Bedford Flower Shop News
Are florists open in Tier 4 in England? - Heart
Sunday, January 17, 2021England?Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings;London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London); andthe East of England (Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring). You can find the information via postcode on https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictionsAre florists open in Tier 1, 2 and 3? Yes, florists can remain open in the other three tiers in England, along with all the other non-essential shops. Now Read: What shops, businesses and venues are open in Tier 4?... https://www.heart.co.uk/news/florists-open-tier-4-england/
New Hampshire florists see demand bloom despite event cancellations - New Hampshire Business Review
Wednesday, December 02, 2020Orde, “and [the spike] illustrates that consumer demand is strong for regionally-grown flowers.”Despite the lack of special events, Bob Cote of wholesaler Baystate Farm Direct Flowers in Bedford says business has been brisk. However, the continued postponement of large gatherings for funerals and nuptials is not hardy news for florists powering through less than ideal conditions. “Weddings are our bread and butter for the summer,” Cote said.Floral shops, like other retailers, are adjusting their operations to address customers’ hesitancy to browse in their aisles. In addition to offering delivery and curbside pickup, Hewson encourages people to visit her open-air greenhouse where she transferred many of her ancillary gift items. She also posted that same inventory on a revamped website.“We’re still using that [the greenhouse and the website] for people who don’t feel comfortable coming into the store,” she said. “Being inventive is what got us through.”Catalysts for compassion‘We have been crazy, crazy, crazy’ busy, says Shirley Wrenn of Shirley’s Flowers and Sweets in Nashua, who recently added a third vehicle to keep up with demand for flowers. (Photo by Sheryl Rich-Kern)Community well-wishers also helped merchants withstand the pandemic’s aftermath. One customer started what Hewson calls a “flower chain.”In April, Maryanne Jackson of North Conway purchased 20 table-sized bouquets of friezes, roses and greenery from Hewson with a note wishing people “joy and color,” asking them to support small businesses and consider paying forward the gift. Many of the recipients heeded the suggestion and called Hewson’s shop for more orders.“It was a real Easter bunny, Christmas elf, tooth fairy kind of opportunity for us,” said Jackson.That investment of kindness restored the dreariness of March, generating enough revenues to maintain Hewson’s cash flow.With the Mother’s Day rush behind them, florists are mixed on what the future will hold.Pandemics don’t have silver linings, but they’re catalysts for compassion. Aimee Godbout of the family-owned Jacques Flowers in Manchester, said she expects sales to drop off during summer, but she’s seen an uptick in customers placing orders outside of special occasions.“There’s the everyday ‘I miss you,’” as people choose flowers for parents they’re unable to visit, a neighbor who can’t get out of the house or the local nursing staff, she said.“Right now there’s a lot of ugliness happening in the world,” said Godbout. Working at a flower shop provides contrast. “Every time you pick up the phone, it’s someone calling to be nice.”Wrenn, of Shirley’s Flowers, has noticed that requests are grander and more intricate. Instead of ordering simple bouquets to honor birthdays, customers want floral cakes dotted with lavender blooms and candles. Or they request novelties: flower arrangements designed to resemble mermaids, unicorns or cats.Meanwhile, proms and graduations are canceled. Godbout said her company normally sets up the stages to honor these milestones, but “all that business is gone.”Offsetting a potential summer slump is Godbout’s garden shop. Springtime has pollinated a kinship for plants and with people spending more time at home, even those without a green thumb are taking up the horticulture hobby to cultivate a backyard escape.In the last week or so, Godbout has arranged phone or video consulta... https://www.nhbr.com/new-hampshire-florists-see-demand-bloom-despite-event-cancelations/
Where to have a small wedding in Westchester, Rockland - The Journal News
Monday, August 24, 2020Additional food items are served from long pizza trays from six feet away, including a caviar course. Book it: 630 Bedford Road, 914-366-9606 ext. 236, bluehillfarm.comKanopi Events, White Plains The Ritz-Carlton may be closed but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the view from the 42nd floor. Kanopi, the fine dining restaurant and event venue led by Chef Anthony Gonçalves, is still operational and helping couples plan their dream-come-true wedding, provided it’s 50 people or less. With multiple rooms, all with breathtaking views, there's plenty of space for a ceremony in one room, a cocktail reception in the next, or a sit-down dinner in another. Gonçalves, who's known for seasonal Hudson Valley cuisine with a nod to his Portuguese roots, is happy to customize offerings to accommodate your food preferences. He and his team can also help with music, flowers and more.In addition, they've taken great care to make sure everything adheres to strict safety regulations. Upon entry, guests are vetted with a series of health questions and led to an elevator that takes them direct to the event space. In addition, there's a three-person "clean team" that disinfects surfaces constantly. Though they prefer two weeks notice, these unusual times mean they will try their best to help in any way under any time frame. The hotel, it should be noted, is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, as part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.Book it: 1 Renaissance Square, 914-761-4242, kanopievents.comMonteverde at Oldstone, CortlandtThe weddings staff at this 18th century estate has always been about personalization, and that hasn't changed. Their new four-hour "micro weddings" include a reception either on the outdoor stone patio, terrace or in the historic mansion, along with the option of hosting your reception in one of their permanent tented pavilions overlooking the Hudson River. Part of the package also includes a three-course meal. In addition, you can also rent one of the seven standard guest rooms and/or their two suites. As per the new state guidelines, there is, however, no dancing, food/liquor must be served while guests are seated, tables must be socially distanced and guests are required to wear masks when not seated. Book it: 28 Bear Mountain Bridge Road, 914-737-6555, monteverdeatoldstone.comNed Kelly & Co., PiermontNed Kelly has been helping couples celebrate their nuptials for more than 25 years, ... https://www.lohud.com/story/life/2020/07/29/coronavirus-changes-wedding-plans-places-readjust-your-nuptials/5449704002/
After 73 years, this could be Stagemeyer Flower Shop's last Valentine's Day rush - York Daily Record
Sunday, February 09, 2020Hinson has been a florist for nearly 50 years — a fitting occupation considering her maiden name was Rose. She began her career in high school at Doyle's Flower Shop in Bedford. It was around the same time she met her husband, Dan. "We were high school sweethearts, and it went from there," she said. In 1976, the pair left their hometown and made haste toward York. "My brother was living in York at the time, and he convinced me there were a few more opportunities for work out here," Dan said. Karen got a florist job at Stagemyer Flower Shop in December of that year. Dan picked up work at Miller's Auto Supply in West York. In June of 1977, they purchased the business from Charlotte and Claire Stough. Charlotte's father opened the flower shop in the first floor of their row home in 1947. "I had no idea what I was getting into," Dan said. At any given moment, Stagemyers has about 75 varieties of flora. Simple bouquets such as a dozen cuenca roses may take Karen about five minutes to design. Larger, more intricate arrangements could take upwards of 25 minutes. "It's a physical job, and it is a lost art, but it is an art," Karen said. Come Valentine's Day, the store will be filled to the brim with nearly 5,000 roses, dozens of arrangements, and you can expect a line out the door come Friday, Dan said. "It is the absolute biggest day we have," he said. "There are three or four guys that come in every year — it's like a reunion." ... https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2020/02/06/stagemyers-flower-shop-york-could-final-valentines-rush/4655589002/
How a Calvin Klein designer started his own floral design business - Los Angeles Times - Los Angeles Times
Tuesday, July 23, 2019Kabigting is relaying the story of his trip from inside his Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment, where he lives with Kasai and their puppy. The building is on a historic row of Greystones, and most of his home’s interior is more or less preserved from its original construction — there’s a French door frame separating the living room from the kitchen and a small nook with a stained glass window. Upon his dining room table: a spread of galvanized canisters and glass vases holding red rose buds, honeysuckle berries and flowers from a Ginkgo tree located right outside his house. He grabs a sprig of this, a handful of that, and sits at his coffee table to put together an arrangement. The stone base — which he says he picked up at Calvin Klein — has a small tool called a kenzan inside, used to hold the branches and stems in place. Snipping off ends, he places the Ginkgo flower next to some mushrooms he foraged while at a friend’s house upstate, and points to them. See? Conventional beauty — the flower — next to something a little more gnarly — an old mushroom. Asymmetry. Imperfection. Advertisement Kabigting got his start in the fashion business while living in Los Angeles in the early Aughts. He worked at BCBG for three years before making his move to New York in 2010. Once there, he bounced around, dabbling in marketing, working for a nonprofit, then Li & Fung and ultimately at Calvin Klein, where he designed handbags for the off-price division. He then worked for other brands, but was called back to work at Calvin Klein with the contemporary market. By that point, Raf Simons had come on board at the fashion house. Fernando Kabigting works on a window display.(Jillian Sollazzo / WWD) “Raf’s new direction was exciting, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Kabigting explains, adding that the company allowed its creative team and designers freedom in their day-to-day activities.“One day, my entire team might take a trip to [art museum] Dia:Beacon, and be inspired that way,” he says. “You coul... https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-wwd-calvin-klein-designer-flowers-20181218-story.html
JIMMY "HEY HONEY, HEY" ELAM | West Virginia | herald-dispatch.com - Huntington Herald Dispatch
Sunday, January 17, 2021JIMMY “HEY HONEY, HEY” ELAM, 56, of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va. He was born May 31, 1964, in Huntington, son of the late Donald and Judy Kay Corns Elam. In addition to his mother, Jimmy is survived by his older sisters, Kay Johnson and Paula Mays; baby sister, Lynette Kinser; aunt, Betty Parsons and her boys; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Jimmy worked as the Head Florist at Archer’s Flowers in Huntington, W.Va., and was a proud member of the LGBTQ community. There will be a Celebration of Life service scheduled at a later date. Henson & Kitchen Mortuary, Huntington, W.Va., is caring for the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com. https://www.herald-dispatch.com/obituaries/wv/jimmy-hey-honey-hey-elam/article_82249564-526a-5e44-8695-30c3e729d752.html
Highlands florist urges support for local shops as some take business to West Virginia - WSLS 10
Wednesday, December 02, 2020They partnered with a local bakery to deliver cupcakes with flowers, and they’re also shipping bouquets for the first time.The owner said people who are frustrated with Virginia’s mask requirement and pledging not to wear them while shopping are only hurting small businesses like 'mom and pop’ places.“We’re close to West Virginia and a lot people are just jumping over the border because it’s like nothing ever happened over there, and over here we’re still very restricted, but if you continue to take all of your business to West Virginia, then the businesses here are not going to be here when you come back,” said Erin Huffman, The Flower Center owner.Huffman said small businesses like The Flower Center are just doing what is required in Virginia. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2020/06/13/highlands-florist-urges-support-for-local-shops-as-some-take-business-to-west-virginia/
How this company saved thousands of flowers during the pandemic - Business Insider - Business Insider
Wednesday, October 28, 2020Lauren Anderson and Rachel Bridgwood held a drive-through flower event. Business Insider visited Sweet Root Village's pop-up flower market in Alexandria, Virginia, to see the other pivots the owners have implemented to keep their small business afloat.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Following is a transcipt of the video.Lauren Anderson: When people ask, like, "How are things going? How's the business, how are you?" Like, you know, your first thing is to be like,Rachel Bridgwood: "Fine!"Lauren Anderson: But then we're like, no.Rachel: We're bad.Lauren: Bad. Things are bad.Narrator: Lauren and Rachel run the flower design company Sweet Root Village in Alexandria, Virginia. At the beginning of 2020, they were expecting their most successful year yet.Lauren: It was our 10-year anniversary in business. We were at our highest booking level we had ever been for events. And literally within a week, it was gone.Narrator: Then COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders canceled weddings across the country and crippled the wedding industry. Lauren and Rachel lost 80% of their business and had to furlough their staff, including themselves.Lauren: We're like, congratulations to us. We made it 10 years...unemployment.Rachel: We're unemployed from our own business.Lauren: File for unemployment. This is our warehouse/studio workspace that we produce all of the flowers for weddings and events out of.Narrator: In a typical year, they work upwards of 100 events.Lauren: Some weekends we're employing, like, up to 100 people. We pull in big teams of people to work two, three,... https://www.businessinsider.com/how-va-wedding-florist-saved-thousands-flowers-during-pandemic-2020-10
ROUNDUP: JP Parker Flowers vacates Indy store, adds retail truck - Indianapolis Business Journal
Wednesday, October 28, 2020PUI campus. The restaurant is in the spot formerly occupied by Madd Greeks Mediterranean Grille, which closed in March after 3-1/2 years.The new Peppy Grill is associated with the Peppy Grill at 1004 Virginia Ave. in Fountain Square—it is not affiliated with Burt’s Peppy Grill at 3401 E. 10th St.— The Fudge Kettle plans to open its first brick-and-mortar retail space... https://www.ibj.com/blogs/property-lines/roundup-jp-parker-flowers-vacates-indy-store-adds-retail-truck