SKINNER NURSERIES SWITCHES TO DELIVERED-ONLY SALES IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA MARKETS

Jacksonville, FL - Skinner Nurseries, the leading supplier of green goods in the South, has announced its decision to switch its sales model in South Florida to delivered sales only, and cease carrying inventory and pick-up operations at its Villages, Tampa and Palm Beach locations.  The three branch closings will be effective April 28, 2008.

“The market conditions that exist in South Florida today and the near future weighed heavily on our decision.  We must adjust to the changing market, leverage our costs and provide a competitive solution for our customers.  We believe the closing of these branches and simply offering sourcing and delivery services are the appropriate actions at this time.  We will continue to compete in these markets with our Florida Direct sales team,” said Kevin Van Dyke, President.

The closings come on the heels of Skinner Nurseries opening four new branches in the Atlanta, Charleston, and Dallas markets earlier this year.

Skinner Nurseries now operates twenty-one strategically located distribution centers across the southern United States, and is one of the fastest growing suppliers of green goods in the Southeast.