Optimization of the Animal Department at Interflower in Lokeren, (Belgium) 2023

Garden Centers are not only places where people can find their gardening supplies but also products and care for their pets. A well-organized and attractive animal department is crucial to attract and retain customers. GardenCenterAdvice, a leading consultancy firm for garden centers, recently optimized the animal department of the well-known garden center Interflower in Lokeren, Belgium. In this article, we delve into the optimization process and the results achieved.

The Challenge

Interflower in Lokeren is a renowned garden center offering a wide range of products, including gardening supplies, plants, and pet supplies. The animal department of the garden center originally covered an area of 700 square meters, but it was in need of a thorough revision. The challenge was to optimize the animal department, making it not only more appealing to customers but also more efficient in presenting products.

GardenCenterAdvice's Approach

GardenCenterAdvice adopted a holistic approach to optimize Interflower's animal department. Here are the key steps taken:

Expansion of the Department: The first step was to expand the animal department to 700 square meters. A more spacious layout provided the opportunity to showcase a broader range of products and create a comfortable shopping environment for customers and their pets.
Visual Appeal: To enhance the attractiveness of the animal department, LED screens were introduced. These screens displayed images of various product categories, all created by a staff member at the location. This provided a visually appealing and informative experience for customers.
Segmentation of Product Categories: One of the core principles of optimization was clear segmentation of product categories. Instead of a random arrangement, specific areas were created for poultry (chickens), dogs, cats, rodents, and aquarium fish. This resulted in a structured and organized layout.
Efficient Shelf Planning: GardenCenterAdvice collaborated with suppliers like Gebroeders de Boon to develop tight shelf plans. This ensured that available space was utilized optimally and products were easy for customers to find.
Wide Range of Products: A broad and balanced assortment was introduced for poultry (chickens), dogs, cats, rodents, and aquarium fish. This allowed Interflower to provide customers with everything they needed for their pets.
3D Drawings and Construction Guidance: GardenCenterAdvice went a step further by creating 3D drawings of the proposed layout for the animal department. This gave Interflower a clear vision of how the department would look. Moreover, GardenCenterAdvice supervised the construction to ensure that everything went according to plan.
Supply of Shelves and Marketing Materials: To complete the optimization, GardenCenterAdvice also supplied the necessary shelves and marketing materials. This included displays, banners, and price tags to effectively showcase and promote the products.

Results of the Optimization

After the implementation of the optimization by GardenCenterAdvice, the results were remarkable. Interflower's animal department became an attractive and well-organized space where customers enjoyed spending their time. The sales of pet supplies increased significantly, positively impacting Interflower's revenue.

Customers were pleased with the improved shopping experience and the clear segmentation of products. The LED screens with beautiful photos captured attention and helped customers find what they were looking for. The wide range of products made Interflower a one-stop shop for pet owners.

Conclusion

GardenCenterAdvice successfully optimized the animal department of Interflower in Lokeren, Belgium. Through a combination of expansion, visual appeal, segmentation, efficient shelf planning, and a wide range of products, GardenCenterAdvice transformed the animal department into an attractive and profitable space. This project highlights the importance of well-thought-out and professionally executed optimization for garden centers looking to enhance their animal department.

If you are also considering optimizing your animal department and boosting sales, please contact GardenCenterAdvice for expert advice and guidance. Together, we can elevate your garden center to new heights.