Winter Gala day sponsor Bronze Industry Partner
RETAIL STATE OF PLAY SPONSORED BY:
Enjoying the chance to have a chat, NGIV CEO Craig Taberner, and Communications & Marketing Officer, Matt Ross caught up with Malcolm Calder from Transplant Systems.
The Caribbean crew of Susie and Glenn manned the coffee cart, as always a very popular spot, highlighting NGIV Bronze Industry partner, Transplant Systems as our sponsor of the day. In these times of challenge and uncertainty, Malcolm reflected that, “It has been a privilege to attend Trade Day and reassure everybody that our industry is robust and incredibly viable. The solidarity we can share is important as we all look forward to many more Trade Days ahead. It is vitally important to reassure everyone that Trade Day will continue now and into the future”
NGIV Trade Days remain at Caribbean Gardens Market site As many of you will be aware, the management team at Caribbean Gardens announced their plans not to reopen their weekly market. The trash and treasure market, which has been trading since the 1970's, closed in April 2020 due to COVID-19. At this stage the market closure does not impact NGIV’s capacity to deliver our Trade Day's from the Scoresby site. NGIV has a current contract in place and has had preliminary meetings with the Caribbean Gardens management team, who indicated that they would like to undertake discussion to extend our lease. It is therefore NGIV’s understanding that there is no immediate plans in place to replace the market lands, even though they do form part of a 500 acre future masterplan”. Accordingly, we will continue to operate from the site in the foreseeable future.
Formosa Gardens Ballarat, VIC
Don’t waste a recession! Barack Obama was told this by a trusted adviser during the 2009 Economic Recession in America. He was encouraged to make difficult changes and did so. I know you are all very busy and many of you have made changes. Let’s not waste a recession by not making those tough decisions that will further improve your business. Many people will still be working from home, for longer than anticipated, and will be looking for respite and therapy through the day when they get outside for a while. Gardening and home renovation will continue to be important for them. Diversity is key to change and success. This fact stood out to me on a recent trip to Ballarat when I visited three garden centres. They all looked great, plants were a real strength, but all were different and had a different offering for their customers. What will you change? Are you taking a video on your phone in your nursery every week and posting on social media to keep your customers informed? A video is much more engaging than a photo and even better with commentary and showing some of your staff in action. Change something please. Gardens & Plants are Therapy for Body & Mind Follow GCA on Facebook for updates www.facebook.com/gardenreleafaustralia
Leigh Siebler Garden Centres of Australia leigh.siebler@bigpond.com M: 0409 889 779
www.gardenreleaf.com.au
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2020
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