The Group Knowledge Experience

by Danny Summers

The power of The Group comes in many forms and functions but behind each is hundreds of talented professionals who have a common purpose... to be the best Garden Retailer in their community. They also share a common bond through The Group and are willing to share openly with peer Centers to help others reach higher.

This was in full display last week as the April GROUPtalk LIVE Series was being held. Above is an image of some of those participating as we spotlighted four Centers across the Southern Regions to hear their experience so far this season.

It was a full hour+ of exploring early season stats and observations to help everyone have a better vision for Spring. We drilled down into areas such as:

1. What’s the most dominant factor for your YTD performance so far?
2. Are you seeing any major shifts/changes in your Customer Base this Spring?
3. Any Trends you can identify tthrough projects your Customer Base is tackling?
4. Are you seeing any major shifts in your Product Category Sales this spring?
5. What other Trends are you seeing this spring?
6. Based on your YTD numbers, are you making any adjustments to your budget, are you still seeing increases in costs and passing them along to customers and how do you feel your spring season will wind up?

This was a fast-paced 1+ hour of factual details that every Group Center needs to hear.

If you missed it, no problem. Login to The Group WebSystem and scroll down to the GROUPtalk LIVE Series link. Now all four monthly sessions in 2023 are there for you to watch, start and stop, rewatch as your schedule allows, or share with other staff.

I want to say THANK YOU to the four Centers who were on our panel:

• Barton Springs Garden Center - Austin, TX
• Buchanan's Native Plants - Houston, TX
• Earth Works Garden Center - Jacksonville, FL
• Louisiana Nursery - Baton Rouge, LA

And of course, all the additional Group Centers who participated and challenged The Group with questions and new ideas... Thank You. Watching this session, just like so many others, illustrates how The Group Knowledge Experience can benefit everyone.

Thank you all for your support and active participation!

Also, be sure to see the revised date for the next GROUPtalk LIVE Series in May. We have shifted to one week later (May 18th) after the Mother's Day weekend. We hope every Group Center can be with us to hear what John Kennedy has to say!