When it was nearly over, Susie (the only other plant knowledgeable person in my department) said to me, "That was almost scary.' And I knew just what she meant. Then she commented that on our 'worst' (meaning insane, non-stop, good LORD...what just happened), busiest day last year~we never saw 'THIS". 'THIS' meaning people swarming like locusts, all over the garden center.
At ten a.m when I came in, the tables were full and we had racks and racks of plants waiting to fill them as they emptied. Our store manager is gardencenterrabid, so there are employees everywhere watering and restocking and calling my name. But at ten we were slow. I'd looked at our numbers (sales) and they were far below yesterday. A zone manager agreed that we were not up to speed.
The next thing I knew it was six p.m. and every employee I looked at was shell shocked.
I try to find plants that are on racks (not put out yet) and get them where people can see them. I'd start putting something out, turn my back and when I would go to finish~ everything would be gone. I mean in under thirty minutes. Gone.
Our herbs and tomatoes are supplied by a small, family owned company from Wisconsin. They love their plants and what they do, and so we see their big truck quite often. They were due in at 11:00 am. At around 6:15 pm they called and said they had bad news...they were at another store with an empty truck. It was the owner who was calling me...."Robin, I've never seen anything like it for three or four years. We've run out of plants." He planned to drive back up to Wisconsin and come back to service us. I told him to let it wait till morning.
Now that I'm the 'Specialist', I hear more than I used to. Everybody is working toward that magic figure the corporation sets every day. I know now that I'll get a bonus every month I achieve my budget, but I sense there's more than that. All the managers were chatty and happy at the numbers today. When last I looked we were about 70% over our budget for today.
The thing that is wondrous about this is that everyone was/is frantic to enhance and encourage their natural world~ the nature in their life. I'd walk out of the garden center to go to the bathroom, and the rest of the store would be quiet as a tomb, but Petunias and Marigolds were proudly going to their summer homes in back seats and car trunks.
9 comments:
How exciting.
And it will maybe always be so busy with someone who so obviously loves plants in charge.
I htink when the economy is bad, people might put even more effort into their yards - it's less expensive than travel and other forms of recreation, and it gives the sense of still having soemthgn of value in the world.
I notice in my neck of the woods it seem like garden seeds are still on the rack.
I thought more and more would be moving.
At local farm and garden supplies place I keep hoping and asking them about there summer bulbs they haven't got any in yet. Plus there clueless on what is going on.
The other place that sell bulb went quickly.
Coffee is on.
Thanks for the encouraging post! I do think people will still make their yards nice no matter what happens, but it's good to hear of some signs of economic growth. You have some great photos and writing here!
Thanks, Deedee!
Robin--apologies for being so late in getting back to you. Last week, away from my laptop and most modern conveniences in West Virginia has put me VERY behind in responding to others.
Yes, you're welcome to use the quote--the credit is fine, as it's listed. Glad we see so many things from the same perspective.
Your flowers give color where we, as yet, have none.
I think people need to have beauty in these times what with so much dispair all around us. Makes us feel alive when we watch things grow and bloom. Gives us hope.
Congrats on getting the job. They couldn't ask for anyone better.
J-
Those surfinas in those hanging baskets are just gorgeous, I bought 10 today..... :)
The garden centres here do not seem quite as busy as this time last year.......
Congratulations on your job - good going girl :)
x
glad to hear that business has picked up for your department, anyway!!!! Hopefully these customers take your plants home to a fabulous spot to brighten their world, and that of their neighbours & friends. I hope they listen to whatever planting wisdom you have time to pass on to them as you fix them up with these plants. And congrats on getting the promotion!!!!
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