home entertainment because of the economy, TDI has picked a great time to help your customers adopt new fine-feathered friends.
The BugBand Wristband emits vapors that form a protective shield around the immediate area, keeping pesky insects a safe distance away. The bands work up to 120 hours and are designed with a patented break-away strap that snaps if the band becomes entangled. Bands can be worn on the wrist (hence the title, “Wristband”), as well as on belt loops, hat bands, pet collars, and a whole lot of “other places bounded almost solely by the imagination.” The Wristband can be worn alone in the garden or used in conjunction with BugBand’s other repellent products when the stay outside becomes extended.
Consider this a preview that has been approved for audience members of all ages: The LiteStik from Fertile Earth Corp. will be the solution – no, wait … it will be THE SOLUTION! – for indoor plants that need supplemental light. Translation: Your customer can put plants anywhere in the home now, instead of setting them only near a window. The LiteStik uses energy-efficient LED technology, soaking up sun by day, and then its innovative light sensor allows it to come on automatically when the light dips below certain levels. Coming to a distributor near you in September!
That’s all for this report. Next week, we’ll explore the frozen tundra of Antarctica … or maybe some more products. I’ll leave the guessing of which to your imagination.
-- Yale
April retail sales show people continuing to cut back on their discretionary spending. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for April (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted from March and dropped 1.7 percent unadjusted over last year.
April retail sales released last week by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) decreased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted over March and decreased 9.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
“A depressed labor market and lack of consumer confidence continues to play a role in what people buy and how much they spend,” said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for NRF. “Noticeable changes in consumer spending will take some time as the economy continues to rebuild itself through the rest of the year.”
-- Sarah
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