Setting the Stage

by Danny Summers

Three years ago, at The Fall Event 2023 in Cincinnati, Maggie Nichols of Eureka! Ranch showed us how important it is to Set the Stage for creative and innovative thinking.

Through both her keynote presentation and the workshop that followed, Maggie emphasized the importance of regularly pulling your team away from the day-to-day demands of the business. By creating an environment free from interruptions and routine distractions, people have the opportunity to think differently, challenge assumptions, and develop the next great ideas for their business.

Super Connections

by Danny Summers

Connections.

It's one of the defining words for The Fall Event 2026 and a perfect reflection of what The Garden Center Group is all about today.

At The Fall Event 2026, Connections will begin with our Keynote presentation featuring Chris Bashinelli...

The Magic of Attracting Attention

by Danny Summers

Are you aware of our July GROUPtalk LIVE Session scheduled for tomorrow? Group Owner, Michael Fiore, Smith's Gardentown, will share how they are attracting large numbers of people to the content they post across social media. The session title is:

Supercharge Your Social Media With Video Content

The magic formula for attracting attention (or some might say... GOING VIRAL) could easily be considered a complex and often moving target.

Retailers' Choice Awards from Cultivate'26

by Danny Summers

Columbus, OH, July 13, 2026: Retailers’ Choice Awards™ were presented to 13 exhibiting firms for 15 products at Cultivate’26 in Columbus, OH on July 13, 2026.

The Garden Center Group’s Danny Summers and Tim Quebedeaux led the search as Garden Retailers selected the best new products to bring excitement and noteworthy interest to their stores in the coming season. Following is a list of firms (presented A-Z) and the products receiving recognition. You may download a full recap below.

DOWNLOAD a full recap HERE.

A Growing Trend: AI is a Tool - Not a Replacement

by Danny Summers

As a follow-up to last week's message, there is growing evidence in the media today that large companies that cut their workforce and replaced workers with AI-based systems are starting to put things in REVERSE. Here's just one news report I have seen over the last few weeks...

AI Layoffs Are Backfiring and Half of Companies Will Start Rehiring
Organizations are starting to come to terms with the limits of AI.

It's an Inc Magazine article. The author notes that most businesses today say they use some form of AI in their operations. It then mentions firms that simultaneously downsize their workforce.

The Power of Human Connections

by Danny Summers

You may not know this, but I love clocks.

If you asked me how it all started, I'd tell you about sitting on my Grandpa Chet's lap listening to his Hamilton pocket watch. It hung from a belt-loop chain, and he would pull it from his right pocket and let me hold it to my ear. I loved hearing that distinct, crisp, steady tick.

How Important is NEW?

by Danny Summers

We all know the answer to this question...

It can be VERY important!

Collective Wisdom

by Danny Summers

The term Collective Wisdom could easily be considered a synonym for The Garden Center Group. The very reason The Group was created in 2000 was to take the very best ideas and practices and help every Group Center.

As the Weekly Department Review (WDR) launched in 2000 and the Annual P&L Study in 2004, the Collective Wisdom concept began to build.

Seasonal Trends

by Danny Summers

As Group Centers report their numbers each week through the WDR, Tim Quebedeaux compiles the weekly summaries that give us a clear view of where each Center, each Region, and The Group as a whole stand—both for the week and year-to-date. Every week, we dig into the numbers looking for new trends, patterns, and insights that can help us better understand what's happening in our businesses.

One area I pay particular attention to is a group of categories I call our Standard Greengoods Group. I started tracking these categories years ago and, while there are certainly a few inconsistencies, they provide a valuable way to identify long-term seasonal patterns and shifts in consumer buying behavior.

HIGH Expectations!

by Danny Summers

As spring winds down and Group Centers begin to promote summer activities and events, we also have major trade shows in our sights. The Group will focus on both Cultivate'26 and Farwest'26. Both of these are listed below in our Retailers' Choice Awards signups. Be sure to participate if you will be at either.

New Plant Varieties and Products Galore
Both events feature large numbers of new plant varieties and new product showcases highlighting what can be found throughout the show floor. It's a great place to begin your search for great new items. Here are a couple of things we already know to expect to find...