Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Unusual retail outlets: Do you sell to any?

I'm thinking about non-traditional retail outlets lately. Urban Outfitters' soon-to-be unveiled Terrain greenhouse-themed concept is in the works, and our February cover story subject is in with a unique retailer.

Jim Hessler of Green Valley Growers, told me that his business sells to military exchange services -- the PX on military bases. There’s a lower margin on plants sold there because they’re non-profit outfits. But they can move quite a bit of product, especially the ones with the most retired military nearby.

I was in a bookstore about this time last year looking for a Valentine's Day gift, and it occurred to me that what I was looking for was a small potted plant. A small red cyclamen or kalanchoe. If customers aren't going into garden centers this time of year, why not go where they are shopping?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always thought that Dry-Cleaners might be an alternative outlet for flowers and plants.
1. People who go to dry cleaners have money.
2. Dry cleaners are a stop to and from work and around holidays.
3. It is a cash and carry business.

Does anyone know of a dry-cleaners selling flowers or plants?

Sara Tambascio said...

Why not the dry cleaners? You're absolutely right -- consumers are already there with their wallets open. It would make the lobbies of dry cleaners a lot prettier, for sure!