Planning for 2022

by Danny Summers

We know it has already begun. You've already started some of your planning for the next spring season. I know you have questions about what to expect and what you will need to prepare for as you do all of your planning. How do you budget for 2022? As a total Group, we ended 2020 in the mid +20% range ahead of 2019 sales, and it appears 2021 may be slightly into double-digit growth on top of that. But what lies ahead in 2022?

Just like the image above, your crystal ball may not be very clear. At the same time, both Steve Bailey and Tim Quebedeaux have been expressing some concerns about inventory levels as we near the end of the selling season. Will you carry over more products than you should? The answer to that may be in Steve Bailey's message in the Week 37 WDR cover page... do you need to re-read that?

Another portion of your answer could be in how well you prepare to serve your audience. With all the new customers you gained in both 2020 and 2021, how will you attract them back and how will their experience be when they step into your Center?

Will your team be ready?
 (consider The Group's Mystery Shopper Program in 2022 as part of your training)

Will your Center be an exciting place to spend time... and money?
 (plan your facility changes now... new fixtures, new paint, new ideas)

And just how will you communicate with your audience in 2022?
 (maybe you need an upgrade as your audience is changing)

The Garden Retailing Train is moving... is Your Center moving with it?