Preserving what works—and investing in the future
“We continue to dig in to fully understand how best to stabilize the business, and we see a lot of opportunity for positive momentum,” said Gardens Alive CEO Felix Cooper.
The company will invest in Gardener’s Supply’s thriving retail garden centers, which include five high-performing stores across Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The seasonal Shelburne, Vt., store will close, according to the company, and associates will move into roles at permanent centers.
The Solar Energy Research and Construction facility (SERAC) in Georgia, Vt., will continue to manufacture the Vermont-made products Gardener’s Supply is known for. Gardens Alive says it recognizes the importance of this domestic production capability and is committed to preserving and promoting the people and innovation that has defined SERAC’s success.
Streamlining operations
To improve operational efficiency, Gardener’s Supply’s e-commerce distribution operations will be consolidated into Gardens Alive’s fulfillment center in Fairfield, Ohio. According to the company, the move will allow for more scalable logistics and faster shipping for customers, while freeing up resources to reinvest in marketing, merchandising and customer experience.
Gardens Alive says the company’s e-commerce division will also “undergo a thoughtful revitalization” but does not elaborate futher.
Community and vendor partnerships
“Gardens Alive is a family-owned, values-driven company that understands the impact Gardener’s Supply has on this community. We know the circumstances for this transition are challenging, and we are stepping in with purpose. We see the stewardship of this institution as an honor and a responsibility,” said Cooper.
The company says it will retain 100% of Gardener’s Supply associates across garden centers and manufacturing, and in the future will look to hire for other areas of the business.
Gardens Alive says the purchase also lays the foundation for continued, long-term vendor partnerships and that conversations with partners on how best to support them going forward are underway.
“Gardener’s Supply has built something truly meaningful—deep relationships with gardeners, a heritage of product innovation, and a strong community spirit,” said Kinerk. We believe in this company, in the people and in what it can be for the next generation of gardeners.”
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