Navigating the Garden Aisles: Big Box Stores vs. Independent Centers

Our survey explored the factors that influence gardeners’ choice between shopping at big box retailers and local, independent garden centers. The results shed light on the different priorities that guide these decisions:

For Big Box Retailers, convenience is a major driver:

• Combine with other shopping was the top reason, with 38.61% choosing this option often and 41.52% sometimes, reflecting the convenience of one-stop shopping.
• Price was also a significant factor, with 34.69% citing it often and 47.15% sometimes.
• Variety of Plants Available ranked third, with 31.43% often and 42.22% sometimes considering it important.
• Distance was a consideration for 34.26% often and 37.45% sometimes.
• Parking, while less critical, was still a factor for 21.61% often and 22.82% sometimes.

For Local Independent Garden Centers, quality and expertise stand out:

• Quality was the leading reason for shopping locally, with 27.67% often and 39.15% sometimes selecting it as the deciding factor.
• Customer Service was important for 19.98% often and 30.15% sometimes, highlighting the value of personalized assistance.
• Distance played a role for 34.26% often and 37.45% sometimes, mirroring the consideration for proximity seen in big box retailers.

While Price and Combine with other shopping drive visits to big box stores, Quality and Customer Service are key differentiators for local independent garden centers. This divide reflects the varying priorities of gardeners, where convenience and affordability are crucial at big box stores, while quality and personalized service drive loyalty to local centers.