Local Southbury, CT Fine Florist Finalist in Prestigious National Retailer Excellence Awards

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 25, 2009 - Lori Friedlander, Proprietor of Floré, a fine florist in Southbury, CT, announced that her award-winning floral design shop has been nominated as a finalist in the 2009 Retailer Excellence Awards. Introduced in 1951, The Retailer Excellence Awards are the oldest, and among the most prestigious in the industry, recognizing excellence in both retailing and individual achievements. Opened in Southbury in April of 2008, Floré has been named a finalist in the Store Design/Redesign: Under $1 Million category. On August 16th, Friedlander and fellow honorees will be feted at the Gifts & Decorative Accessories 58th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards Gala at Manhattan’s Marriott Marquis overlooking Times Square.

Caroline Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief of “Gifts & Decorative Accessories”, co-sponsor of the Gala, remarked in a letter to Friedlander, “Your achievement is truly noteworthy. In these challenging times it’s difficult enough just managing, let alone growing your business. But to plan and execute a great new Store Design is an achievement truly worthy of recognition. It is the professionalism, creativity and determination of retailers like you that sets Floré apart.”

Floré’s Friedlander recently called the unique challenges she faced in designing the 970 square foot space in Southbury, weaving an intriguing tale of prudent buying practices and creative design techniques. “With just a 60-day timeframe and only $10,000, my co-designer Christopher Isaacson, helped me create a centuries-old European-style flower market and apothecary shop out of brand-new, raw commercial space. We scoured Craigslist, hunted through salvage yards, and ferreted out businesses closing their doors to find the right pieces that would achieve the Provencal atmosphere we were trying to create within our limited budget.”  

Having previously worked as professional interior designers, neither Ms. Friedlander nor Mr. Isaacson are strangers to designing interiors. “Being designers by trade helped us think more creatively about seeing materials and products, and envisioning new ways of using them.” Ladders, antique shoe racks, carts, and various pieces of furniture were recycled and reused in a different manner than their original design or intent.

“Ready-to-apply faux finishing paint effortlessly and inexpensively created the look of aged plaster walls,” explained Friedlander. “We applied damaged brick wall panels we found at a local home improvement store to create an antiqued brick and plaster look. Ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets became functional cash wrap areas, and a simple acid stain transformed the concrete foundation into faux weathered-stone flooring.”

As a European-style flower market and purveyor of fine flowers, Floré is a member of BBrooks, an exclusive network of fine florists across the United States. The inviting shop offers eco-friendly fresh flowers and a signature line of flower- and plant-based products for aromatherapy, beauty and medicinal botanical products for the socially-aware, health-conscience consumer. Floré also offers unique gift items, and natural bath, body and aromatherapy items, including savon de Marseilles and lavender products imported from France.

Visitors to Floré will also discover a distinctive educational resource by browsing through books on natural flower essences and oils. Floré provides highly-personalized service for design and gift ideas assistance, custom silk floral designs, interior décor consultations, as well as wedding, birth and funeral flower arrangements. They offer telephone and Internet orders, local and national delivery, as well as customer loyalty programs. Floré is also an appreciated supporter of many socially-responsible charities throughout Connecticut and the United States.

The August 16 Awards gala co-sponsor, “Gifts & Decorative Accessories” is a monthly magazine founded in 1917, with a circulation of 27,000. The editorial content serves retailers, manufacturers and vendors of general gift products, decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, collectibles, personal care products, jewelry, and gourmet food items. Industry news, trade show news, new product introductions, and trend information is highlighted in “Gifts & Decorative Accessories” coverage.  

Floré flowers as medicine Florist, European style flower market and apothecary, is located at 33 Bullet Hill Road, Suite 204 in Southbury, one half mile off exit 15 on I-84. Flowers can be ordered by visiting Floré Mondays through Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or by calling 203-405-1760, e-mailing to flowersasmedicine@yahoo.com, or visiting www.flowersasmedicine.com.

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Purveyor of eco-friendly fine flowers and natural apothecary shop located in Southbury, CT. Full service florist specializing in everyday flowers as well as special events. Local and national flower delivery available.