Brand Conflict

Many of today’s Independent Garden Centers believe offering a branded line of trees is in conflict with their own brand or store brand. This could not be further from the truth.

Our society is a “brand” society. Everything we purchase is branded in some way and every purchasing choice we make is directed and influenced by branding, all of us, everyday, every choice!

A tree is just a tree until your brand, or our brands together, are placed on the tree! How can your customer make a choice without the effect of branding? Their decision to visit your garden center was driven by your store brand. Their next decisions, as well, will be driven by your brand, and the trust you and your reputation have gained through the years.

Many Garden Centers have developed a brand without a conscious effort to do so and more and more so everyday. Garden Centers are investing heavily in their brands because they have realized this is where the battle lies with margin and market share, and they can drive purchasing decisions using the branding tool.

Investing in your brand requires more than just dollars; all elements of your Garden Center can affect your store brand positively or negatively, and attention must be given to these controllable factors. Simple things like cleanliness, organization, services, staff, bathrooms, and parking lots, all take part in brand development. Brands are made up of numerous details that require constant management.

The products you offer will support, build up and protect your store brand, or will do the opposite. The Pennsylvania Pride Brand of Trees not only serves to support your brand, but does in fact build up your store brand. There is no conflict; there is only a mutually beneficial relationship between the brands.

Only Independent Garden Centers carry our brand. Unlike other brands found in the box stores, Pennsylvania Pride allows for REAL product differentiation.

The time for Branding Trees has come. The time for our industry to compete and merchandise at levels our customers have become accustomed to is here. We must improve our margins together for survival.

top