For the second year in a row, we dedicate our April issue to the “go green” movement and look at the ways you can become more environmentally friendly in your shop. We’ve put together a package of stories that highlight what florists are doing in their shops to reduce, reuse and recycle, and why in today’s economy the environment is still a priority with consumers.
From a marketing standpoint, making green changes to your business is half the battle – the other half is letting your customers know about them. This could mean coming up with a special sign or symbol to denote green products, sharing eco tips with customers, displaying a pamphlet at the cash register or posting your efforts on your website. You could also attract and solicit new ideas from your customers by enticing them to submit their own “go green” suggestions in exchange for a small discount or a free stem. Another option is to host a “go green” open house where you highlight all your eco products or set up a promotion to tie in with environmental holidays like the quickly approaching Earth Day or the first week of June, Canadian Environment Week. Seeking out other eco-minded businesses can help you form a green partnership or network to share ideas with and refer customers to.
If you want to push your shop into the spotlight, you could also approach the local media and tell them about your new green thumb. Imagine the attention you’ll attract after your local newspaper runs a story about the fact that you offer an exchange program with your vases or you compost wilted bouquets (both services offered by this month’s Top Shop, In Bloom Floral Boutique, featured on page 10). If you’re looking to become news, there are things to keep in mind when pitching stories to busy journalists. The Globe and Mail recently ran an article entitled “Getting a media hit” with tips for catching the media’s eye. Click here for a link to the story.
Going green in your business and promoting your efforts can help your shop profit in a number ways. It can make you and your employees feel like you’re doing your part to help the environment. It can cut your costs, save you money on your water and hydro bills and entice customers to choose your business over others. Best of all, the extra work will pay off. In Bloom Floral Boutique has reaped the benefits of its environmental initiatives and co-owner Kelly Darwin reports that sales continue to increase as word spreads about the eco-friendly florist and new customers make their way into the shop.
So get out there and start implementing the eco ideas you’ll find in this issue. Visit our website or e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
to share your own green practices with readers.
|
