Independent vs. Big Box

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.