Merry’s Flowers to close after 40 years

After almost 41 years in business in downtown Williamsburg, Merry’s Flowers will close no later than Jan. 13.

A business that has been an institution in downtown Williamsburg for more than 40 years will soon be no more.
Merry’s Flower Shop, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, will be closing its doors no later than Jan. 13 and possibly sooner if the merchandise gets liquidated before then.

“Used to there were lots of people, who sent flowers. Now with the times being so hard people just don’t buy flowers like they used to,” noted Becky Canada, who has been a designer at the store for the last nine years. “It’s sad. We are going to miss it.”

The decision to close the store basically boils down to the still struggling economy.

“It is devastating. It was here for so long. I am very sad and upset about it. I know how long it has been here. It has gone through a lot of owners over the years. We tried to restore it back to what it was when Ms. Merry and Kay Hill had it,” said Kelly Wolman, who purchased the store about five months ago.

“It’s a small town. There are three flower shops. Other than funerals there is just not consistent business. You have maybe three times a year where you will have a really busy week. It is just not consistent.”

Wolman noted that the store also had some issues with FTD, and quit taking orders from the company, which also hurt business.

Wolman said that she tried everything she could think of to turn the business around, but didn’t have any success.

“We took down all the walls and dividers and we exposed the natural wood. We tried to restore it and bring out a warm feeling again,” she noted. “We ran sales earlier than normal. We had a couple of community events totally free to everyone. We had stuff for the kids. There just wasn’t any turnout.”

In addition, the store donated to every organization that came through the door and didn’t turn anyone down.

“We tried to build the community relations. I just think the economy isn’t there,” Wolman said. “It is a stab to the heart. We have been floating the store with personal funds almost the whole five months. At some point you just have to stop the hemorrhaging.”

Wolman and Canada agree that what customers the store had were great, and they would be greatly missed.

The store began a liquidation sale Tuesday. The last day will be no later than Jan. 13, but it could close sooner if most of the merchandise is sold before that time.

In the mean time, the store is still getting calls and referring people to the other two flower shops in town.

“The town might not be big enough for three shops, but hopefully with two they will be able to go on and keep that floral tradition in town,” Wolman added.

Wolman said that she has no idea what will become of the building now. In fact, she’s not even entirely sure who the owner is these days following an auction a few months ago.

“We’re not even sure the new landlord knows we are going out of business,” Canada said laughingly. “If he reads the paper, maybe he will find out and give us a call,” Wolman added.

On a serious note, Wolman said that the old building has some issues and will likely require some work before a new tenant could move in, including fixing issues with the heat and hot water.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said the loss is a big blow for the town.

“That has just been a staple of downtown Williamsburg for almost 41 years. When you think of Merry’s, you think of Main Street. You think of Williamsburg. That is really sad,” Harrison said. “I am pretty hurt by the news.”