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Savings on Garden Preparations
Date: April 6, 2007
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

Spring is here and summer is rapidly approaching. Although many parts of
the country seem to still be feeling the grasp of winter, it is still a good time to put the
green thumb to work and get that yard and those plants ready for the coming warmer weather.

Every spring many of us seem to find ourselves in one of the garden or
home centers looking for potting soil, those spring flowers or a new pair of gloves. Most of
us probably visit one of the large home center chains because they seem to have everything
you need at reasonable prices, but they probably do not offer a senior discount and if you
have questions, you may have to wait to speak to someone.

We at SeniorDiscounts suggest going to one of the local garden or home
centers. Many local and regional stores provide discounts for older customers and with these
discounts the prices can be comparable to those of larger chains. Smaller stores also rely on
their attention to customer’s needs in order to compete with the larger stores. This translates
to a staff that is generally more available and knowledgeable for your gardening questions.

While Ace Hardware stores may seem like a large retail chain, most of the
stores are owned by local business people as franchises. This translates to many of the Ace
Hardware locations across the country offering a discount to their mature customers. While
they may not have everything a large retailer has, one can find most everything you would need
for the garden.

Senior discounts at the local stores and at Ace Hardware stores are typically
10%, but could be higher. Garden center discounts are usually available to people 55 years of age
and older while home improvement centers may start at 60 or 62 years of age. It is also common for
these discounts to only be available on certain days of the week, usually a Tuesday or Wednesday.

It is always a good idea to call your local home or garden center to inquire
about its discounts policy ahead of time. Most of these stores will not advertise the discount
in the store or on its web site, but its staff should be able to tell you if one is available over
the phone.

There is one large chain that does currently offer a senior discount, Home Depot.
AARP members can receive a 4% discount on gift cards purchased online through the AARP web site only.
Visit the AARP web site for more details.

Next week we will discuss senior discounts available on yard and tool maintenance
as well as discounts available on tool rentals.

If you know of a garden or home center discount, let us and other seniors know about it, click here.

© SeniorDiscounts

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