Greenhouses feel the pain from big box stores

From The Register Citizen: We are halfway through Big Sale weekend at Mack & Twain Farms, 1707 Torringford St., in Torrington. “We’ll stay open,’’ Carol Dauphinais said, “until we’re sold out, which may take us into Tuesday.’’

Dauphinais and her partner in the business, Pam Mackiewicz are finishing up their 12th year as proprietors of M & T. On Friday, when I stopped, the large greenhouse at the far end of the property was as empty. The second greenhouse was still fairly well stocked, but many items, such as tomatoes, that had been available since the first Saturday in April, were gone. (I was pleased that they still had a few pepper plants. I’ve always had good luck with M & T peppers.)

“We made it through another year,’’ Carol said. “But it gets tougher and tougher. There’s been a dramatic decrease.’’

Pam said, “The economy is one of the chief reasons that independent greenhouses have suffered. The other important factor is that all the large grocery stores now have floral departments, many very extensive. So do other outlets such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s.’’

They weren’t whining or complaining – merely stating the facts – but listening to these two women, who are trying to make a go of it in a very competitive business, makes one appreciate the state of affairs that small business people are dealing with. Mack & Twine cut every corner they could afford to cut without damaging the business. For the first time they hired no full or part-time help. “People have less and therefore, of course, spend less,’’ Carol said.

And they made it once again as the growing-selling season for the small greenhouses reaches its climax for the year.

Click here to continue reading.