When it comes to smaller retail spaces, less is often more. That’s because thoughtful design and strategic planning lead to more effective use of square footage. And when you’re talking about a space that’s small from the get-go, every inch matters. The garden center is almost always the smallest part of any greenhouse or nursery operation, which makes it an ideal candidate for maximizing its impact with petite approaches. In this blog post, we share five ways to make your garden center petite-friendly.
Make Sure Your Displays Are the Right Height
The most important design detail to get right in any garden center is the height of the display tables. This table height is the foundation that all your other selling efforts are built on. Most consumers are between 5’1” and 5’6” tall. If you display items at a height that’s too high, you’ll lose approximately 70% of the people who walk into your store. This can have a significant impact on sales, especially because most people won’t even ask for help if they can’t see the items. To get it right, first measure the distance from the floor to the top of a table (or the top of a product on a table). Then, add three inches. This is the right height for your tables. The three-inch cushion is to account for any pots or other items you place on the table.
Offer Smaller Furniture Options
Part of what makes a garden center petite-friendly is the use of smaller furniture for display. You might consider using smaller versions of standard-sized pots, or purchasing smaller-sized planters. You can use these smaller containers in addition to, or in place of, larger pots. They are a great space-saving option for small gardens. Smaller furniture is also a must. If you’re currently using standard-sized garden furniture, you’ll find it doesn’t fit your petite garden center. Make sure you downsize your furniture selection to make it appropriate for your smaller space.
Don’t Forget the Negotiations
One of the most effective strategies for increasing sales at any garden center is a good negotiation. It’s not uncommon for retailers to knock 10%-20% off the price of an item if a customer asks. But, if you don’t ask, you’ll never know. That’s why negotiation is an essential part of any petite garden center. If you’re currently not practicing good negotiation, consider having a sign posted to remind customers they are welcome to ask for a lower price. Petites garden center
Ask Customers What They Want to See
Another way to make your garden center petite-friendly is to ask customers what they want to see in the store. You can do this by including a question on your order form or by making it part of your checkout process. You can also include the question on your website, and on social media. You may be surprised by the response you get and have a chance to really customize your store for your customers. This can be a great way to learn what customers are looking for, and also what they are not looking for.
Get Rid of Unnecessary clutter
The smaller your garden center is, the less clutter you want to keep. Go through your inventory and get rid of items you no longer sell. Focus on keeping only the plants and items that are best-selling in your garden center. This will help keep the floor space free and open, and customers will be able to easily see what’s available. Additionally, get rid of items that don’t belong in a garden center. For example, you may want a coffee bar or espresso machine, but they don’t belong in a garden center. If your space is too small for the equipment, then get rid of it. Your customers won’t miss it if it’s not there.
Conclusion
A petite garden center can be just as effective as a large one. It just requires some strategic planning and design decisions. Follow these five tips to make your garden center petite-friendly, and you’ll have an easier time managing your store, and you’ll likely have more successful sales, too.
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