Changes ahead for Fashion in Bloom
Garden Centers of America announced last week that 3 locations -- rather than 6 -- will host Fashion in Bloom 2007. Conard-Pyle Co., West Grove, Pa.; Homestead Growers, Davidsonville, Md., and American Horticultural Society, Alexandria, Va., will welcome guests Sept. 20-22, 2007. "We surveyed more than 200 garden center owners that did not attend in 2006, and found the driving time between the host sites was our most serious problem to participation," said GCA pres. Sandi Hillermann McDonald. "While the non-trade show format in open-air venues was viewed as a strong positive, the time required to visit all 6 locations proved to be a handicap." Next year there will also be a designated host hotel in the Baltimore area offering shuttle service between venues. The event will be open to consumers on Sept. 21 and 22.

Retailers brace for Black Friday
Stores across the nation are gearing up for Black Friday madness. For some, the battle for bargains will start earlier than ever before. Chicago Tribune reported some area malls are no longer content with a 5 a.m. opening and plan to open at midnight. How many folks will brave the crowds? A poll from Maritz Research shows 1 in 3 shoppers will head out the day after Thanksgiving. Almost one-third of those planning to shop on Black Friday say they will spend more than $875 on gifts, with 17% planning to spend more than $1,000. "The poll also revealed strong demographic indicators, such as 44% of those with household incomes between $75,000 and $100,000 planning to shop on Black Friday," said Mark Rein, Maritz Retail Research Group's dir. of strategic consulting.

'Christmas' is in, 'holiday' is out at Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart will play up the Christmas angle in its yuletide marketing this year. The company drew criticism last year for eschewing "Merry Christmas" in favor of the more inclusive "Happy Holidays." This year, "Christmas" will be prominently featured in advertisements and in-store signage. Customers will see other notable changes. "The Holiday Shop" will now be known as "The Christmas Shop." 60% more seasonal merchandise will be labeled "Christmas" instead of "holiday." Christmas carols will be piped into stores, and employees can greet customers with "Merry Christmas" or another suitable greeting.

Economic forecast: stable, not stellar
Figures from economists and industry watchers are ho-hum. Don't expect a recession. But don't look for blockbuster growth, either. Here's a glimpse at the forecast.
→ Economy will grow slowly, not sink into recession. The Conference Board
→ Low inflation rate? USA Today report
→ Luxury consumer spending doesn't match confidence Unity Marketing

'Lavender Vista' named All-American Daylily
'Lavender Vista' was named the 2007 All-American Daylily by the All-American Daylily Selection Council. Lavender flowers are 5-6 inches across with green throats. Scapes reach 20-24 inches, and the plant's arching foliage grows 16-22 inches tall. 'Lavender Vista' tolerates more shade than most daylilies and reportedly flowers an average of 88 days a year.

Worth a visit
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