A couple of weeks ago I went to PANTS10 (Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) which is a pretty big show regionally. About a week after that, pictures started surfacing of the IGC (Independent Garden Center) show in Chicago which is a big deal nationally.
I want these shows to be better than they are. I want them to dazzle me. It’s time for the green industry to realize that all consumers–wholesale or retail—want an experience, not just merchandise–even if that merchandise is plants. It’s time to inspire us to buy merchandise to help combat economic uncertainties.
Typical Pile it High Nursery Display
Too many of the displays had no thought or merchandising pizazz–these aren’t big box stores, they’re showcases for merchandise and plants that their purveyors really want and need us to buy. I realize that much of the audience is garden center owners, contractors and nursery growers, but I firmly believe that even the most die hard, steel toed boot wearing, big pickup truck driving, tree spade buying guy would respond to great merchandising. Hell Cabela’s, the outdoor sportsman’s paradise, excels at it.
Since I didn’t go to IGC, I only have pictures from PANTS10…here’s some who did it well there…often on a budget.
Still primarily plants…Moon’s simple use of their name punch added to this wholesale nursery’s brand–simple and effective.
Moon Nursery display
Plug trays coupled with photographs and a simple graphic layout from North Creek Nurseries was extremely effective.
Photos and Plug Trays from North Creek
The current trend for vertical gardening was used to great effect to display their annuals by Garden State Growers.
A Wall of Annuals
How do you make bags of soil appealing? Organic Mechanics underscored their brand’s earthy appeal and commitment to sustainability via their booth.
The Potting Shed
And lastly, a bit of sizzle doesn’t have to be exotic. Overdevest Nurseries used aluminum trash cans and bins as planters to contrast with an incredible selection of plants.
Aluminum 'planters'
