Blossom Shoppe a NFM business of long-standing
For nearly three decades, Blossom Shoppe Florist & Gifts at 13971 N. Cleveland Ave. has been the place for locals to go to get that special arrangement for any occasion.
Over the past four years it has been named the Best Florist in North Fort Myers, a testament to its longtime tradition and the work it continues to do.
Blossom Shoppe opened in 1986 with a store at Land & Sea before coming to its current location in 2000, with stores in both locations for a while before merging into one store in 2005.
About that time, Robin Walton, who had worked at the florist for many years became owner, buying the store from the previous owners.
Walton said the area has changed significantly in her time with the company. With the area becoming a seasonal residency, many loved one see themselves using Blossom Shoppe to deliver a bouquet.
“The influx of our snowbirds has brought in more people and it brings in so much revenue because relatives from up north are sending stuff to them down here to them for the holidays,” Walton said. “It has brought more money, wirewise, to us.”
You would think Valentine’s Day would be busiest. But, traditionally, Mother’s Day is. On top of the snowbirds, the year-round residents always want something and it results in late hours and extremely heavy volume.
After that, it slows to a trickle, which Walton said isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it allows them to catch their breath and prepare for the coming season, which begins in October.
“We can regroup and get fresh stuff made for Christmas. We can work on our silks now before we pound the pavement for next year,” Walton said. “It’s feast and famine.”
With their reputation, the Blossom Shoppe can usually get fresh products in every day and send it out the same day. The challenge is that not everything is available at the same time of the year.
As for services, Walton said if you can think it in flowers, they can make it. They can do bouquets in vases and baskets. They have even done unusual things such as a judge’s gavel, a guitar and even a NASCAR theme, usually for funerals.
“We can do anything for $25 to $30 to whatever you want. It can get costly if you want something we have to order, but it’s affordable.”
Blossom Shoppe Florist & Gifts is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday except Wednesday, when it closes at 3 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. They are open for extended hours during certain holidays.
For more information, call 656-4242.