PULASKI -- You don’t have to tell florists like 'Designs of Elegance' that the economy is in trouble. They’re reminded every time they open a delivery. Robin Philips, the owner of 'Designs of Elegance', says “You can’t let it weigh you down – it kind of makes you turn it up a notch.”
This is the biggest week of the year for a florists bottom line. Philips says “You’ve got a lot of florists out there with some big checks hoping Valentine’s Day proves to be everything it’s been in the past.”
Wall Street may not be getting roses from this flower shop for Valentine’s Day but, they probably could take some of their advice. “In a lot of ways, our whole society needs to think like a small business. If you don’t have the money to do it, if you can not afford it, you don’t do it. If you can’t afford a big screen TV, you don’t buy it. And that’s the way the majority of the North Country lives” says Phillips.
Philips says that approach has helped 'Designs in Elegance' keep their customers happy for Valentine’s Day. “I can’t ask my customers to spend outside their means. We work hard for our money – everybody here in the North Country works hard for their money. We’ve kept our prices the same as last year. We haven’t raised our prices so, we’re hoping that’s going to help our customers.”
A florist with lessons for the heart – and the wallet.
