Testimonials

What other’s are saying:

From Uncertainty to a Clear, Confident Opening

"Dave and Erik helped us with just about everything.

During their four-day site visit, we covered far more than expected. They worked with us on vision, layout, customer flow, branding, product categories, vendor selection, receiving processes, POS setup, signage, marketing strategy, social media planning, and our opening timeline.

They also helped with the small details that make a big difference, like shopping cart selection, checkout design, background music, and even our plant guarantee policy.

We opened in Spring 2025 with a clear plan and the confidence to execute it. And they didn’t just deliver a report and disappear. They’ve remained available whenever we’ve needed them, and that ongoing support has been just as valuable as the initial visit.

If you are opening or growing a garden center and want people who truly understand the business and care about your success, Dave and Erik are exactly who you want in your corner."

— Barbara Bruin, Owner, South Street Garden Center

From Zero Retail Experience to a Strong Business Foundation

"We came into this with zero retail experience and needed both confidence and direction to get started. Dave and Erik gave us exactly that.

They helped us with site planning, strategic merchandising, vendor connections, and overall business strategy. Because of their guidance, we were able to make big decisions with clarity and develop a strong understanding of our day-to-day operations.

Their input led us to adjust our site plan in ways that improved visibility, functionality, and overall aesthetics. At market, they introduced us to key vendors, and it was clear they have strong relationships throughout the industry.

Garden Center Consultants had a meaningful impact on our entire business plan. I would highly recommend them to anyone opening a new garden center or looking to improve an existing one."

— Jim Naplacic, Terra Gardens

Stronger Merchandising, Better Displays, and a More Motivated Team

"Garden Center Consultants provided meaningful guidance that helped our team improve product merchandising and plant displays.

Their consumer-focused approach, along with the experience Dave and Erik bring, was motivating for our entire team.

We’re looking forward to putting their insights into practice this season and would highly recommend their services to any garden center."

— Andy Christenson, Garden Center & Orchard Manager, Schmalz Landscaping

A Fresh Perspective That Unlocked Space, Sales, and Clarity

"We worked with Garden Center Consultants for a few months after they visited our garden center in the summer. The site visit was incredibly insightful, providing both validation of our layout and business, along with constructive feedback on merchandising, maximizing product space, and bringing in new and effective products.

Their site visit report was thorough and detailed, breaking down recommendations by each area of the garden center. They helped us identify new pottery vendors that could accommodate smaller orders, introduced a new pre-emergent program for weed control, and showed us how to carry more product without creating an overwhelming shopping experience.

The virtual follow-up meetings were just as valuable, helping us refine improvements to signage, lighting, and displays. Within a couple of months, we implemented several of their suggestions, including new shelving for smaller pottery and a shift toward more modern, neutral color palettes. These changes have already proven to be very effective.

We also repositioned products to improve sightlines across the property, making it easier for customers to navigate and see everything we offer.

Having an experienced outside perspective was incredibly valuable. They helped us identify opportunities to improve layout, increase sales, and strengthen the overall customer experience. We loved working with Garden Center Consultants."

— Devon Klingman, Owner, Rockledge Gardens, Rockledge, Florida