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42 July | 2021 not as trendy as they were a few years ago, these low-maintenance plants are still seen by consumers as a great entry into live plants" he notes. "Plus, some succulents, such as Echeveria, have something of a star/rosette shape that makes them fit in with holiday décor themes—and they make fabulous hostess gifts for holiday parties. In addition, there are a variety of ways for retailers to market and merchandise them, including presenting ideas for using them as living centerpieces and even vertically, as living wall art." Hancock also suggests that retailers look "outside the box," to other unusual plants that make affordable and delightful gifts and décor. "While they might not be for everyone, colorful tinted cacti, like Costa Farms' "Desert Gems" line, are also great items to stock for the holidays,' he suggests. "'Desert Gems' cacti have artificially colored spines, giving them a bold look, and they don't need to be put away after the holidays, so consumers can enjoy them all year long." While many floral retailers already market houseplants as holiday gift- giving and décor options, relying on the same products every year can limit excitement among consumers—and inhibit sales. Floral industry experts agree that retailers who offer modern alternatives, presented with creative marketing and merchandising, will find increased holiday sales in their own Christmas stockings. Merchandising Tips for Increased Holiday Houseplant Sales As a way to capitalize on the houseplant boom, retailers should utilize innovative merchandising techniques in their efforts to market houseplants ( foliage and flowering) as both viable and desired holiday gift items for houseplant-loving consumers. Here are four design and display ideas, courtesy of Marta Maria Garcia, retail director for Dümmen Orange North America. Color-block Merchandising: We suggest that retailers develop vignettes that have similar- color blooms and floral arrangements, creating a presentation that is clean and impactful. During the holiday, red is predominant, but we always suggest including other secondary colors that will definitely enhance consumers' shopping experiences. Some other color suggestions for the 2021 holiday season include white, silver, gold and blue. 'Tis the Season for Bling: The holidays are all about sparkle, and this gives retailers a great opportunity to add bling to their floral offerings. Consumers love added value, and we've seen great ideas done with poinsettias when retailers add decorative tinsel or glitter-dust spray. Also, foliage plants can benefit from the addition of decorative picks, to give them a holiday spin. Create Anticipation: Another great idea is to decorate a section of the store early on—as early as July or August—to give walk-in customers a preview of new holiday items and design ideas and to get them thinking of plants as holiday gifts (and your store and offerings, in particular). Don't Forget Your Digital Storefront: Consumer buying habits continue to shift to online purchases during the holiday season, so don't forget to update your digital storefront, as well. A retailer's online homepage should reflect the change in season, and all holiday offerings should be at the top of the shopping gallery. "Snomann" collection from LiveTrends Cacti from Costa Farms' "Desert Gems" collection Norfolk Island pine, Ficus and fern from Costa Farms

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