Don't Miss This: A Glimpse Into The May Issue Of TGC

While I hope you'll read the May issue of Today's Garden Center cover to cover, I understand you have a thing or two going on this time of year and might be a little pressed for time. At any rate, here are just a few highlights I hope you'll have a chance to check out this month:

Chris and Kim Carter, owners of Nobles Greenhouse And Nursery in Live Oak, Fla., transformed their business with upgrades that helped shift their customer base, resulting in the ability to sell more high-end, profitable merchandise.

Chris and Kim are two very dynamic people with an inspirational story. And I'm not just saying that because my boss wrote the article. The Carters' philosophies on customer service are like a consumer's dream come true. I wish I could shop there!

In his story on marketing to women, freelance writer Ross Shafer poses the question, "Are you relevant to women?" I especially enjoyed some of Shafer's article subheads, like "Women Complain For A Reason" and "Offend Women And Die." He pretty much hits the nail on the head with his sidebar on "how to get into a woman's wallet," too, in which he advises retailers to think like a woman and behave like a woman, be emotional and avoid sucking up to women.

A garden center makeover can go far beyond a new logo and different company colors. Marketing consultant and TGC contributing writer Bob LaRue provides an update on the progress of Stauffers Of Kissel Hill's brand makeover, which began back in 2006. It's amazing what can happen to a business when a few people with a few good ideas put their heads together.