The Ties that Bind   Lawn & Garden Retailer April 2008   By Darhiana Mateo
By weaving a personal touch with a little creativity, some independent bookstores are spinning a tale of success, despite stiff competition from the Borders and Barnes & Nobles of the world. Listen up — it’s story time.
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The Bold and the Beautiful   Lawn & Garden Retailer March 2008   By Jasmina Radjevic
Before sustainability exploded, natural-beauty pioneer Origins was already blazing a trail to make its customers feel good about its Earth-friendly products.
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The Sky’s the Limit   Lawn & Garden Retailer February 2008   By Darhiana Mateo
Southwest Airlines soared from underdog to innovator by cultivating a unique culture, focusing on customer service and bringing something new (and affordable) to the table. With a few cues from the airline, you can take your business to new heights.
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A Simple Recipe for Success   Lawn & Garden Retailer January 2008   By Paige Worthy
On an expansive middle ground between do-it-yourselfers and ready-made connoisseurs, the do-some-of-it-for-me set is on the prowl, seeking more time-saving ways to get the satisfaction of a job well done. Dinner by Design is providing fuel for their quest.

From Beans to Beats   Lawn & Garden Retailer November 2007   By Meghan Boyer
Starbucks Coffee Co. wants to be known for more than premium coffee, which is why it launches new products, such as its music label, Hear Music. But do the fast growth and new ventures come at the expense of its core brand?

Personalizing The Experience   Lawn & Garden Retailer July 2007   By Meghan Boyer
Curves, the international fitness franchise for women, attributes much of its success to its community of loyal clients. Each one receives a personalized experience when she walks into a club.
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Choose To Differentiate   Lawn & Garden Retailer May 2007   By Meghan Boyer
Instead of competing in size with its competition, Caribou Coffee chooses to focus on product quality and customer service. Find out how this coffeehouse company deals with its own “big box” counterpart.
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Putting Employees First   Lawn & Garden Retailer March 2007   By Meghan Boyer
Costco Wholesale has built a reputation for consistently treating its employees well. Read on to find out what the company does for its employees and why it chooses to do so.
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Embrace An Inviting Space   Lawn & Garden Retailer February 2007   By Meghan Boyer
To many people, Borders is known as much for its store atmosphere as it is for its product selection. Understanding more about Borders’ philosophy when it comes to creating the right “feel” for its stores can help you understand the importance of creating ambience in your garden center.
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What Looks Good To You?   Lawn & Garden Retailer January 2007   By Meghan Boyer
Whatever a retailer is best known for — merchandising, customer service, atmosphere and more — certain stores stand out for their best practices. As a professional retailer, which ones do you admire? “Outside The Industry” will take a look at what some of these merchants are doing that you may want to try in your garden center.
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