Since the Covid19 pandemic, consumer habits have evolved, especially among younger people, with an increased interest in gardening and houseplants. Retail greenhouses in the United States have thus gained a central role in this development. Corenthin (Félix) Chassouant, greenhouse sales expert & agronomist (MSc), was active in the European and SE Asian market and is now in the new continent with Harnois Industries, a well-known North-American greenhouse manufacturer. “Having worked in different regions proved to be instrumental to better understand the greenhouse market differences between America, Asia, and Europe, as well as to see where future trends will be going,” he says.
Growing market in the USA
According to him, the flower industry will experience a generational change in the next few years in North America. “In the United States, a trend can already be observed in the garden centers near the big cities with a modernization of the structures and recent expansions,” he points out. “There will also be more competition to attract a growing number of (new) consumers.” To stand out from the competition, businesses will have to innovate and distinguish themselves from others.
European example
Félix says that “in France, for example, garden centers are quite popular, and large banner brands dominate the market. The customers go there to buy plants and pets and local and organic products, wine, beers, and above all, to live an experience. I remember when I was younger, these were my favorite stores by far!”
A unique greenhouse design to create a Landmark
We all know that a greenhouse is a cultivation tool providing protection and functionalities to monitor and control the climate. Yet, Félix thinks that a commercial greenhouse for retail usage has to be more than that. “The addition of a new greenhouse can be a real “game changer” for a business to attract new clients,” he points out. “Indeed, a bright and aesthetic structure maximizing the passive ventilation to get a perfect climate under the roof will encourage people to buy and come back. Nowadays, it is becoming more viral with the rise of social networks and the importance of a good appearance. You must be seen if you want to survive and evolve.”
Such a greenhouse structure, thus, would be more than just a mere retail front. Rather, it’s a full-fledged marketing and communication tool. “In the end, the greenhouse will be part of the business identity creating a real landmark for the store(s).”
Harnois offers a helping hand
Harnois has been designing and manufacturing quality steel structures for more than 50 years. “At Harnois Greenhouses, we analyze the need of our customers,” he says. “The company has strong experience providing solutions to garden centers in Canada and in the United States. On top of that, our engineering department can provide stamped drawing to the local authorities in most of the States, if needed. Our multiple retail greenhouse experiences allow us to have a personalized approach to understand your needs and design the optimal greenhouse for your plants and customers.”
For more information:
Harnois Industries
1044 rue Principale,
St-Thomas, Québec, Canada, J0K 3L0
(CA/US): 1-888-427-6647
Corenthin (Félix) Chassouant
Sales Director North-America
c.chassouant@harnois.com
www.harnois.com