In Down Economy, Local Florists Merge Shops

on 3115 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square has been serving the area since 2001 but only recently closed its doors at that location to merge with another local floral shop down the street.

On Monday, Oct. 31, Natalie's Floral Boutique picked up their belongings and moved in with on 2620 West Chester Pike in Broomall. According to Suellen Agostini, co-owner of Leary's Florist, the move made the most fiscal sense.

"A big factor was definitely the economy," said Agostini about Natalie's Floral Boutique closing its doors. "We took over Natalie's and she is now here with us. It just made the most sense for Natalie and I. This is just working out for us now."

But Agostini assures that Natalie's Floral Boutique will still offer its same designs and services at their new location at Leary's. In addition, loyal customers and supporters of Natalie's will still be able to see the owner of the floral boutique at Leary's.

"All her customers can see her over here," said Agostini. "She can still offer her services here–we have a lot of people already calling."

As the industry changes and small businesses offer their services in physical retail shops, Agostini believes customers are losing that personal touch from businesses and owners.

"We're more than a flower shop–you can meet the designers and it's a personal touch that we offer." –Suellen Agostini, co-owner of Leary's Florist

"Leary's has been in the business for over 50 years. Even in another township, people look for Leary's," said Agostini, who bought Leary's in 2010 with her sister Alayna. "When people look at the prices online, those quick fly-by night kind of stuff you're going to get cheap flowers. And that's not what we do."

According to Agostini, Leary's has revamped their store and changes their interior decorations every few months. Leary's is part of a Delaware Valley florist co-op where they deliver flowers to over 90 zip codes in the state. Despite several florists dropping out and closing up shop, Agostini said, "We're still going strong."

Leary's will hold an open house on Saturday, Nov. 5, and Sunday, Nov. 6, with Natalie's Floral Boutique for a meet and greet from noon to 5 p.m.