Fall 2020 - 73

Alfresco Living
BY TERESA MCPHERSON
Managing Editor, Lawn & Garden Retailer
BY TERESA MCPHERSON
Managing Editor, Lawn & Garden Retailer
An outdoor living space is now the place to spend time with friends and family, safely
B
ackyard entertaining has always been a
popular activity, but since the pandemic hit,
it is growing exponentially. Not only can it
provide a getaway experience without the risks and
hassle of travel, but also an enjoyable way to take in
the natural world, relax, and decompress. An outdoor
living space can also provide a way to spend time with
friends, family and neighbors while adhering to social
distancing rules.
Garden centers are capitalizing on this trend by providing
not only the annuals, perennials and houseplants one
would expect to find, but also a host of outdoor living
products for customers to spruce up their patio, balcony,
deck, and yard.
MAKE A SCENE
Many retailers use their outdoor space to set up vignettes
of outdoor entertaining, showing customers what the
items look like unboxed and assembled. Stores can create
different areas with furniture arranged around a fire pit,
with decorative cushions or pillows, outdoor rugs, heaters
for cooler climates, and potted plants.
Décor items such as statuary, gazing globes, wind
spinners and more can be displayed in the outdoor settings
with price tags secured in waterproof sleeves. These
clearly visible tags should include SKU numbers and a
scannable barcode to allow staff to easily obtain packaged
products from inside the store and bring it out to the
customer or have it waiting at the checkout counter.
Be sure to offer products to meet the specific needs of
your region, this might include products like hand-woven
or knitted blankets, outdoor fans and other related items.
No outdoor space? No worries! Outdoor living scenes
can be easily set up inside a store as well - and without
the worry of weather damaging products. Take a corner
or your store (or larger space if it's available) and create an
outdoor entertaining setting like a chair and table set and
lay out décor items such as sculptures, vases or small pots,
tableware and other items. Don't forget wind chimes and
outdoor lighting. Mark each with an easy-to-read tag with
barcode and SKU number, and stock smaller packaged
products nearby.
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
Sustainable products have and continue to be a priority
for many customers - and they're frequently willing to pay
more for these items. Products that are handmade and ecofriendly,
rather than mass-produced, will be viewed by these
customers as having more value. These customers are often
willing to spend more for fair trade, eco-friendly products.
BE ONE-OF-A-KIND
Offering one-of-a-kind statuary, ceramic pottery and
the like sets your store apart. Instead of offering the same
garden décor items and only differing on price, your store
can be seen as a destination for unusual pieces that aren't
seen in every other landscape.
Learn more about our Gift Shop contributors on page 12.
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 73
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fall 2020
