Hort Post
A regular e-communication from Horticultural Marketing and Printing
March 4, 2016
Poor training equals disappointed shoppers
Without properly training employees, it's nearly impossible to deliver a quality garden-center shopping experience. This fact is reinforced by survey results compiled by Home Garden Panel, with support from Horticultural Marketing & Printing. In the survey, more than 45 percent of live-goods shoppers wished garden-center staff had more knowledge of plants. Nearly 40 percent would like employees to be friendlier and more available to help customers. Yes, teaching plant knowledge takes years of training. But teaching employees to be friendly and responsive should be a quick fix. Address both and you should see sales increase.
Employee Equipment Checklist
Along with the training discussed above, it is important that employees are properly equipped to work outdoors in all weather. Going into spring, weather can change rapidly. Dressing in layers will help staff acclimate to the outdoor temperatures and not become chilled or overheated. Sturdy, closed toe shoes, preferably leather, will help protect feet, and a change of socks for unexpected wet situations can help keep feet healthy. Hats are important in both warm and cold situations. Fleece or knitted hats are great for holding in the heat in the cool weather, and hats with a brim provide sun protection in warm sunny weather. A good pair of leather or canvas gloves is another essential; they should be sturdy enough to withstand the thorns, splinters, and rough surfaces that are encountered daily. While your seasoned staff may know these things, it’s never a bad idea to have a seasonal refresher and your new staff will appreciate the information.
Trunk mats are essential for retailers looking to show customers they care about protecting their property.This year, we’re announcing new plastic trunk mats that are less expensive to ship and easier to store. There are 850 perforated sheets per roll.
28”high x 48” wide
850 sheets per roll
35 lbs, each
Available in white or green
Indoor and Outdoor Information Holders
Getting information into your customer's hands helps drive sales. Use these holders for planting guides, tie-in product information, new product introduction sheets and more. These clear plastic information holders make displaying brochures and product information easy anywhere in your nursery. Choose from several sizes for indoor and out.
Enter INFOHOLDERMAR16 in the shopping cart window to receive 10% off your purchase of either out Indoor Outdoor Information Holders..
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1-800-433-8247
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Horticulture Marketing and Printing - 3210 Innovative Way – Mesquite, TX 75149
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