Product Innovation, 

 Packaging and Promotion 



I Z L had the opportunity of 

 I I speaking to the N. American 

 I I Flower Bulb Wholesalers 

 I I recently at their annual 

 ^-■iHMaJ meeting. Bulb sales have 

 seen a greater than average growth 

 over the past five years. 



Most of it is due to packaging and 

 promotion of what was once a com- 

 modity product. Companies like Van 

 Bloem's arc leading the way with 

 aggressive innovation and smart 

 marketing. The fall they have an 



aggressive flyer program that can 

 greatly help retailers increase sales. 



At the February NorCal Trade show 

 the "classic" example of packaging, 

 promotion and product innovation was 

 being introduced by the Clyde Robin 

 Seed Company - A professional golf 

 course green for the homeowner. The 

 kit comes complete with Pencross 

 Creeping Bentgrass seed, Hagpole, prac- 

 tice cup and complete blueprints and 

 insffuctions. Retailing at $44.95, it is 

 the ideal gift for "golf-gardeners."* 



Time IVIagazine Study 

 Reinforces Customer Service 



I Z L ncreased levels of customer 

 I I service will be critical for 

 I I retailers in the future - not 

 I I o"'y in dealing with custom- 

 '^■i^^J ers but also in the products 

 they are offering. 



A recent study by Time Magazine 

 has revealed interesting facts that can 

 help retailers better serve their custom- 

 ers' needs. 



•The amount of leisure time enjoyed by 

 the average American has shrunk 37% 

 since 1973. 

 •During the same period, the work week 



(including commuting) has increased 

 from 41 to nearly 47 hours. 

 •People are taking shorter vacations, 

 often just four day weekends. 

 •Although leisure time is declining, 

 standards on quality are rising. 



To the garden center operator this 

 means customers want professional 

 looking results with less effort. Retail- 

 ers offering products and ideas that 

 save the customer time will be re- 

 warded with repeat business and more 

 cash register rings.'* 



Professional Plant 

 Growers Scholarship 



- - J| endy Clark, a May '90 

 « n vl graduate of the Thompson 

 lfl#l School, was recently pre- 

 W W [ senled with a Professional 

 ^^■■B Plant Growers Scholarship. 

 This scholarship, given by the Profes- 

 sional Plant Growers Foundation, is 

 available to students in associate degree 

 programs nationwide who are studying 

 Horticulture. Applicants should have 

 intentions of becoming a floriculture 

 plant producer and/or operations 

 manager upon completion of their 

 studies and carry a minimum B aver- 

 age.* 



Industry News 



kidclsky & Company 

 recently announced the pro- 

 motion of Jon Giannino to 

 Assistant Sales Manager. He 

 will now work out of 

 the New Jersey corporate office. 

 Associated with this change will be the 

 return of Dick Smith as the sales repre- 

 sentative for New England. Dick 

 returns to the sales force after many 

 years with management at the corporate 

 office.* 



TSAS Horticultural 

 Students Honored 



g] 



t the May 20th Thompson 

 School Commencement, 

 senior Marianne Hynes was 

 presented the Leadership 

 and Scholarship Award. This 

 is given to a student who has shown 

 outstanding leadership, cooperation and 

 interest in his^er chosen field of study. 

 Also honored was Jonathan Tanguay 

 who received the Stacey W. Cole 

 Scholarship. This scholarship is 

 presented to a NH resident attending the 

 Thompson School who exhibits 

 motivation and a sense of citizenship 

 and spirit for the shool.* 



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