• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, February 1, 2022

Scotts Miracle-Gro knows that millions of people are sick of the pandemic, winter and staying indoors. So the company aims to bribe Punxsutawney Phil, hoping the famous groundhog will do his best to end what’s feeling like an infinite winter.

Miracle-Gro dispatched a squirrel squad to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, hoping to pressure Phil, using a series of newspaper and radio ads including in the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper, as well as yard signs and mobile billboards.

Based in Marysville, Ohio, the company says that if Phil complies and delivers an early-spring forecast, it will donate $10,000 to turn his Gobbler’s Knob home into “a groundhog oasis.”

And if Phil, who can weigh anywhere from 11 to 17 pounds, depending on the time of year, doesn’t play ball? The company says it will offer everyone else a one-day deal, knocking 22% off orders over $99.

Part of the problem may be that money isn’t the kind of carrot that motivates Phil. He eats actual carrots, and in exchange for living life under Plexiglass, he gets them all for free. He even has his own bus for guest appearances. (No word on whether wife, Phyliss, likes to tag along on road trips.)

A longer spring would be suitable for business and come at a welcome time.

The company just released results for the first fiscal quarter, reporting a 24% decline in sales, with revenues falling to $566 million. While sales in its U.S. consumer division declined 16% to $342.4 million, it says it is encouraged by improvements in profitability and trends in bigger stores.

“Consumer purchases at our largest retail partners increased 3% in units for the quarter and 9% in dollars, against 40% growth for each measure a year ago,” it says. “The continued level of consumer and retailer support leaves us optimistic about the strength of the segment as we prepare for the upcoming lawn and garden season.”