A fresh design

At Garden Center magazine, our purpose is scrolled on our cover each month: Serving leading independent garden center retailers in North America. We strive to give owners and operators ideas to improve their businesses, and we share the innovations and good work of IGCs and industry experts. I don’t need to tell you that during the past 10 years, the industry has had to adapt to an enormous amount of weather, technological and societal changes. IGCs have had to modify their businesses to serve customers in new ways. The focus is not just on products and services, but the experience, and yet it’s also necessary to be visible and accessible online.

The same is true of media. As you read in November, here at Garden Center magazine, we recently revamped our website to make it easier for readers to find relevant news and information, and also access digital editions of our current and past issues. Our websites and magazines are also optimized for mobile and tablet devices, so you catch up on the latest news conveniently.

KEN BLAZE

In addition to a digital refresh, we have also redesigned our magazine to improve your experience. We’ve implemented a clean, updated look and made changes to departments, or our “regulars,” as well. We no longer have a Market Buzz news section, because you can find the latest articles on our website, which we update every day. However, our new “Home Page” section reflects our online reach, as it includes a brief of some of the most popular and important stories and social media posts each month. You’ll also find new voices and experts. For example, Jean Seawright of Seawright & Associates will be updating us on the latest changes in human resources policies and laws that are essential for retailers to know. This month, you can find her overview of important legislation to watch for in 2016.We’ll continue providing inspiration from other industries in “The Suggestion Box,” with a focus on customer experience. This month, Simon T. Bailey reminds us of the importance of not customer service, but “customer luv.”

We hope you find that our changes help to improve your experience. I’d love to hear your feedback, both good and bad. Please send me an email and let me know what you think.

Michelle Simakis

msimakis@gie.net