How to wrap a potted plant in a store?

Answer 1

They should have the sleeve type of wrapper that holds the pot when inserted. Failing this, ask for tissue paper or the kind of heavier paper meant for this, and tie a cord below the rim of the pot so it catches on that part. If this is a store that has none of the above, you'll need some gift wrap type of paper and tie as above. If this is a florist, this should be done for you.

Answer 2

At the florist we would lay the plant down on a piece of brown paper then roll it up, fold over the top and staple it shut. Paper is by far the best insulator; never use plastic.
Most florist, greenhouses will wrap your plant correctly for you. The crate stores, the biggies, shove them in plastic bags, pull one over the top and tell you 'Good Luck!'
Most of the crate stores receive huge shipments of plants from Florida and immediately put them out on the floor. Unfortunately, these plants are coming out of sunny warm Florida and have had no time to acclimate. Often they drop their leaves and look terrible within the first couple weeks after purchase.
Buyer beware.