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Business blooms under new owner of Sikeston's The Flower Patch inc.
SIKESTON - As carpenters and electricians worked away in the July heat at The Flower Patch Inc., Jackie Williams sat on the floor of the business opening boxes filled with Christmas items.
Williams, and her husband, Stephen, purchased The Flower Patch at 510 N. Main St. in May and are discovering there is a lot to learn about their new business and much to enjoy.
"With a new business we have new things going on all the time, new things coming in," said Williams, as she took a break from her inventory work.
Already in place is a new cooler for flowers and the work stations used by the designers were expanded. Improvements to the parking area are planned which will increase parking along with making it easier to enter and exit the lot.
Work is under way to create a special room for wedding consultations. Here, Williams said, a future bride could easily make all her decisions about flowers, arrangements, items such as candelabra and kneeling benches and even photography.
The business has already expanded its selection of decor and gift items. The Flower Patch now has Neal's Furniture and McCall's candles are available. Coming soon will be several lines from Demdaco including the Willow Angel collection as well as the Matters of the Heart and Prayers and Promises lines which the store will carry exclusively.
Already a popular stop with the supporters of Sikeston High School, The Flower Patch continues to offer an array of bulldog-related gift items ranging from stuffed animals to signs to mylar and latex bulldog balloons. "And we have more things coming," assured Williams.
The store carries Gund Plush Bears and other animals, home decor items, picture frames, wedding gifts and baby gifts. Williams said the staff often combines various items to create gift baskets for special occasions.
Working at the business with Williams are Loretta Buttry, a floral designer with 10 years experience, and Kim Baker, who greets customers from behind the counter with a bright smile and assists with deliveries. Also joining the staff on a part-time basis as floral designer is Dennis Bohannon.
And, she added, The Flower Patch's staff will continue to be known for providing a quality product at a reasonable price. The florists will emphasize a personal touch as they create fresh and silk floral displays, wreaths or arrangements for funerals and weddings.
Also The Flower Patch does custom floral designs according to Williams. She explained recently the designers created a unique floral display for an area resident's home and on another occasion designed a large special arrangement on site rather than having the customer worry about transporting it due to its size.
"We can design floral arrangements around a special piece from their home or they can pick out something at the store and we will make something special for them to have or to give," said Williams.
As business owners the Williams already are proving to be valuable and generous members of the community. They provided the floral arrangements for the Humane Society's gala and will provide the displays at the Cotton Carnival's Miss Sikeston and the Little Mr. and Miss pageants.
Through a special arrangement with the Sikeston Booster Club, The Flower Patch makes a donates a percentage of the sales to the club for any flowers purchased by a Sikeston High School student for one of the school's dances. Williams said they work with other organizations as well to assist when they can.
As a member of Teleflora, The Flower Patch can arrange for floral gifts to be delivered anywhere in the world. And the business even has a spot on the World Wide Web at www.flowerpatchsikeston.com.
"We have been very busy since opening and we are thankful for that. Our existing clients have received us warmly which is rewarding that they trust us to continue to provide quality service," said Williams.
The Flower Patch is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Hours are extended during the holidays.