THE WORLD OF RETAIL WITH MARIO DIACO

By Matt Ross

We caught up with Mario Diaco, Managing Director of Diaco's Garden Nursery, for an update on what’s been happening in the world of retail. With three generations of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge.

‘Sales have been really positive across our stores and up on the same quarter last year. We’ve noticed that whilst shopper numbers aren’t necessarily higher, on average they’re spending more per visit.’

‘Part of that might be down to a level of routine and structure with COVID making less impact on our ability to trade and staffing. Buyers are now confident that we are there for them, on-hand to deliver valuable, practical advice for their gardening needs.’

‘I also feel like the successful return of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show has had a knock-on effect. There were over 100,000 attendees and I’m sure many will have been inspired to get into the garden and try to recreate what they saw, they’ll share their successes with their families and friends, and the impact is significant.’

‘We also took part in NGIV’s Visit Your Local Nursery campaign, which provided $10 vouchers to spend in our stores. After checking our figures it was clear that customers redeeming those vouchers, went on to spend significantly more. We also gained a number of first-time customers who we hope to convert into long-term customers.’ ‘In terms of plant trends, we’ve noticed that customers are increasingly turning to bay trees in place of more traditional hedging. Bay trees grow into a dense shade tree and are also suitable for topiary as it responds well to pruning.’

‘If I could offer one piece of advice to other retail garden centres it would be the need to understand who your customer is, why they are visiting your store and make it as easy as possible for them to make their purchasing choices.’

Diaco’s Garden Nursery have stores in Mornington, Heatherton, Geelong and Keilor. We believe in the value of local garden nurseries, where staff have the time and the passion to chat with you and offer valuable, practical advice for your gardening needs. Our team lives and breathes plants and gardening.

We’ll be catching up with Mario regularly to understand what is happening in the world of retail. Next time we want to learn a bit more about how retailers can successfully work with growers and vice versa.

diacos.com.au

TO NURSERY & GARDEN INDUSTRY VICTORIA’S MONTHLY TRADE DAY

NGIV Trade Day is more than just a market, it’s:

Australia’s largest wholesale plantlife event A monthly industry networking event The biggest monthly coming together of Victoria’s growers and plant and garden retailers

Held at the impressive KCC Park in Skye, with 4,500sqm of undercover facilities and ample parking.

NGIV Trade Day is the perfect showcase of Victoria’s horticultural industry!

Scan the QR code to experience NGIV Trade Day for yourself with a complimentary visit. Whether you’re a garden centre, plant, or giftware store, don’t miss out on:

The finest quality greenlife and garden products

The best wholesale prices

The convenience of everything under one roof

An unparalleled range of plants, gardening products and giftware

Network with Australia’s leading growers and garden retailers

CONTACT

T: +61 3 9576 0599 E: ngiv@ngiv.com.au

RETAIL STATE OF PLAY

SPONSORED BY:

Talk is Cheap

Yes, talk is cheap but action from words is great. Now is a good time to sit down with staff, suppliers too, have discussions and then put words into action. The last two years have been amazing and there is no reason why the next two shouldn’t be amazing too. Sure, some of the economic and political conditions are challenging but sensible planning and action will take care of them. Step back a little from your business and look at it with new eyes. Ask your manager/s to suggest honest ideas for change. You might be surprised with what they say. As I write, inflation and some other key pointers for our economy are a little gloomy but we all know that our industry thrives during down times. Have you had a holiday? It is important that you do.

Fabulous UK Winter display

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Leigh Siebler Garden Centres of Australia | e: leigh.siebler@bigpond.com www.gardenreleaf.com.au