Retail commandment: Love thy regular customers

Here's a great piece from the Wall Street Journal: In tough times, businessess coddle their regulars.

Money is tight in my household--just like it is for so many others. I know that I'm far more likely to spend my hard-earned dollars at a place that appreciates my business and treats me like one of the family.

What are you doing at your garden center to keep the loyalty of regular customers? Are you using data gleaned from loyalty card programs to create special events? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

--Sarah

Comments

[Lisbeth Calandrino]

I just visited with Crista the horticulturist from Heinz Brothers Greenhouse and Garden Center in St.
Chyarles, IL and just asked her the same question. They have built great links with the community including the Susan G. Komen foundation and a downtown partnership with the city to provide and care for the hanging plants. Their after school kids programs and enrichment programs are flourishing. I loved the Butterfly House where they are raising butterflys and helping customers understand the importance of the butterfly to our society. (these are butterflys that are native to Illinois)
I have not posted the blog yet, come visit at www.Lisbethcalandrino.typepad.com.
I love your info on plants! Thanks.