There are few
similarities between a big box store and an independent nursery. Many of the
differences are hotly debated, especially in the instance of a big box store
moving into an area and ultimately leading to the smaller independent store/s
having to close. I don’t wish to be a part of that debate; however I would like
to talk about the differences for the ‘customer’ when shopping at both of these
locations. I spent more than four years working in a nursery in a big box store
and I am coming up to five years working in a nursery for an independent owner,
so my opinions are based on experience, not opinions from a second hand source.
Big Box Store Benefits
Savings
The first benefit to
shopping in a big box store is obvious; savings. When it comes to a benefit it’s
hard to find one that is more important to anyone than the bottom line. Even in
a good economy most of us are hyper aware of the money we spend, and even when
we can see the value in increasing the curb appeal of our home, the bottom line
will still sway most of us to the less expensive.
Example: you can purchase
an old fashioned Hosta an independent for around $10.00. In a big box store you
can purchase the same Hosta for around $7.00.
Convenience
Big box stores have the
amazing ability to pop up in exactly the most convenient place possible. There
is a reason for this, hundreds and perhaps even thousands of hours are spent
years before the store is even built, to find the perfect location for the new
store. There are whole teams of people involved in this and it’s not a job that
the team takes lightly because the right spot can make or break a business.
Example: I can hit eight
big box stores selling plants within a 5 mile radius of my home. There is only
one independent nursery within the same distance.
One Stop Shopping
Ah yes, you need a petunia
to replace the one that your dog just ate, however you also need a pair of blue
socks, a banana, a bottle of moisturizer and a tin of dog food (that’s why your
petunia was eaten). Sure, you could run around to two or three of your favorite
stores but unless you are lucky enough to have a very flexible schedule, most people
will choose to run to the local big box store where they can pick it all up in
one place. It’s not lazy, it’s good time management.
Example: You won’t find
blue socks at many independent nurseries.
Independent Nursery
Benefits:
Customer Service
This is not to say that there isn't anyone working at a big box store that don't have a passion for plants, but the majority of the time it's just not the case. People who work in independent
stores live and breathe the products every day because they have a passion for
it. Many of them have worked in that industry for years and many of them have
studied extensively for their chosen career. Added to that, most independent
nurseries have programs and classes for their employees to keep them up to date
with the latest plants, associated products and trends. If you want to purchase
a tree, know what amendments to purchase to plant the tree, be informed of
possible insect and disease susceptibilities, pick a fertilizer based on the
type of tree and also be able to discuss different types of mulch and their
benefits, then the independent nursery is the place to go.
Example: In most cases
the same associate can take you through the whole process themselves.
Product Knowledge
What if you don’t want to
just buy the perfect fertilizer? What if you want to know what it is made from,
what the active ingredient actually is, want to know how it will react with
other products you are currently using, want to know about its effects on the
environment or your pets, want to know about the company that makes it and how
long the product has been on the market? Well, the independent nursery
associate has to know these things and not just because it’s our job, but
because it matters.
Example: We aren’t just
trained in our products, we make sure to be aware of other products on the
market, even if we don’t carry them.
After Sales Service
Ah yes, the 1 year guarantee.
It sounds brilliant and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that no matter
what happens to your annual/perennial/shrub/tree, you can bring it back for a
full refund. Knowing your investment is
safe is a big incentive to shop at a big box store. But what about the people
who want to know WHY their plant died? I’ll be honest, not everyone cares what
happens to their plant if they know they can just get another one, but for true
gardeners the WHY is half the fun. There are so many reasons that a plant may not
survive and being able to find out why means that your replacement will spend
many happy years in your garden. And admit it, it is an amazing feeling to look
at something growing and be able to say ‘I did that’. Independent Nurseries
have their own warranty rules but they are based on knowledge of plants and the
understanding that their associates will arm the customer with all the
knowledge they need at the time of purchase to make them successful.
Example: I for one cannot
grow African Violets, not even when I follow the experts’ rules to the letter,
even after instruction by a veteran houseplant associate of 38 years they still
hate me, so I have moved on. I prefer a warranty that challenges me to learn
more and do better, but will still protect me should I try another African
Violet.
In the end I believe that
a mix of ‘big box store’ and ‘independent’ nursery is the best way to keep your
budget in line and your plants happy.
If you are a gardener who
is familiar with the plant you wish to purchase, then it’s a great idea to see
if you can find it at a big box store. Knowing the plant and its requirements
mean that you can spot a healthy plant and know that it is a good investment.
In this instance your bottom line is simply cost and it’s what the big box
stores are known for.
If you are a gardener who
is purchasing the same fertilizer or bug spray that you have been using for
years then the big box store is the way to go. You are already familiar with
the product and how to use it correctly. Cost is the only issue here and nobody
can be blamed for watching their dollars.
If you are not familiar
with a plant, but you saw it somewhere and you just have to have it then it’s
time to visit the independent nursery. You are the kind of customer that we
love. Your enthusiasm at trying something new is why we got into the retail
side of plants in the first place. We will talk to you until the cows come
home, making sure you know everything about the plant and are confident that
you can keep it happy for many years to come.
If you have a problem
with your plant, any problem at all, then it’s the independent nursery. If you
can’t bring the plant, bring photos and 9 times out of 10 we can tell you what
is wrong and what, if anything, can be done. That 1 time out of 10 is simply to
cover me for people who have an ‘African Violet’ moment.
Want to go where ‘everybody
knows your name’? I have so many regulars, and even when I can’t remember their
name (I am terrible with names) the first words out of my mouth will be
something along the lines of ‘how is your Buddleja doing’? No, I may not
remember your name, but I remember the last plant you purchased and I really do
want to know how it’s doing.
Have an entire garden bed
that needs to be landscaped? Your whole yard is a nightmare and you just don’t
know where to start? The independent nursery wins again. Many independent
nurseries have landscape services, but landscape services are not exactly budget
friendly. I personally, as do many of my counterparts at other independents, do
free landscape plans for customers who have the drive and the love of a good
garden but just don’t have the budget. I can’t tell you how many customers have
hugged me at the end of a project and said ‘I couldn’t have done it without you’.
And
that, I think is the bottom line of any independent nursery, we want that
personal connection with our customers and the personal gratification that a
job well done brings not just to us, but to the customer.