Quality and Garden Gifts

Where the Merchandise (From page 79) silk arrangements. We have designers who make them here,” Hales said.

At Haines Farm and Garden in Cinnaminson, N.J., decorative metal stakes are a popular outdoor garden gift. “They’re good quality at a reasonable price and we carry a wide selection which is why I think we sell so many,” said Owner and Buyer Bess Jenkins . Designs atop the stakes vary from spinning flowers to welcome signs to seasonal images such as pumpkins. Another top seller for the approximately 3,000-square-foot gift shop is a weatherproof decorative plaque which comes with an optional stand. The plaques feature pictures or sayings which typically serve to welcome people to garden spaces. “People like them because they’re available for all the different seasons plus they’re made in America. They make a nice gift.”

Haines Farm and Garden continues to carry Byers’ Choice Carolers, sales of which pick up around the holidays. Jenkins said there is a customer base for higher quality wind chimes in her area too but she

What Is Your Top Customer Service Tip?

Staff members inside the gift shop at The Rhoads Garden – an extensive garden center and florist business in North Wales, Pa. – recommend striving to make a real human connection with your customer.

Engaging with the customer but striking the right balance is key at Haines Farm and Garden in Cinnaminson, N.J. “We greet people when they come in the store and offer to help without being overly helpful,” explained store Owner and Buyer Beth Jenkins.

“Treat people the way you would want to be treated,” offered Nancy Thompson, owner and buyer at Madison Garden Center in Madison, Miss.

Friendliness and convenience are stock in trade at Cottage Gar- den Farm in Waupaca, Wis. “We welcome customers, ask them if they’ve been here before and then we’ll briefly explain how we run things,” said Manager Esperanza Jenkins. “We tell them everything on display is just a sample and if they like something, we’ll run and get them a fresh, new one.” ❖ doesn’t rely on newspaper advertising to get the word out. “It doesn’t work. For us, it’s more word of mouth. Facebook and Instagram work although I don’t have a lot of time to post.” But sometimes all it takes is a single photo of a great item to create a buzz. For instance, a succulent pumpkin – a seasonal item which a staff member designs – always generates a lot of traffic for the gift shop. “A lot of people come in because either they saw somebody with it or they’ve gotten them before. They make a great hostess gift so we do sell a lot of those.”

Wind chimes are a top seller at Madison Garden Center in Madison, Miss., and customers are particularly fond of the Wind River Chimes brand. “They’re a quality product tuned to scale at a good price point. They make a really nice gift for people who love the outdoors,” said

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