Poll: Can The Independent Garden Center Chain And Mass Merchandisers Coexist?

Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses recently introduced fairy garden containers, which will be sold through Walmart stores. Reader reaction to the story was mixed. Here’s a sampling: 

“I think it’s a great way to introduce ‘non gardeners’ to gardening, get them hooked on the hobby and then they will find their way to the IGCs.”
– Deb

“There goes the Fairy Garden market for the independent business man! What a shame.”
– Randy

“I agree with Randy.  I just implemented Fairy Garden classes at my greenhouse, and now Walmart and Engelmann are going to shoot me in the foot. What happened to supporting the local businesses?” 
– Donna

“I agree with Deb–this kind of exposure for this product can only help IGCs that produce fairy gardens. The introduction of this concept to the mass market can trigger a huge ripple effect for IGCs around the country. These are not the highly customized gardens you see in IGCs, however they are catchy. Walmart can never compete with IGCs as far as plant maintenance and display either.” 
– Michael

The conversation has been going on for years. So who’s right? Do the box stores begin consumers on their gardening journey, and then independents pick them up as customers later on? What do you think? 

<a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7013780/”>How do you feel about the relationship between mass merchandisers and the independent garden center chain?</a>