MAYEVENTSCINCO dE MAYO Friday, May 5, 2017

MOTHER’S dAY Sunday, May 14, 2017

EMPlOYEE APPRECIATION dISCOUNT dAYS Enjoy 30% Off May 15-17, 2017

MEMORIAl dAY Monday, May 29, 2017 Stores Open Until 6 p.m.

ObSERVATIONSCustomer Service

by John Darin, President

May 2017

Our customer is your number one priority. We say this often, but what does it mean? Stop what you’re doing and take care of the customer.

Customers are ultimately the ones who pay your paycheck. No matter what task you’re doing, they are your number one priority.

Our customer service standards include:

- Always face customers

- No personal conversation with another associate or personal visitor when a customer is present

There are other important tasks in the store like re-merchandising and stocking shelves, but as you do your tasks keep your head up and alert and focus on customer service. Put a customers’ needs ahead of our own. Watch for the signals from customers that they need attention.

Keep in mind that our customers aren’t always in the store. A ringing phone is typically a customer looking for service and waiting in line for your attention. If you’re not currently with a customer, the ringing phone should take priority over anything you’re doing.

Customer follow up is equally important. Check your lost sales report. Are there products that have arrived and customers need to be called? It’s a potential sale.

May is our busiest month of the year, and we will have many customers asking questions and looking for assistance. Make sure you put

their needs first.

Remember to keep your business cards with you and hand them out whenever possible. It’s a great way to connect with your customer.

Have a great month!

Spring is here. What a wonderful time to get outside to walk, garden, meet new people or do anything to improve your health and lift your spirits.

Everyone close to me knows that my favorite thing to do outdoors is walk. I like to lift my face up to the sunshine and count the blessings of a new day and new opportunities. I enjoy looking at the beautiful flowers, and feeling the sun and wind against my skin.

Exercising outdoors gives me some quiet time to think about everything important to me. I think about the things I want to improve in my life, and everything I need to get done that day. Walking outdoors allows me to focus solely on the tasks in front of me without the interruption of the telephone, the Internet or other things that have become such a big part of our daily lives. Don’t get me wrong, the phone, the computers… they are important and they have a place, but they should not interfere with your

“me time.”

My “me time” is important, and it belongs to me alone. I work out strategies in my mind with every step I take. And when the ideas and thoughts start to come together faster in my head, I pick up the pace a little and start jogging.

So this season, I challenge you to get outdoors more often, and find an activity that you will enjoy and reap the benefits. Perhaps, that activity could be jogging, gardening, biking or just walking around your neighborhood getting to know your neighbors better.

No matter what you do, just remember that getting outside to exercise or enjoy the weather will benefit you in many, many ways.

- Love, love, love,

Florine Mark

wEllNESS CORNERENJOY THE GREAT OUTdOORS

SELL FOR SUCCESS: MAY 2017Prevent ShopliftingYour safety is far more valuable than any merchandise or money. When a shoplifting situation occurs, your safety is our first priority! Use composure when faced with an actual shoplifter or potentially violent, dangerous customer. Do not do anything that would endanger you or any other person in the store! Contact your Manager as soon as possible with a description of the person, item(s) taken, how item(s) were concealed (if applicable) and direction traveling. Never chase a shoplifter.

- Shoplifting happens when you least expect it, not just during busy times. It also occurs during slow periods because professional shoplifters know that is when Associates’ guards are down.

- Professional shoplifters not only steal the merchandise but will arrange the merchandise to conceal the theft.

- Beware of people who come in together and then break up, wear sunglasses indoors, have empty strollers or big coats. Watch for people who carry open handbags or large, empty shopping bags.

- If you have any reason to suspect someone, alert the Manager. Get an accurate description - height, weight, hair color, sex, age, etc. Get a car license number, if possible.

What Can You Do To Deter Shoplifters?

1. Stay alert while you work. Greet everyone who walks near you and

make direct eye contact to send the signal that you are alert. This alone will deter many shoplifters.

2. Keep your head up and your awareness high. Clever shoplifters anticipate your moves. They notice areas that are high risk blind spots, such as corners or behind pillars. It is easy for shoplifters to “palm” merchandise while you have your back turned.

3. Do not get so focused on projects or with one customer that you do not see what is going on with others around you. Professional teams will find creative ways to distract you while another one steals.

4. Walk different paths throughout your area so you can see all of the customers and observe their behavior. Be on the lookout for those customers who want your help and those who are acting suspicious.

5. Cover your area by greeting every customer who is within 10 feet of you. Good customer service is always the best way to prevent losses. If a customer is given continuous attention they are less likely to steal.

SAFETYIt’s Everyone’s Business

Use back-saving methods whenever there are things to be hoisted and handled. Before you bend down and give the old heave-ho, ask yourself some questions:

- What kind of load is it? How heavy? How awkward?

- Is it smart to get help? Can it be done with available mechanical equipment? Is it in a good position? Can I get close to it?

- Any protruding nails? Splinters? Oil? Grease? Moisture to make it slippery? Sharp edges? Do I need gloves or other protection?

- Where will I put the load? Is a spot cleared for it? Any stumbling blocks in my path?

- Can I walk with the load and see clearly where I’m going?

Here is how to spare your back

1. Footing is as important in lifting as it is in the batter’s box. Feet close to the object, far enough apart for good balance (about shoulder-width), one foot slightly ahead of the other seems best for many.

2. Bend knees; go down to a crouch, but not a full squat. It takes double the effort to straighten up from a full squat as it does from a crouch.

3. Keep back as straight as possible; do not arch your back.

4. Get a good, firm grip; no lifting until your hold is strong and slip-proof.

5. Lift object by straightening your legs, keeping the load close to you as you come up.

6 If you have to change directions, do not twist your body. Lift the object to carrying position, then turn your whole body by changing the position of your feet.

7. In setting the load down, go down with the back straight and the knees bent.

Beware when you have been away

Even if you are a seasoned lifter, remember that muscles quickly get out of shape so be extra careful those first few days back on the job.

lOOk bEFORE YOU lIFT

PROFESSIONAlS dOING ExTRAORdINARY wORkThe warm weather has finally arrived! Just like the stores, the Landscape Company is extremely busy this time of year. May and June are the busiest months as homeowners across Metro Detroit want their outdoor living spaces updated. We believe our team of talented designers and installers are the best in the region, and we ask that all associates pass this information on to store customers. We rely on you heavily to keep us busy through this time of year!Remember, your goal in discussing landscaping to a prospect is to determine whether they are interested in our services, or a “do-it-yourselfer.” If they are looking for someone to install their landscape, please help them fill out a lead sheet with as much detail as possible. If you have a tablet or have access to

a computer terminal, please fill out the lead request online through the English Gardens website. If you need to fill out the sheet on paper, remember to put your name on the form and fax it to the Landscape Company immediately! You also receive $5 for every lead that you fill out properly! We’ll then do our best to give them an excellent service, and you’ll get rewarded with a Spiff.

2017 Spiff Program:$1,000-$5,000 = $10 gift card$5,001-$25,000 = $20 gift card$25,001-$50,000 = $50 gift card$50,001 & Up = $100 gift cardPlease continue to ask your store representative any questions you may have, as we will continue to visit the stores on a weekly basis. As always, we appreciate all the help that the stores provide us with, and we greatly urge you to continue to talk to customers about our award-winning services!

GREETINGSfrom the Landscape Company

Established for Associates to report any activity that violates Company policy. Employee theft, fraud, and drug or alcohol use are examples of incidents that should be reported. Reports are handled anonymously and identity is protected.

THERE ARE THREE wAYS YOU CAN REPORT AN INCIDENT:1. Talk to a Manager or Supervisor.2. For Retail Store concerns call

John Darin directly at (248) 981-4002 e-mail jdarin@EnglishGardens.com call Human Resources at (313) 278-5244 e-mail ncook@EnglishGardens.com.

For Landscape Company concerns call Rick Vespa directly at (248) 842-7159 e-mail rvespa@EnglishGardens.com call Human Resources at (313) 278-5244 e-mail ncook@EnglishGardens.com.3. Provide a written description

of the violation and mail to: English Gardens Corporate Office Attention: Human Resources 22536 Ford Rd. Dearborn Heights, Mi 48127

ASSOCIATE wITNESS PROGRAM

Special thanks to Brittany Ross, A. Reimer, April Braden, Becky Menger, Bob Walker, Brandee Pritt, Brandon Opperthauser, Carol Grillo, Cynthia Kidd, Danielle, David Cooper, Debbie Mathews, Dena serrato, Donna, Doug W, Elizabeth Johnson, Emma, Gale Payne, Janet Killu, Jeff Stimetz, Jennifer Lau, Jill C, Jim Miller, Jim Welch, Jodi G, Karen Carducci, Kim Milewski, Laura Milliken, Lauren P, Lee Pierson, Lori Heiden, Maggie H, Melissa Morgan, Michelle W, Molly F, Nancy Bacinski, Nick Banks, Pat Birch, Paty, Paul Desrosiens, Paul graebert, Paul Souisby, Paula K, Racheal Macauley, Rebecca N, Rich B, Rosie F, Sally Miller, Sean Mathews, Shelley Sams, Sheron Glidden, Tally Hayes, Tracy Campbell, and Victoria Hart. They all have sent us a lead in 2017.

Ann Arbor 97%

Clinton Township 97%

Dearborn Heights 100%

Eastpointe 97%

Royal Oak 100%

West Bloomfield 100%

Landscape 100%

MARCH 2017

SECRET SHOPPER SCORES

MAnAgERs42 Debra Lowman, ACO26 Leigh Pierson, DB17 Ronald Dettloff, RO13 Jim Miller, CT10 Cheryl Miller, ACO

AssOCiATEs19 Andrew Donatiello, WB10 Cristin Barczewski, ACO9 Janet Killu, RO6 John McLean, LC4 Michael Proimos, RO3 Richard Kowalesky, RO3 Zachary Garsh, RO2 Juan Andrade, LC1 Daniel Marhoff, RO1 Dhameer Abdur-Rahmaan, RO1 Roseanne Fraga, DB

MANAGER & ASSOCIATE ANNIVERSARIES

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. The risk of heart disease increases as you age. You also are at greater risk if you have a close family member who had heart disease at an early age.

There are many things you can do reduce your chances of getting heart disease.

- Know your blood pressure and keep it under control

- Exercise regularly

- Don’t smoke

- Get tested for diabetes

- Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels

- Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables

- Maintain a healthy weight

Having high blood pressure makes you more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. But because high blood pressure doesn’t usually cause warning symptoms, you could be at risk without even knowing it. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional.

- The top number in the reading is called the systolic number; the lower number is the diastolic number.

- Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg for systolic pressure

FROM dEARbORN HEIGHTS – I was welcomed into the Dearborn Heights store by Rose F. She was so helpful to me with my purchase and she is very knowledgeable of her job. Rose F. is truly an asset to your store.

FROM ClINTON TwP. – I left money in a shopping bag and your staff found it, called me and told me I left it. Thank you Debbie M. and Ann R. Such an honest staff.

FROM EASTPOINTE – A wonderful visit for us amidst a wide power outage. Mary welcomed us to a store full of spring – a lovely site in itself! Courteous, smiling, welcoming, a real treat!

FROM wEST blOOMFIEld – I wish you had more selections in red pots, benches, etc. Steve B. was a great help, directing me to products, helping get the products, taking them to register and putting them in my car. Awesome help.

THEY TOld US!from our Customers

Benefits Corner for EMPlOYEESHEART dISEASE/HIGH blOOd PRESSURE – kNOw YOUR NUMbERS

and a diastolic level of less than 80mmHg.

- Pre-hypertension is a systolic of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic of 80 to 89 mmHg.

- High blood pressure is a systolic of 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic of 90 mmHg or higher.

Though some people need medication to control high blood pressure, the first steps are often healthy lifestyle changes, like eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting down on salt, unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Increasing exercise and limiting alcohol will also help. To safeguard your health, make sure you know your numbers.

Visit www.bcbsm.com for additional health topics.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Youngquest to Vice President of Marketing effective April 7. Jennifer has been with

English Gardens since July 1992 and oversees all the marketing, advertising and public relations activities. Congratulations Jennifer!

CONGRATS!

Jennifer Younquest Vice President of Marketing