It may be always greener somewhere else, unless you run Hicks Nurseries. Stephen Hicks, president of Hicks Nurseries, runs one of the region’s best-known, longest-lasting family businesses. At their store in Westbury, you can find a huge selection of plants, pottery, outdoor furniture, seasonal decor, artificial Christmas trees (when ‘tis the season) and much more. You can also shop online at their curated selection of Hicks Essentials and get curbside pickup or local delivery.
Is Hicks a family business?
Yes, Hicks Nurseries is a sixth-generation family business that was established in 1853.
Who from the family is involved today? How?
Stephen Hicks is president and Karen Hicks Courts is director of human resources.
How does being a family business affect the company and the customers?
Many of our staff members have been with the company for decades and that translates into a feeling of family.
Have customers stayed with the company for a long time?
Additionally, many of our customers have been shopping with us since they were first brought here as children and now they are bringing their kids and grandkids back as well. We’re very proud to be the garden center of choice for multiple generations of Long Island families.
How important is Hicks’ history?
One of the trickiest professional accomplishments is to successfully transfer a family business from one generation to the next. Very few small businesses make this transition past one generation. Hicks Nurseries has overcome many obstacles and has been able to not only survive but thrive as an industry leader and vital part of the Long Island gardening and landscape community.
Is Hicksville named for the same person/family who started the company?
No, it is not.
How has the business changed over the years?
Our business philosophy has remained the same for six generations with a focus on the highest level of products and services for our community. We continue to be innovative and adjust our offerings to stay relevant and meet the changing needs of our customers.
What’s new there?
We continue to refocus as needed to meet the growing and changing needs of our customers.
Can you tell me how you’ve been doing that?
Our redesigned display gardens, designed and installed by our landscape design team, allow customers to envision the look in their own landscapes, taking the guesswork out of selecting trees, shrubs, and perennials.
What have you been doing with the web?
Shop.HicksNurseries.com, our online store, continues to grow, offering a curated collection of houseplants, trees, shrubs, perennials, patio furniture, pottery, tools, and garden care needs.
What’s in store for the future?
Next year [2023] is our 170th anniversary. We’re so proud to have come this far. We’ll have some new things to announce next year. Stay tuned!
For more business coverage visit longislandpress.com/category/business
Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.
