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 August 12-13, 2025 | Rosemont, Illinois

Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Future of Retail

High inflation is driving up the cost of just about everything, and cheap big-box stores are thriving as customers tighten their belts. But a recent survey by INSTORE Magazine shows that there’s reason for independent retailers to be optimistic.

Right now, the future might bleak for retail. High inflation is driving up the cost of just about everything, and cheap big-box stores are thriving as customers tighten their belts. But a recent survey by INSTORE Magazine shows that there’s reason for independent retailers to be optimistic. While their survey covers only the independent jewelry retail sector, the responses demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and passion of all independent retailers. Their optimism says something to all of us, especially independent garden centers.

The prevailing sentiment is that independent retailers can offer consumers something they can’t get at bigger chains: a personal, and personalized, experience. And the good thing for us is that this is something consumers truly desire in a world that is becoming increasingly impersonal. The staff at an independent garden center is going to be more passionate, more personable, and more knowledgeable than the staff of a big box store, and the relationships that great service forge can last a lifetime.

Gen Z gives us a lot to be optimistic about, too. These consumers have taken an interest in ethically sourced jewelry. They’ve given that industry a boost just as they have ours, and their purchasing power will only continue to grow. These are the same consumers choosing independent garden centers as they learn to grow their own food, care for houseplants, and create environmentally friendly landscaping. Gen Z and Millennial consumers also place importance on supporting local businesses and shopping at places where they feel valued.

So there’s a lot going well for independent retailers right now. As long as consumers value personalization, service, expertise, and community, there will be a place for independent garden centers. You can read all of the quotes from independent jewelers here [link: https://instoremag.com/heres-why-big-survey-respondents-feel-optimistic-about-the-future-of-the-independent-jeweler/].