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In the far North

Gardheimar, the biggest garden centre in Iceland, can be found in Reykjavik

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Owner Gisli Sigurdsson saw the fulfilment of his dream in 1999 in the form of an outlet with an overall retail area of approximately 8 500 m². The indoor area of the garden centre covers
2 500 m², and the outdoor area 5 000 m². In addition there is a storehouse and wholesale area of 1 100 m².
The Gardheimer garden centre is unique in Iceland so far.
Iceland’s location and the attendant limitations caused by the shortness of the summer had to be taken into consideration when the garden centre was being planned. It was clear from the start that the ambience would be up-market, with the focus on hard goods (quality ceramic, glass and gift articles). There is also a pet department with pet food and accessories. The actual garden range includes gardening equipment, a flower and plant market, planters, greenhouses for keen gardeners and bio-chemical products. So far the selection of garden furniture is relatively small, but this is to be further expanded in the future. Thought is also being given to extending the range in the pet department, which takes up about 100 m², by the addition of live animals. A new arts and crafts department has also been established.
The store displays an enticing boutique character.
In Iceland the winter lasts for a very long time. So how do you get customers to come to your garden centre? One way is through offering a range of hard goods that are in season all year round. But special promotions and exhibitions are also important, with themes that of course include Christmas and roses. Weddings are another example. Bridal gowns are presented here, together with the floral decorations that go with the occasion. Animals exert a special kind of attraction, especially on children, so it was decided to establish a dog and cat show. The focus of this event changes each time: one show might concentrate on finding homes for stray cats, for example, and another time visitors can admire fancy breeds of cat, or watch avalanche rescue dogs at work.
The store displays an enticing boutique character.
Stimulating ideas for the pond in your own garden.
So far Gardheimer is unique in Reykjavik, where approximately 70 per cent of the 280 000 inhabitants of Iceland live. The company’s only competition is developing from the DIY stores. The garden centre opens seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and employs a staff of 65, nine of whom have been specially trained in the horticultural sector.
A selection of power tools.
The outdoor area covers a whole 5 000…
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