Garden supply dealers post record June gains
The latest report from Nat'l. Retail Federation shows building material and garden supply dealers posted steady growth last month, up 8.4% unadjusted from the previous June. However, seasonally adjusted comparisons from the previous month show a 1% decline. This is in line with overall retail sales for June, which show strong year-over-year increases but flat month-to-month gains. Sales rose 6.7% over last year, but increased only 0.2% seasonally adjusted over May. "After months of speculation, consumers are beginning to pull back," said NRF chief economist Roasalind Wells. "Retailers can expect the second half of the year to show moderate gains due to the slowdown in the housing market and other economic factors."

Chicagoland hosts GCA Holiday Tour
Registration opens Aug. 1 for Garden Centers of America's 2006 Holiday Tour, Nov. 13-16. Attendees will visit leading Chicago-area retailers including Platt Hill Nursery, Atrium Garden Center, Sid's Greenhouses, Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Chalet Nursery and Gethsemane Garden Center. Doug Hoerr, designer for Chicago's citywide greening project and Ball Horticultural Co.'s anniversary garden, will be a featured speaker.

Registration deadline nears for Plant Quest
Retailers have the chance to visit 4 innovative West Michigan growers Aug. 22-23 during Plant Quest. Deadline for free registration is Aug. 1. Late reservations will incur a $10 fee. Hortech, Walters Gardens, Zelenka Nursery and Spring Meadow Nursery will host the event. Visitors will tour growing facilities, see new varieties and learn more about marketing and plant programs.

Exterior Design Showcase debuts
The new Exterior Design Showcase will be unveiled at the Int'l. Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, Sept. 13-16 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. The showcase -- presented by Merchandise Mart Properties and Garden Design magazine -- features displays of outdoor vignettes designed by manufacturers, designers and landscape architects. During the show, HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero will discuss trends and design opportunities for outdoor rooms.

Target now second most-shopped retailer
Target is now second only to Wal-Mart, according to Retail Forward's recent ShopperScape report. One-quarter of all U.S. primary household shoppers visit a Target, Target Greatland or SuperTarget store monthly. The report also found the retailer racks up repeat visitors. Two-thirds of Target's past-6-month customer base returns to its stores on a regular basis. Children's apparel, decorative home fashions, small housewares and appliances and toys generate the most interest among shoppers. Target and Wal-Mart typically share customers, the report shows.

Big boxes under fire for banking plans
Independent bankers recently told Congress that small businesses will suffer if large retailers open their own banks, according to a report on Inc.com. The congressional hearing examined a surge in applications for industrial loan charters (ILCs), which allow retail and other non-financial companies to operate state-chartered banks. Wal-Mart and Home Depot have both expressed interest in securing ILCs. Critics say ILCs undermine a longstanding policy to keep commerce and banking apart, setting up a conflict of interest.

Worth a visit
Retail consultant Ian Baldwin shows how to chart a path for change. Only on GreenBeam.com.