This thirty day period, community plant shop and nursery Cofer’s Household and Back garden Showplace is celebrating 100 years of family members-oriented provider to the Athens community.
Established in 1922 by Hal Cofer Sr., the business began for the reason that Athens was originally a farm group and the economic system was booming in that field, claimed latest retail store owner Stuart Cofer. Cofer’s was to begin with positioned on South Lumpkin Road near the Georgia Theatre right before shifting to East Broad Street immediately after Hal Cofer Sr. acquired out his business husband or wife. Since then, the locale has transformed two instances but is now settled on Mitchell Bridge Road.
A back garden memorial sign swings in the wind at Cofer’s Household and Yard Showplace on March 25, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. This thirty day period, Cofer’s is celebrating its 100th anniversary. (Picture/Maddy Franklin)
Stuart Cofer is a portion of the 3rd era to take over the business. He thinks treating prospects by “the golden rule” is how Cofer’s has stayed in organization for a century.
“If you do not address the shopper proper, what is likely to materialize? The client is heading to leave and go to a competitor,” Cofer said.
Cofer recounted a condition in which a person impacted by a stroke walked by way of the door and could not communicate. Following creating down that he had a plant die last slide but did not have a receipt for it, Cofer continue to gave him retail store credit history.
“Any other corporate keep would say ‘no receipt, no product or service, no way.’ But, in a little family members company, you do what ever you can to retain the client delighted,” Cofer claimed.
The loved ones organization product is a neat one particular for shop manager of 4 years, Dean Nelson, who is from Minnesota and has labored for massive businesses and neighborhood organizations alike.
“There are not a lot of 100-calendar year-previous companies any place,” Nelson reported.”
Nelson also thinks dealing with the prospects suitable is a way to retain the business enterprise afloat and said “Shopping is an emotional working experience.”
Relatives memorabilia decorate the wall of Cofer’s Property and Backyard Showplace on March 25, 2022 in Athens, Ga. The keep is now operate by the family’s 3rd era. (Picture/Maddy Franklin)
There’s far more to Cofer’s longevity than just managing consumers appropriate, Cofer stated. Giving again to the community has been essential to the store’s success.
“[Locals] like to give back again to the companies that are living and breathe listed here,” Cofer mentioned. The shop donates to a lot of nonprofit businesses such as the American Cancer Modern society, Habitat for Humanity, Clarke Central Substantial University and the Athens Region Humane Society.
According to Loved ones Organization Alliance, only 3{f32667846e1257729eaaee80e922ba34a93c6414e9ad6261aff566c043b9e75d} of spouse and children-owned corporations make it to the fourth generation. Cofer’s will be a part of that small {f32667846e1257729eaaee80e922ba34a93c6414e9ad6261aff566c043b9e75d}. Stuart Cofer’s son, Stephen Cofer who is now a third 12 months at the College of Ga, will choose about for his father when the time will come.
A celebration is also underway for the centennial 12 months from March 25-27, found at Cofer’s with food stuff vehicles, radio stations, and reside new music.
