Penn State Extension is looking for owners of agricultural businesses with retail space.

The extension will help provide a customer’s perspective, marketing and merchandising strategies, and customer service suggestions.

Subscribe to “Under the Ground” to better understand and enhance how the business appears in the eyes of the customer.

“Under the Ground” is an annual subscription-based service and network that provides businesses with a comprehensive picture of their retail storefront from the eyes of customers, peers and marketing specialists.

The 2020-2021 program will be providing businesses with engagement materials to gain customer insight into the operation.

Through direct observation as a secret shopper, participants will get to explore how different agricultural retail spaces are designed to enhance the customer experience.

In addition, for 2020, Penn State Extension will be providing tools to engage customers for their feedback.

Each business involved will receive quarterly newsletters and reports detailing feedback from both fellow business owners and industry experts.

During the year, receive access to a webinar tailored to participating businesses on consumer trends and discounted tickets to the Are You Crazy Retail Farm Market Bus Tour.

This program is open to all small agricultural businesses across the commonwealth.

Types of businesses welcome to subscribe include: winery, on-farm markets, coffee roaster, craft cidery, bakery, craft brewery, distillery, miller, creamery, garden centers, butchers/meat markets, specialty oils, craft candy, homemade soaps, florist, apiarist, maple syrup producer, herb producer, wool/yarn, and canned goods.

The program subscription runs May 1 to April 30, 2021.

Register by April 15 for an early bird discount at extension.psu.edu/under-the-ground or call 877-345-0691.

Contact Tanya Lamo at tel20@psu.edu or 717-334-6271 with any questions.