It was no hardship visiting the Flower Bar this past week. There was a happy and energetic air to this wonderful floral oasis located at 11 Addison Street, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538 (914) 834-4900. I met with Nancy White, the President and owner of The Flower Bar, and she shared some wonderful statistics and facts about her store, and the floral world.
Nancy empathized quality, that was prevalent throughout our interview. Nancy has ordered 1500 roses in preparation for Valentine’s Day, and while I was there, she took several orders . Of course, as would be expected, over half of the roses ordered are red. Nancy purchases a special rose called “Freedom”, which is ordered from only the very best nurseries in Ecuador. Special planes must be commissioned to bring the flowers into the country, and then they return empty which basically means the freight expense must be paid for both trips thus making those Valentine’s Day roses more expensive for all.
However, Nancy’s roses are chosen for their large heads, size and high petal count. While they are guaranteed to last for 5-7 days, if treated well, they have been known to last up to several weeks.
Pink roses are always popular as well, and Nancy likes a soft pink varietal called “Faith”, a typical pink called “Floyd” and a tropical pink called “Sweet Unique”.
Tulips are also popular, and with spring in my mind, I then asked what were the busiest times of the year in which purchases are made. Mother’s Day was Number One, followed by Valentine’s Day, and then Thanksgiving. I was surprised to hear that women are the largest purchases of flowers ( a subtle hint here to our male companions) . Weddings are more popular in the summer (no surprise), and of course flowers are always ordered for Christenings, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, and special occasions. Nancy also supplies local restaurants like Madison Kitchen to enhance their ambiance. The Flower Bar also supplies all of the flowers at Neiman Marcus in White Plains.
In trying to best serve her clientele, and based upon the many requests she has had, Nancy also features “Wine and Design Parties” for small groups of about 6-12 people where you can enjoy a glass of wine, some tasty nibbles and learn about the artistry of floral arrangement. Nancy has also extended that offering to children’s parties with the suggested age commencing between 8-10 years of age.
Another popular idea is the “Random Bouquet.” A seasonal hand-tied bouquet is sent to that special someone on a random day of the month for a year or more for just $40 a month. Nancy will always confirm the delivery date by email to the person ordering the Random Bouquet just to ensure that the recipient is both in town, and available.
Nancy was wonderful to meet with, and it is no surprise to learn of her success. Having just celebrated her 4th Anniversary at The Flower Bar (2/1/2015), she has just acquired the goodwill, phone number and customer list from “Larchmont Floral Design” whose owner has retired after many happy years.
Nancy grew up in Larchmont and is involved within the community. Nancy serves as President of the Larchmont Historical Society as well as being on the Larchmont 125 Committee. She is on the Board of Larchmont/Mamaroneck Summit and the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce.
My Manager, Carolyn Fugere, is the President this year of the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce. The Larchmont Chamber of Commerce ” strives to create a stronger local economy; through shop Larchmont NY business and community events, and growth strategies. ”
Become involved. Join the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce, and shop Larchmont!
Larchmont is GREAT!
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