Welcome to the October issue round-up of Garden Centre Retail

News Centre: A round-up of news from the industry

News Extra: Garden Centre Retail reports from Four Oaks Trade Show which took place in late September

FutureLines: A brand new event for the garden retail industry, coming to you in spring 2015.

Association News: The Garden Centre Association and Horticultural Trades Association share more of their thoughts on what’s going on this year.

Business Tips: Andrew Sanders offers advice on the option of biomass heating; Jeremy Davies interviews a potential shoplifter to provide an insight into the thief’s mind-set; are you selling and displaying your seeds properly, asks Liz Dobbs; and Edwin Meijer looks at getting started on your web shop.

Opinions: Kevin Waters looks at why it’s so important to maintain top quality and go above and beyond expectations; and Jane Perrone talks about how recommendations from famous gardeners might affect your sales.

View From The Top: This month Garden Centre Retail spoke to Guy Topping of Barton Grange in Preston, Lancashire, which won Destination Garden Centre of the Year at the 2014 GCA Awards.

Store Design: Paul Playdell looks at plant retailing, and making it easier for the customer.

Plant Focus: Lucy Summers looks into the beauty of autumnal plants, and enticing customers with slightly more obscure choices

Point of Sale: Debra Jamieson of UK POS explains why using point of sale can be so useful

Christmas Rush: Garden Centre Retail asked a selection of industry professionals to share their advice and experience on preparing for the Christmas rush

Product News: A roundup of products from this month in the industry

What to see- GroSouth: A selection of companies exhibiting at the show next month

Award Winning Products: Nine products have been announced as winners, chosen by an expert panel of judges

Category Review: Geoff Hodge looks at garden furniture as the memory of summer fades it is the perfect time to consider your furniture plans for 2015

Garden products: A selection of latest products from the garden furniture market

Compost: Latest products available for your store

Giftware: An eclectic mix of interesting products suitable to sell as giftware

Trading With: Garden Centre Retail spoke to Justin Williams from Nordic Garden Buildings

Creating a Competitive Edge with Recruitment: Martin Gibbons explains that investing in staff gives you a competitive advantage that can’t be copied easily

Investing in the future of your business: Staff are an investment so prospective employees need to be screened thoroughly, says Rachel Taylor

Recruiting with: Peter Burks, General Manager of Trelawney Garden Leisure

Staff room: Three little interviews from industry personalities