Gift cards come with less red tape
Gift cards were enormously popular this year, thanks in part to new regulations protecting consumers, Washington Post reported. Nat'l. Retail Federation predicted gift card sales would reach $26.3 billion in 2008, up from $24.8 billion last year. The average consumer was expected to spend $122.59 on gift cards this year, compared with $116.51 last year. Federal Trade Commission and several states have responded to consumer complaints about card expiration dates and service fees, making them a less-risky gift choice.

Shopping for a cause gains ground
More consumers are gravitating toward merchandise that aids nonprofit groups. But some watchdogs are wondering how much money actually goes to good causes.
• Shop till you help. Arizona Republic
• Charity's share? The New York Times
• Charity consumerism. Winnipeg Sun

Expect steady hiring pace in 2008
U.S. employers are expected to maintain a steady approach toward hiring during the 1st quarter of 2008, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. Of the 14,000 employers surveyed, 22% expect to add to their payrolls during 1Q 2008, while 12% expect to reduce staff levels. Sixty percent expect no change in hiring pace, and 6% are undecided about their January-March hiring plans.

Seasonal Concepts chain gets another chance
New owners of a Minneapolis-based outdoor living chain hope to breathe new life into the 45-year-old business, the Star Tribune reported. Seasonal Concepts had 15 stores in 6 states before the company declared bankruptcy. Partners Mark Smith and Greg Daniel have invested $1.7 million in the business and will shutter all remaining stores except for the 3 top-performing locations.

Greenleaf Nursery launches Gen X, Y program
Greenleaf Nursery in Park Hill, Okla., will introduce a marketing program this spring designed to appeal to Generation X and Y consumers. O₂: Planting for the Future targets busy families with school-age children. Program materials emphasize the importance of oxygen and its role in the ecosystem. Greenleaf will offer plant tags, banners and point-of-purchase materials supporting this initiative. The program is exclusively available to independent garden centers during its 1st year.

NYC hosts National Gardening Month festivities
New York City will host a public celebration of Nat'l. Gardening Month (April) on April 26 in Union Square Park, South Plaza. NYC Grows Garden Festival is a joint effort of Nat'l. Gardening Assoc. and NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation. The free event is sponsored by Target and will feature family-friendly activities and garden demonstrations. Program details will be available online in January.

View from a blog
• Electricity supplier Juice Energy named the top 10 sustainable retailers. Who made the list? Open Register.
• Do you love or loathe lawns? Garden Center assistant editor Sarah Martinez weighs in on the battle between the comfort lawns offer and the water challenges they present. Project: Green Industry.

Worth a visit
Retail consultant Bob Hendrickson says that if you anticipate poor sales, you'll probably get them. Only on GreenBeam.com.