March Trends Report 2020

In our green industry, trends in plants may be all the rage in our “hortie” world, but they seldom cross over as the biggest hype on the web. Do you remember when Lavender ‘Blue Spear’ went viral? Neither do I.

How do we as IGCs get in on all the fun when it comes to the latest rage? It’s simple; we just need to think outside the pot.

 

1. May the Forest be with you

The recent introduction of Baby Yoda nearly crashed the internet. People went gaga over this adorable green alien, and his cosmic influence is still going strong. He’s a “Force” to be reckoned with in memes, T-shirts, and recipes. Have you tried Baby Yoda deviled eggs yet? Yes, it’s a thing—Google it!

While we anxiously wait for the latest Yoda Chia Pet to be released (oh, it’s coming, we know it’s coming!); we can ride this trend with clever in-store and online marketing.

Try grouping plants with stellar influenced names into a display, or have some T-shirts made for the staff with ‘May the Forest be with you’. Get in on this hot trend now and shoot for the stars!

“Do, or Do Not. There is no Try.” – Yoda

2. Plants are like Pringles

You can never have just one! Plant parenting is more than a buzz phrase; people are into it big time. In case you didn’t know, Pothos is topping out as one of the most popular houseplants this year-to-date.

Embracing parenthood is intimidating, no matter what that child may be. Dogs, plants, and yes, human offspring all require special care and attention. When first-time plant parents walk into the store, what are you doing to help ease their anxieties?

Put together a ‘plant parent starter kit’ with all the things they’ll need to take care of their leafy bundle of joy. This kit can include soil, a moisture meter, fertilizer, and a little pamphlet of what to expect during the first year.

Once they feel confident that they didn’t kill their first green child, they will be back to add more plants to the family—over, and over, and over again.

3. Celery

I have no witty title for this one, sorry. Celery is about as exciting as eating grass. However, this stringy vegetable is creating an online buzz we should all be stalking!

Celery is being hailed for its fiber content, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s even the go-to green drink of Hollywood stars.

What I can say from experience is that it’s often hard to find celery starter packs when spring shoppers come looking. If you find a grower that has this available, make sure you stock up.

Pair this with cucumber plants (another trendy veggie) and sign it as the Ultimate Green Juice Combo to boost sales.

4. 90’s Nirvana

It might seem stupid and contagious to those of us born before ‘85, but the ’90s are back. Grunge clothes, hair scrunchies, and re-runs of Friends are super-hot right now.

How do we even touch on this trend in our garden centers?

When it comes to houseplants, try running with the ‘Plants are Friends’ theme. Signs stuck in pots that say, ‘I’ll be there for you’ and naming plants after the iconic characters in the show will get more than noticed by adoring fans. There are photo ops galore here, and chances are, your plants will end up on someone’s Instagram feed.

Besides, who wouldn’t want a ZZ plant named Phoebe?

5. Plant-Based Everything

If there was ever a time that we were going to be the trendiest industry on the planet, it’s right now! The marketing possibilities with this theme are virtually endless.

‘Plant-based’ is showing up on everything, from makeup to designer handbags. While other industries are scrambling to get on board, we can sit back and relax. Nailed it! We’ve already got the plants; we just need to work on our messaging. 

Have you heard of a ‘flexitarian’? It’s where you eat mostly plants but will cross over to the dark side and nibble on animal protein from time to time. Videos of pigs playing soccer and adorable hugging cows are all over social media. As a result, these cute images are affecting how we see our food. People are opting for fewer meat-based products and choosing more vegetarian fare.

Mean, lean, pea protein is a movement right now, so make sure you are working this angle in your edibles department. For indoors, houseplants can be marketed as compostable décor. I should mention, since we’re on the topic of compost, that there will be more interest in this than ever before. How can you capitalize on rotting plant waste? Host a DIY compost seminar!

With the search for Eco-Weddings up 237% on Pinterest, try promoting hanging baskets and containers as great options for waste-free wedding décor that can be repurposed post-reception.

 

Understanding what is trending right now is essential to keeping your marketing efforts fresh, regardless of which industry that trend may be in. Think creatively when you see something blowing up your Facebook feed and ask yourself, ‘How can I make this trend work for my business?’  

Search