April 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
EDITORIAL
I try to avoid the big box stores, but
sometimes you have to pay attention to
what they're doing - because anything
they can do, you can do better.
A news release from Lowe's recently
announced it's debuting an in-store
kids' birthday party program. The Build
a Birthday parties are meant to build on the store's successful
monthly kids' workshops. Ten Lowe's stores will pilot the
party program, for which parents book a paid, private, twohour
party that includes DIY project kits for 12 kids.
Upsells include pizza, drinks and dessert from Domino's, as
well as Lowe's merch like T-shirts and water bottles.
Does your store offer events or parties for kids? Back in
the day when fairy gardens were all the rage, some IGCs
hosted special events and parties for young kids. With today's
teens and young adults caring more about where their food
comes from, maybe offer vegetable gardening classes or
workshops with themed plantings like Grow a Pizza Garden
or a selection of aromatherapy herbs.
Speaking of kids gardening, flip to page 34 to read
about how Coast of Maine Organic Products is sharing
the love of gardening with the next generation with its
Growing Good program.
Going Virtual
Not to be outdone, The Home Depot is taking kids' parties
to the metaverse. A new Virtual Kids Workshop will take place
on online game platform and game creation system Roblox.
According to the press release, the virtual workshops
allow gamers to play and learn by collecting materials in a
virtual scavenger hunt to build one of three projects. Players
will visit the retailer's metaverse storefront, where they
will be greeted by a virtual store staffer wearing the iconic
orange apron. Players then choose which project they want
to build: a birdhouse, a mini flower garden or a small car.
Gamers can leave the store with their project and use it
throughout the game's virtual island Redcliff City.
What could this mean for garden retailers? I'm not
suggesting you build your store a storefront on Roblox
(although my teenage son - part of the next generation of
gardeners - is somewhat obsessed with the game, as are
his friends), but maybe think about meeting some of this
generation where they are. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat ...
they're already there - is your store?
I'm reminded of why Garden Media Group president Katie
Dubow advises that garden centers be on TikTok - because
your customers are. She wasn't saying to open an account
and post videos every day, but open an account so your
customers can tag you. Not to mention, it shows you who
your customers are and how they are experiencing your store
and your merchandise.
Isn't that worth downloading an app for?
@LGRmag
Teresa McPherson, MANAGING EDITOR
616.520.2163 | tmcpherson@greatamericanpublish.com
Winner of 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018 EDDIE awards for Best Full Issue
@lgrmag
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
JD Boone
Melissa Frank
Jessie Jacobson
Jennifer Moss
Tiger Palafox
Stan Pohmer
Danny Summers
Kate Terrell
Dothan Nurseries
Weston Nurseries
Tonkadale Greenhouse
Moss Greenhouses
Mission Hills Nursery
Pohmer Consulting Group
The Garden Center Group
Wallace's Garden Center
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April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2023