Floral shop rises from the ashes just in time for Valentine's Day
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EVERETT, Wash. -- The day before Valentine's Day is historically the busiest of the year for florists, but for one Everett business, this year is a make-or-break holiday.
Everett Floral had been in business for more than 20 years when a fire wiped the business out last year and forced it to close.
The company rose from the ashes, but the owners aren't sure everyone knows and they're now working overtime to get their old customers back.
Valentine's Day sales account for a full quarter of Everett Floral's annual business, which means a lot is riding on how the days leading up to the big day go.
"It's pretty common in this business to be working through the night," said florist Cindy Fredirickson.
Fredrickson and her designers are expecting a long night of work, but they couldn't be happier to be at the shop. Last year they didn't arrange a single flower for anyone's Valentine.
"I think the most difficult part was my wife having to put the message on our recorder that the shop had been closed due to an arson fire. Her voice cracked and it was hard to hear," said Ernie Fredrickson.
Police later arrested a teenager for the arson, but it kept Ernie and Cindy out of business for almost a year.
"It's been really hard. It's been really hard not to give up," Cindy said.
The Fredricksons live by a simple motto, courtesy of Winston Churchhill: Never, never, never give up.
And while that spirit may have gotten them through the rebuilding, they say it's their customers who are now keeping them in business.
Jason Rooker drives by the shop every day on his way to work and saw the destruction and the rebirth.
"Well, you know, I make my money here, so I might as well spend it here, too," he said.
Rooker walked in for a dozen yellow roses -- which represent friendship -- to pass around. But yellow roses also signify the promise of new beginnings and a welcome back -- two sentiments that perfectly describe Everett Floral.
Florists are already lining up their finished vases by zip cope for easy distribution on Thursday.
Everett Floral had been in business for more than 20 years when a fire wiped the business out last year and forced it to close.
The company rose from the ashes, but the owners aren't sure everyone knows and they're now working overtime to get their old customers back.
Valentine's Day sales account for a full quarter of Everett Floral's annual business, which means a lot is riding on how the days leading up to the big day go.
"It's pretty common in this business to be working through the night," said florist Cindy Fredirickson.
Fredrickson and her designers are expecting a long night of work, but they couldn't be happier to be at the shop. Last year they didn't arrange a single flower for anyone's Valentine.
"I think the most difficult part was my wife having to put the message on our recorder that the shop had been closed due to an arson fire. Her voice cracked and it was hard to hear," said Ernie Fredrickson.
Police later arrested a teenager for the arson, but it kept Ernie and Cindy out of business for almost a year.
"It's been really hard. It's been really hard not to give up," Cindy said.
The Fredricksons live by a simple motto, courtesy of Winston Churchhill: Never, never, never give up.
And while that spirit may have gotten them through the rebuilding, they say it's their customers who are now keeping them in business.
Jason Rooker drives by the shop every day on his way to work and saw the destruction and the rebirth.
"Well, you know, I make my money here, so I might as well spend it here, too," he said.
Rooker walked in for a dozen yellow roses -- which represent friendship -- to pass around. But yellow roses also signify the promise of new beginnings and a welcome back -- two sentiments that perfectly describe Everett Floral.
Florists are already lining up their finished vases by zip cope for easy distribution on Thursday.
Wish the best of luck to you. Don't give up!Â
Great news for the shop, I however will not be supporting them on this Hallmark day. I do not support or buy anything that day, and want nothing from anyone on that day.Â
I've used Everett Floral before. Beautiful arrangements. Good to hear they persevered. Hang in there, it will get better!
Good for them! Â May they enjoy 20 more years of success and then another 20!