NL: Plantion invests in attractive clock

The mediation agency showed a strong growth in the first half of the year, after the turnover also had already gone up sharply in 2016. Partly thanks to the improving housing market and the landscaping projects, the turnover of the green center also increased. The turnover from the digital sales-channel PDM were relatively modest with almost half a million euro, but grew spectacularly compared with the starting year 2016.

Turnover of the clock was slightly lower than in the same period last year. The clock first experienced a substantial disadvantage because of extreme weather conditions in production areas worldwide, which led to the scarcity in the market. Then added to this was the exceptionally hot month of June in the Netherlands. In the meantime, sales are on the rise again. Plantion is still aiming for a slight growth at the end of the year.

Plantion expects that the clock will recover, and bases this on a number of points. Firstly, Plantion has invested in the clock assortment over the past period. The supply managers continue to look for opportunities for widening and quality improvement of the offer, and the relationship managers continue to actively approach new buyers. Plantion will continue to focus in the coming years to a complete marketplace with an attractive auction clock. In its policy plan 2017-2020, the reinforcement of the clock is stated as goal, and Plantion even expresses the ambition to be the main florists clock of Western Europe by 2025.

Next to assortment enhancement, Plantion also invests in other ways in the clock. For example, in the near future, in collaboration with breeders, weekly novelties will come in front of the clock. In addition, Plantion is going to organize thematic activities that has to help the clock buyer to stay successful in a world that is increasingly digitizing. At the same time, Plantion is looking at possibilities to buy online with virtual techniques, making it easier but also more personal. In the future, remote buyers should imagine themselves as it were in the auction hall.

Besides Plantion takes into account a moderate appearance of clock buyers of the Westland, due to the announced closure of the florists clock Naaldwijk as of 1 October. For florists and other buyers, Ede can be a good alternative. With this, Plantion remains reserved. The closure will possibly be a reason for some florists to just buy exclusively online. In addition, aspects such as distance and culture may play a part. But for clock buyers, who are comfortable with the atmosphere and possibilities of Plantion, the door is open.