We are absolutely delighted to announce that at the annual GCA conference/awards last week (January 23rd 2019) we were awarded third place in the Destination Garden Centre category out of all the national finalists, making us the third best Plant Area to visit in the UK!
Coolings Managing Director, Gary Carvosso adds “
“For our plant area to be judged number three in the UK is very special. Our seasonal, colour themed displays that start from the front door of our shop and continue through our 5 acres of plant area have been enjoyed by our customers and now by the GCA. This award is testament to the continued hard work, passion and dedication of the entire Coolings team and it is a fantastic way to start 2019″.
Although the freezing weather at the start of 2018 meant our plant production got off to a slow start, it didn’t manage to deter us from growing the majority of our overall impressive range and quality of plants ourselves, here at our on-site nursery at Rushmore Hill. We enjoyed creative plant displays throughout every season last year. Our hard work didn’t go unnoticed by our customers and by the Garden Centre Association (GCA).
Back in spring 2018 Coolings, and the other GCA member garden centres received visits from GCA inspectors as part of a competition to inspire member garden centres (like us) to maintain best practice to our customers at all times within an inviting and attractive centre. We were judged on our excellent quality, presentation and overall range of plants available as well as the layout of our plant areas. Overall impression, access, use of demonstration areas were also looked at, as well as staff knowledge, customer care and service. Our hard work paid off as the Inspectors’ findings determined Coolings as one of the ten finalists!
As one of the ten finalists, Coolings proceeded to go through to the autumn competition where we were visited again by GCA judge, Michael Cole, in September 2018. He evaluated how well we continued to promote and display plants during the autumn season. Highlights from our autumn GCA inspector visit included 85% score for our Bedding plants and Seasonal displays and a whopping 95% score for our ‘WOW’ factor and Customer Service!
We are now delighted to announce that at annual GCA conference last month (January 2019) we were awarded third place (out of the ten finalists), in the Destination Garden Centre category, making us the third best Plant Area to visit in the UK!
