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Three Steps to Double-Digit Growth: Boosting Customer Loyalty and Sales
The Challenge: Adapting to Modern Shopping Trends
In today’s fast-paced, mobile-first world, customers expect instant access, personalized experiences, and seamless shopping at any hour. With competition from all sides, including the rise of online retail giants and big-box stores entering the plant and garden market, independent garden centers must work strategically to recapture customers and grow their businesses. Although the competition is fierce, double-digit growth is achievable with a strategy that combines unique local expertise with modern conveniences and technology.
Step 1: Embrace the “Zero-Click” Shopping Trend
Modern consumers are increasingly drawn to quick, “zero-click” shopping experiences, where they can browse, decide, and buy with minimal effort. In fact,
recent data shows that 72% of consumers expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations for an easy, seamless shopping experience (Salesforce, State of the Connected Customer).
With the Sunrise Marketing App Platform, garden centers can provide an “always-on” resource for customers to browse products, make purchases through in-app shopping, and access seasonal gardening tips anytime. This kind of instant accessibility meets the convenience that today’s customers crave, keeping your garden center top of mind and making it easy to choose local over big-box alternatives.
Step 2: Leverage Technology Tools to Foster Loyalty
Building customer loyalty is essential in a marketplace where box stores often dominate due to their brand recognition and one-stop-shop appeal. By using a robust app platform, garden centers can easily deliver exclusive promotions, personalized recommendations, and seasonal advice right to customers’ devices.
This approach is highly effective—research by Accenture found that companies that use personalized experiences can see a revenue uplift of 6-10%.
The app also offers a simple rewards system to recognize and retain your best customers, while push notifications can drive engagement by connecting them directly to your brand at the right moments.
A loyalty-focused approach can help establish your garden center as the go-to place for plant lovers, creating an environment where customers feel valued. By offering meaningful and targeted content, you’re building relationships that inspire repeat visits and encourage customers to choose your garden center over general retail environments, where plant expertise may not be as deep.
Step 3: Amplify Your Unique Marketing Message with the Grow Campaign
In a world where big-box stores have the advantage of sheer scale, independent garden centers stand out by offering a personal touch and local expertise. The Grow Campaign enables garden centers to tell a compelling story that resonates with their customers—from highlighting staff knowledge to showcasing quality plants and community involvement. Telling a unique, authentic story differentiates your business from competitors, building a deeper connection with your audience.
According to a survey by Nielsen, 86% of consumers say authenticity is a key factor when deciding what brands they like and support.
Through ready-to-use content, the Grow Campaign helps you craft messages that emphasize why customers should choose you. Whether it’s about expert tips, community-focused events, or high-quality products, your story strengthens your position in the local market. Word-of-mouth referrals on social media, repeat business, and a clearly defined value proposition are essential tools in forming a lasting distinction between your garden center and larger retail chains.
Recapturing Customers from Big-Box Stores
Independent garden centers face the unique challenge of competing with the convenience and lower prices offered by big-box stores.
Recent industry data reveals that the sale of live goods in big-box stores has increased by approximately 8% year over year, drawing more customers to large retailers for their gardening needs (Garden Center Magazine).
However, independent garden centers can capture customer loyalty by focusing on personalized service, plant quality, and in-depth gardening knowledge that big-box retailers simply cannot offer.
While big-box stores may have the upper hand in terms of lower prices and broad accessibility, independent garden centers can excel in areas such as plant care, selection, and community involvement. Providing a memorable experience, personalized service, and high-quality products are crucial to winning back customers from larger retailers.
Your Path to Double-Digit Growth
These three steps—embracing zero-click shopping, leveraging technology tools for loyalty, and amplifying a unique marketing message—empower your garden center to stand out. By combining digital convenience with the trusted, local experience that customers value, you can drive growth, foster loyalty, and create a distinctive space in the market. With a solid strategy in place, achieving double-digit growth isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality within reach.
Do the Math
Use our customer growth calculator to see how the Sunrise Marketing App Platform can help you realize double digit growth.
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