Cha-ching! (5-12)

A lot of businesses strive to provide a fun shopping experience. Hicks Nurseries Inc. in Westbury, N.Y., takes the process to rare -- and profitable -- levels via some of the better season-marking events found anywhere.

In the fall the garden center hosts its annual fall festival with “Otto the Ghost” animated adventures, hay rides, roasted corn, popcorn and several great picture-taking possibilities.Then Christmas at Hicks is celebrated with Santa Claus and a new holiday animated show each year.

The spring season begins with the annual Flower and Garden Show, providing customers with an opportunity to visit the center to see the latest ideas for the coming season. The two-week show includes many free seminars designed to give area gardeners a leg up on the spring season. In the summer activities include a "Cooking with Herbs" workshop and a tomato-growing contest, just to name a few.

The Hicks Nurseries management team clearly has figured out that customers love a chance to celebrate -- and the garden center provides many such chances throughout the year. Speaking of chances, chances are very good that these events contribute some significant "Cha-ching!"

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