Urban Outfitters acquires Pennsylvania garden center

Urban Outfitters launched its long-anticipated garden retail venture this spring by acquiring J. Franklin Styer Nurseries, just east of Chadds Ford, Pa. The nursery already carries a full line of plants, garden goods and accessories. The site also has a garden cafe and provides landscape services.

According to Urban Outfitters, the goal of its fourth retail brand, dubbed Terrain, is “to transform the local garden center into an experience that celebrates the beauty and abundance of nature while offering an eclectic mix of garden-inspired products tailored for the contemporary customer.”

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the previous owner, Bill Simeral, will stay on board to run the company’s landscape and design division. Urban Outfitters plans to expand the Terrain concept to other communities by purchasing existing garden centers, rather than building from the ground up.

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For more: Urban Outfitters, (215) 454-5500; www.urbanoutfittersinc.com.

April 2008