There’s just something about a small town, isn’t there? A familiar face on every corner almost always accompanied by a kind hello and a cozy sense of community. When you walk into your favorite local shop for your favorite local treasure, you more than likely feel that warmth of familiarity and connection. But when you step into one neighborhood establishment that offers cheer and comfort in the form of vibrant blooms and a trusted ear, that’s something extra special. The adage goes, April showers bring May flowers, but what does Main Street Floral bring? Joy, heartfelt gestures – and delightful flowers and gifts.
What inspired you to start Main Street Floral?
Randy and Avis Hammer were friends of mine and owned Curly Willow. They were ready to move on to the next phase of their lives and offered the business for sale. I have always wanted to own my own business but didn’t know what that would exactly look like. This was the perfect opportunity to bring a floral business back into downtown and grow it!
Do you work with local growers or have special suppliers?
We source primarily from Len Busch Roses in Plymouth and Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Florist in Minneapolis. I have the most amazing sales reps! In the summer months, we source from Rustic Designs Flower Farm in Belgrade. Mary, the owner, provides unique and beautiful stems during the outdoor growing season.
What do your customers value most about your services?
Our customer base values our custom design work. They know we’ll maximize their budget with the most unique and beautiful stems.
In your eyes, what makes a great floral arrangement?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! We learn as much as possible about the sender and the recipient, ensuring the arrangement reflects what they find beautiful and meaningful.
How do you prepare for the rush of customers around Valentine’s Day?
We have to order all of our Valentine’s Day florals by the beginning of January, which is always challenging. Knowing exactly how much our customers will want to order varies because Valentine’s Day falls on a different day each year. For example, statistically speaking, if Valentine’s Day is on a Friday through Sunday, customers may spend more on an evening out rather than on flowers.
What are some of your most popular Valentine’s Day arrangements?
A dozen red roses are still the gold standard. They’re elegant and send an important message.
How do you help customers choose the ideal bouquet for their loved ones?
We listen and ask questions about the message they are hoping to convey.
Do you offer unique Valentine’s Day deals or special services?
Since all of our work is custom, most of our customers know to set their budget, and we’ll do the rest. We don’t have many set arrangements for Valentine’s Day, but we always have a variety of arrangements in our cooler for last-minute pick-ups.
What advice do you have for someone new to buying flowers for special occasions like Valentine’s Day?
Determine what you can spend, find out if the recipient has any favorite flowers, and then give us a call. We can help guide you to the perfect choice!
What do you love most about being a florist in this community?
Waconia is an amazing community! The Chamber of Commerce and other business owners have created an incredibly collaborative environment. The community has supported us through COVID and the two years of street construction – we’re so grateful. Beyond that, we’re a place where people come to share their stories. We’ve heard amazing stories of joy and grief. Main Street Floral is a safe place to share because we keep these stories safe. I’m thankful to everyone who has trusted us with their stories and chosen us to meet their floral needs.
What else do you want people to know about Main Street Floral?
We are also a gift shop! At least once a week, we have a customer stop in and tell us that they didn’t realize we have gifts too. We carry unique lines like Jellycat, which very few small shops do. We only offer brands that aren’t available at other shops in town.
To learn more about Main Street Floral or to order a gorgeous arrangement, visit https://mainstfloral.com/