Plant Pals #2 | Garden Centre Heroes

At the onset of COVID-19 retail members became the face of gardening and garden support for new and emerging gardeners in Australia. GIA, with support from Association Members rapidly sought to capitalise on the opportunity to support the independent retail supply channel which represents approximately 25% of the farm gate value of greenlife.

With the momentum behind the industry and phase one of the campaign complete GIA is looking forward to the next phase of the campaign which will focus on member retailers as Australia’s Garden Centre Heroes.

“GIA has invested in establishing infrastructure that supports members and promotes plants and gardens,” said CEO Peter Vaughan also acknowledging the work of the dedicated committee of industry representatives since March 2020 to deliver the Plant Pals initiative.

“Plant Pals is now a consumer brand of the association which is packed with potential and opportunity for members to take advantage of for years to come.

“The Board is very supportive of the next priority for Plant Pals which focuses on supporting retailers and building the online marketing capacity of members through an educational strategy delivered by public relations experts.

Phase two will focus on support for retail businesses through a retailer webinar and fortnightly educational e-updates. The next stage will support businesses to use the materials developed from phase one and provide tips and tricks to create their own Plant Pals content which matches individual business brands.

Excitingly, it will also see the launch of an Australian first, Garden Centre Heroes industry video scheduled to launch mid-September. While border restrictions will limit access for video production, members are assured the video will have a national feel.

Finally, Cox Inall Communications together with GIA are offering a professional communications package to interested retailers. The package includes a professionally written feature story tailored to businesses, prominent positioning on www.PlantPals.com.au, social amplification and broad marketing support at a significantly reduced cost. Available only to members, this service is packed with value and will be available for take-up before the end of August.

Until then, Member retailers are encouraged to continue using the Plant Pals social tiles online and infographics in innovative ways within their marketing mix, including as posters and in newsletters.

Members are also reminded that the website is open for new and exciting content. If you have any informative and useful garden tips for consumers including videos, podcasts or blogs, please send your suggestions to kobie.keenan@greenlifeindustry.com.au .

Plant Pals phase two will run from August to October 2020. Plant Pals is a member orientated initiative funded by Greenlife Industry Australia. The campaign is supported by Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT, Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland, Nursery & Garden Industry South Australia, Nursery & Garden Industry Tasmania, Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria, Nursery & Garden Industry Western Australia and Garden Centres of Australia.