An Exciting Time!

by Danny Summers

Over the last two weeks, many of us have experienced two of the industry's largest events, MANTS in Baltimore (top two photos) and TPIE in Tampa (bottom two photos). If these events are any measure of where we are right now as an industry... the best way to describe it is An Exciting Time!

The level of excitement and anticipation is obvious. Both exhibit space and attendance could easily be described as Sell Outs! Interest in plants and gardening at retail is at an all-time high and with young consumers continuing to become homeowners and continuing their "plant-parenthood" practice these trends look to only increase in coming seasons.

Both 2020 and 2021 were record years and while 2022 ended for most Centers down in single digit levels, if the late spring and early summer were different, 2022 would most likely have produced another record year. Both Growers and Allied Suppliers seem to be in better inventory positions for 2023, inflation seems to be flattening out and interest rates are actually starting to retreat.

So, what will the Spring 2023 Season be like? If it arrives early or even just on time, most likely it will be a strong one. Certainly, being ready is a requirement to make the most of each day, week, and month of Spring.

We had a great group of Retailers who helped search and vote on the TPIE 2023 Cool Product Awards last week. I want to thank each of them for their help. I want to share with you those plants and products that were recognized and awarded. Each are winners! You will find a full PDF Report below the photos to download. These will also be showing up in our Garden Retail Publication Partners' emails and publications in the coming weeks... Garden Center Magazine, Green Profit, and Lawn & Garden Retailer.

For a complete list of all 15 products along with company contact details and brief product descriptions, download the PDF HERE.

So, that’s the Cool Product Awards for TPIE 2023. There were 15 products awarded for 14 companies and there were many more deserving products on the show floor, all waiting to be discovered. Be sure to watch for the opportunity to be part of this fun and rewarding search next year at TPIE 2024 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL! We will also have the Retailers' Choice Awards search at Cultivate '23 and Farwest '23. Signup will be available here in GROUPtalk in the coming months. Watch for details.

Let's be prepared for a great Spring!