Chalet wins 2007 Innovator Award
Congratulations to Chalet in Wilmette, Ill., winners of the 2007 Garden Center Magazine Innovator Award sponsored by Garden Market Expo. Two years ago, Chalet, a 90-year-old garden center, began building a brand that would unify the store's image in customers' minds. This quest led to a re-evaluation of the way it does business. Read more in the June issue of Garden Center Magazine, now available online.

Report details late-spring garden trends
Better mental health, nutrition or fitness are the primary reasons 31% of households garden, according to the Late Spring Gardening Trends Research Report issued by Garden Writers Assoc. Foundation. The survey also found that 38% of households plan to add more perennials, followed by 34% putting in more vegetables and 31% adding in some annuals. The most significant change in garden preparation is the increase in consumer plans to "fertilize only," which rose from 19% in 2006 to 31% in 2007.

West Nile takes a toll on birds
Scientists have seen drastic bird population declines, possibly caused by West Nile virus, the Washington Post reported. American crows suffered the worst losses. The blue jay, tufted titmouse, American robin, house wren, chickadee and American bluebird have also been hard hit.

Unhelpful, absentee sales staff irks consumers
Unhelpful and AWOL sales staff cause more lost business and negative word-of-mouth than any other shopping problem, according to a new Retail Customer Dissatisfaction Study conducted by the Verde Group. Not being able to find a salesperson is the most critical shopping problem and is experienced by 33% of all consumers who reported a problem. Being ignored by sales staff follows close behind with 25% reporting this problem. Getting no attention prompted 3% of customers to take their business elsewhere permanently. It was also the No. 1 problem consumers are likely to share with others.

Consumers want luxury outdoors
Many Americans are trying to transform backyards into mini-resorts, Forbes.com reported. Upscale furniture, spas and high-definition TVs are popping up in more homes. Consumers are even plunking down big bucks for custom-designed tree houses mimicking Italian villas.

Retailers use science to find right price
Formulas based on physics principles are helping retailers modify prices and predict shopper behavior, USA Today reported. Some stores are letting computers set prices based on these new models. Software companies are hoping to also sell this system to banks as a way to help set prices for mortgages.

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