This 'n' Data

Things are still sweet at Sugar Creek
From time to time over the past year, we’ve checked in with Jan and George Wallace, who opened Sugar Creek Garden Center in Fort Mill, S.C., during the past spring. Here’s the latest update as the Wallaces near the end of their first year serving gardeners in the Fort Mill area. (For an expanded look at the highs— and lows—they’ve encountered during year one, check out www.GardenCenterMagazine.com.)

GC: Can you give us a quick update on what’s going on at the store for the holidays?
Jan Wallace: We plan to host community events, including a fall festival, and a Christmas event with vignettes for family photos and may get a visit from some holiday friends ... elves? … reindeer?

GC: What has surprised you the most during the first year?
JW: How hard it was to actually get the construction of it finished. Also, how many well-established garden clubs and groups have been inviting us to work with them when our business is so new. Recently, we entered into an agreement with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to supply their retail store. It’s a great opportunity for both of us, and we are looking forward to working together to provide classes and events for the community.

GC: What has been the biggest challenge in 2010?
JW: Cash-flow management. There are many unexpected expenses in a new business. It was a long, hot summer, and we are delighted that fall is finally here and sales are starting to pick up.

GC: What new “bells and whistles” will Sugar Creek Garden Center have in 2011?
JW: We’ll bring in more gift lines, like gourmet foods and hammocks and outdoor living, and we’re also look into growing some of our own material. We are currently exploring the opportunity of a satellite store in a nearby town; we’d like to offer locally grown produce.