By Alison Bour

Retailers who take the time to share their green knowledge with customers can set themselves apart from competitors which can increase customer loyalty. (Courtesy of Mike Garcia)

Research by National Gardening Association reveals that most homeowners want to live responsibly, but only about a third of them know how to institute environmentally sound garden practices. Retailers can set themselves apart from competitors by becoming experts on the subject of green gardening. Consider these ways to educate customers:

• Group native and drought-resistant plants in displays and provide educational signage.
• Create displays that group plants requiring heavy amounts of water separately from plants that are light water users. Use signage that explains how this saves water at home by preventing the light water using plants from being over watered.
• Highlight energy-efficient and water-saving products, such as pumps, rain barrels and smart sprayers, and display them together. Customers willing to buy one green product likely will buy another.
• Point out the exact savings a customer will enjoy by using a environmentally friendly product. This allows them to adequately compare price points. <HOME>