Smith & Hawken Opens Newest Store in the Woodlands, TX; Garden-Lifestyle Retailer Throws Grand Opening Event October 23 to Celebrate New Retail Location

Business Wire, Sept 24, 2004

NOVATO, Calif. -- Smith & Hawken, premier garden lifestyle retailer, announces the opening of its newest specialty store at Market Street at the Woodlands located in Woodlands, TX, on September 29, 2004. This is the fifth Smith & Hawken retail location in the state of Texas, and the second within the greater Houston area.

After the September 29 opening, Smith & Hawken will hold a grand opening celebration on October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The celebration will include the chance to win a Giverny(R) Premium Teak(TM) garden bench (retail value $799.00), and the first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a complimentary issue of Garden Design Magazine.

"As a purveyor of high quality garden and home products, we are expanding our business to better reach those customers who are seeking out quality garden furniture and tools," said Smith & Hawken CEO Barry Gilbert. "Although we have a catalog that reaches millions, sometimes people just want to see and touch the product first-hand. We are pleased our new store in the Market Street project will now offer that convenience to more of our customers in the north Houston area."

This is the company's 58th retail location and the second new store to open in 2004. Additional specialty stores are slated to open across the country this year, in tune with Smith & Hawken's growth strategy.

About Smith & Hawken, Ltd.

Smith & Hawken is the leading American marketer of garden inspired products including Premium Teak(TM) furniture, Heirloom Tools(TM) collection, garden structure and containers. Smith & Hawken's reputation of uncompromising quality has been consistently developed across an expanding number of products including Avignon(TM) dining and lounging furniture, Eden Park(R) garden structure and Hamilton Landing(TM) containers. Smith & Hawken(R) products are sold across the country through 57 Smith & Hawken(R) stores, its catalog and Internet site as well as select, high end independent garden centers.