Advice on a location for garden center

15 years ago

Hi,

I'm new here and had a question about locations. We are still in the planning stages of opening our garden center and have the option of either

A:

1 acre on a fairly busy boulevard. No chance of expansion because of a fun center with go-karts (which might be noisy) and another establishment on both sides.

B:

5 acres for the same price in a location about 5 minutes off the beaten path. It is surrounded by nature which also sort of fits our theme of serenity.

If your interested you can check out our site for Grand Island Serene Gardens:

http://www.grand-island-serene-gardens.com/

We are aiming to have a Japanese garden and interior type of niche with serenity as a general theme. We are also aiming to do a bit of online stuff (garden tools, cutlery, and pottery) as we are developing our own handmade products in Japan.

I was wondering your thoughts on locations. I know location is everything, but maybe a quieter location with focused PR to bring people there will be better for our concept? I'm sort of leaning toward the 5 acres but would like some input from others. The plus side of things is that there isn't really much competition around either location. Is it possible to have a successful garden center that is sort out of the way?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

nandina
15 years ago
Josh, here are some thoughts in answer to your question.

You are aware that a number of nurseries are going out of business in this economy. I am familiar with Grand Island and they are not making any more land there. Times change. The economic situation will improve and to own five acres which suit your business plan located within a five minute drive of the commercial area would be a good investment both now and in the future especially on that island.

It should be possible to drill a well and find good water. When I first knew Grand Island eons ago wells were the only water source.

Even if you never use all the land and allow part to go fallow it is still sitting there appreciating while you are setting up ideas and displays that will make your nursery a 'must visit' destination. There is much interest in contempletive and Japanese style gardens but few resources in your area to guide the interested customer. When a good, resourceful nursery opens word travels quickly. "They' will find you.
calliope
15 years ago
I'd also go with the five acre situation. I'm thinking that more rural locations often don't have as numerous zoning issues.
Related Professionals
Brunswick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Newport News Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Saginaw Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Syracuse Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · York Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rocky Mount Landscape Contractors · Houston Landscape Contractors · Bemidji Landscape Contractors · Albany Architects & Building Designers · Chambersburg Architects & Building Designers · Aurora Architects & Building Designers · Champaign Architects & Building Designers · Kirksville Architects & Building Designers · Altoona Architects & Building Designers · Williamsport Architects & Building Designers
Embothrium
15 years ago
"Japanese garden" etc. shows that you intend to build a destination nursery so the second site is definitely more suitable. Having to travel a short distance to get to it will not be a significant factor. A successful destination nursery has multiple attractions that draw people from over a large area.

Are you reading any trade publication articles on trends or any manuals on nursery operations? Maybe start by looking at web sites of nursery associations.
epoch
15 years ago
Everyone finds everything online these days. make sure you have listings online with all the local directories like google places.