A SHOP which has blossomed into becoming the largest florist in Redditch has now changed hands after the owner retired.
The Nursery Shop, as a business, was founded in 1965 and has grown from strength-to-strength ever since.
Michael Morris, who was the longest-serving owner, has now retired and it has been taken over by Ben Thomas from Thomas Brothers funeral directors.
Ben, who grew up down the road and had direct links to the shop through Thomas Brothers, said: “Mike’s boots are some big boots to fill but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
All the current staff are staying with Ben, including Chloe the manager, Hannah and Sarah who – with an attention to detail, a love of flowers, plants and friendly, personable nature – has won over a loyal customer base which returns to The Nursery Shop time and time again.
Ben added: “Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, or any special occasion, we are here to bring your floral dreams to life.
“With an eye for elegance and a passion for timeless beauty, we will create stunning arrangements that capture the essence of your unique moments.
“When it comes to funerals, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful tribute that reflects the life of your loved ones.
“Our heartfelt designs are carefully crafted to symbolise their personality, passions, and cherished memories.
“Let us help you honour their legacy and create a beautiful farewell that tells their story through the language of flowers.”
For more on The Nursery Shop, call into the store in Evesham Road, visit the website – nurseryshopredditch.co.uk – or call 01527 550700.
‘Here bouquet, gone tomorrow!’
DECIDING when to retire is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your lifetime.
So, Michael made the decision it was time to hang up his secateurs for the last time and move on to a new chapter in his life.
Yes, it’s true – Michael Morris, the longstanding, well-known proprietor of The Nursery Shop in Crabbs Cross – Redditch’s only remaining florist shop has sold the business and served his last customer on April 5.
The Nursery Shop has been a Redditch landmark for nearly 60 years, opening its doors on Evesham Street in the town centre in 1965, moving to its current location on the Evesham Road in Crabbs Cross in 2001.
Michael started out as a nurseryman in Bordesley as a teenager, studying horticulture, and was sent to the Nursery Shop regularly to help out. He ended up buying the business from his boss in 1993, studied floristry and was awarded Interflora membership in the same year.
The business has been a great success and gained a reputation for quality and excellence under Michael’s stewardship, mostly due to the talented professional florists that he has always employed.
Michael would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to all of his loyal customers over the years, many of whom became friends and came into the shop on a regular basis.
He would also like to thank his employees, past and present, who have been like family to him.
His loyal staff stepped up during peak periods, going above and beyond the call of duty when things got busy, or when an urgent order came in, or when the shop was full of customers looking for beautiful floral gifts.
The business has been taken over by young Ben Thomas who, along with shop manager Chloe and their staff, is sure to look after Michael’s life’s work and ensure that it continues to be the great success that it is today.
On April 6, more than 60 friends, family, customers, current and former employees and other guests gathered for the official handover, with Michael handing over the keys to Ben so that he could start his new adventure in charge of this successful business.
If it’s important to people to shop local and keep our high streets flourishing, why not drop by the Nursery Shop and get your quality flowers, or order online or by phone for collection or local delivery.
Visit nurseryshopredditch.co.uk or call 01527 550700
Alternatively, click these links to find The Nursery Shop on Instagram and Facebook.
