Branchsmith’s Green Industry Blog recently reported on some interesting trends in the gardening world. Retailers and catalogers alike are finding that sales of vegetable seeds and plants have jumped this year, in some cases by 40% or more. Take that category out of the equation, and sales are flat or down.
We’ve certainly found that many, but not all, companies have been thriving this year. We haven’t, however, noticed a strong correlation to product categories. Instead, our unscientific research seems to indicate that companies relying solely on the traditional paper catalog are struggling against the tide, while those that are embracing new media are faring much better. (Unlike Branchsmith, who caters to garden centers, we deal primarily with catalogers and online marketers.)
How’s your year shaping up? Are you planning any strategic changes for 2009?
