CONGRATULATIONS to 2009 Florist of the Year Award Winners

Florists Take Top Award at Industry Dinner

The Florist of the Year Winners for both the Metropolitan and Regional areas were announced at the Annual NSW Flower Growers Group Ball on Saturday, 21 November.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to 2009 Florist of the Month Award Winners

Monthly Winners 2009

• October
• September
• August
• July
• Jun
• May
• April
• March
• February

 

October 2009 – McGraths Hill Flourishing all the Way

Congratulations to McGrath’s Hill Florist who has been awarded the October Sydney Markets Florist of the Month Award.

Liz Fraser has been in the florist industry for over 25 years, and there’s no wonder why she loves it. “I have a true passion for flowers, so to be creative with beautiful blooms helps to bring out the talent that I didn’t know I had and 25 years later, I still love it!” said Liz.

Consistently scoring highly in areas of customer service, shop appearance, presentation and product knowledge the staff at McGrath’s Hill Florist deserve to be recognised for their continuous hard work and dedication.

Liz understands what it takes to differentiate their store from their competitors. “We stand out because we appreciate our customers and always offer the best value for money, with quality fresh flowers every day, creative innovative designs and helpful assistance to make their shopping experience with us a memorable one” added Liz.

As the October Florist of the Month winner, Liz receives a $1,200 advertising package, 1 month free entry to Sydney markets and a $100 gift voucher from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries.

Furthermore, McGrath’s Hills Florist will be in the running for the Florist of the Year which will be presented at the NSW Flower Growers Dinner Ball later this month.

Details: McGraths Hill Florist: Shop 3a/211 Windsor Road, McGraths Hill, NSW 2756 Tel: (02) 4577 5863

 

September 2009 – Abelia flowering to the top

With the motto ‘work hard and enjoy life as you go’, there is no wonder why Abelia Florist, located in Bonnyrigg, is the September Florist of the Month.

Jenny Tripodi, owner of Abelia Florist, has been in the florist industry for over 25 years. This is another award she can add to her collection after winning local business awards in 2005 and 2008.

Like most business owners, Jenny’s priority has always been to ensure her business runs smoothly and most importantly meets her customer requirements. “We give good old fashion customer service. We try to cater for everybody’s need” said Jenny.

With the assistance from her husband, Frank, they have been running Abelia Florist for 6 years now. “Frank does the deliveries, maintains stock levels and looks after the accounts” Jenny commented.

When asked why she loved being a florist, Jenny said “being able to assist people when they are not sure on purchases allows me to be creative and through that creativity I am able to put a smile on my customers face.”

Jenny advertises in numerous newspapers, so she will have no trouble communicating her achievements to the local community with the help of the $1,200 advertising package.

Along with the advertising package, Abelia Florist also receives a $100 credit from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries, 1 month free parking at Sydney Markets and will be in running for the Florist of the Year Award which will be presented at the NSW Flowers Growers Ball next month.

Details: Abelia Florist: Shop 26a, Bonnyrigg Plaza, Bonnyrigg Avenue, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177 Tel: (02) 9823 8488

 

August 2009 – Blooming the Best Buds in Surry Hills

Anna Le Sueur, owner of Best Buds Florist in Surry Hills was excited about her recent win as she was presented the August Florist of the Month Award. This is a huge accolade for her as she started her business only 4 years ago with no prior experience in the florist industry.

”I have never worked in anybody else’s shop and came into the industry very green. The last 4 years have been an incredible steep learning curve for me, but it has been fun!” said Anna.

Anna understands the importance of differentiating her store from the competitors by supplying the freshest flowers and being very customer focused.

“Our motto is ‘Fresh flowers, refreshing prices’ and that’s what we do. Our customers believe we are good value for money, and trust that we will only send out fresh flowers. I think trust is very important – if I know something is a week old, I would rather throw it out than send it out and risk losing a customer. We also try to be very customer focused – making the whole purchase experience as enjoyable as possible for our customers.”

It is no wonder Best Buds continually score highly in areas of customer service, shop appearance, presentation and product knowledge with Anna also travelling to the Sydney Flower Market 3 to 4 times a week to ensure the flowers sold in her store are at their best.

As the August Florist of the Month winner, Anna receives a $1,200 advertising package, 1 month free entry to Sydney Markets and a $100 gift voucher from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries.

Florist of the Month award winners are automatically entered into the Florist of the Year Award which will be announced at the NSW Flower Growers Ball on November 21st 2009.

Details: Best Buds: corner of Elizabeth and Devonshire Streets, Surry Hills, NSW, tel: (02) 9280 0002

 

July 2009 – Flower Bud, Wollongong

Wollongong residents are very familiar with the July Florist of the Month winner Flower Bud. The shop located on Crown Street has been operating for over 20 years and continues to offer their customers the very latest in floral, bridal and corporate designs.

Greg Fulwood has been in the Florist Industry for 21 years after an opportunity for a career change was offered to him by a friend who felt Greg had a flair for floristry.

Like most business owners, Greg’s priority has always been to ensure his business runs smoothly and most importantly meets customer requirements with flower quality, changing floral designs and customer service consistency.

As the July Florist of the Month winner, Greg receives a $1,200 advertising package, 1 month free entry to Sydney Markets and a $100 gift voucher from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries.

Details: Flower Bud: 344 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW, tel: (02) 4226 6000

 

June 2009 – Flowers for Everyone, Wetherill Park Stockland Mall

Congratulations to Flowers for Everyone, located in Wetherill Park Stockland Mall who has been awarded the June Sydney Markets Florist of the Month Award.

The Flowers for Everyone chain is company managed and are part of a group of 9 stores in NSW and 1 in Victoria. The stores and kiosks are managed by staff working in the stores and there is a Retail Business Manager who oversees the retail group, supported by a head office and purchasing team.

Consistently scoring highly in areas of customer service, shop appearance, presentation and product knowledge the staff at Flowers for Everyone in Wetherill Park deserve to be recognised for their continuous hard work and dedication.

When asked what it meant for them to win this award, Wetherill Park staff member Sarah said “it makes you feel like you are doing the right thing and giving great customer service.”

“It’s an achievement and means we are doing a good job,” continued Sharon.

Congratulations to Sharon Ready, Sarah Bellenger, Renee Holt and Lauren Maloney for their achievements in winning the June Florist of the Month Award.

Details: Flowers for Everyone Wetherill Park: Polding Street, Shop 84, Wetherill Park Stocklands, Wetherill Park, NSW, tel: (02) 9604 3971

 

May 2009 – Waldons Flower Shop, Wahroonga

Congratulations to Waldon’s Flower Shop, located in Wahroonga, who have been awarded the May Sydney Markets Florist of the Month Award.

Scoring highly in the areas of customer service, shop appearance and flower presentation, Kylie Waldon, owner of Waldon’s Flower Shop deserves to be recognised for her hard work and dedication.

Most florists would say the challenge of owning one store can be a handful, but image having two more stores to also maintain.

“I have two shops in Newcastle, one at Westfield Kotara and another in an inner city suburb, The Junction. I have a Wahroonga manager and a Newcastle manager to help manage the shops. I buy the flowers at the Markets and oversee the operations of the three shops ensuring they have a common high standard” said Kylie.

Kylie was also the recipient of two Award of Excellences in 2008 for her Kotara and The Junction stores. The May Florist of the Month Award for 2009 is yet another accolade she can add to her collection.

Waldon’s Flower Shop in Kotara receives a $1,200 advertising package, $100 credit from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries, 1 month free parking at Sydney Markets and will be in the running for the Florist of the Month Award which will be presented at the NSW Flower Growers Dinner Ball in November.

Details: Waldon’s Flower Shop Wahroonga, 5a Railway Avenue, Wahroonga, NSW tel: (02) 9489 7746

 

April 2009 – Blooms at the Bay Florist, Long Jetty

It has been an exciting journey for April Florist of Month winner Alison Clemow, owner of Blooms at the Bay Florist in Long Jetty, who has been involved in the florist industry for 10 years.

In 2005, Alison was a proud recipient of the Student of the Year award and 3 years later started her own successful business in Long Jetty.

Alison’s love of flowers and running her own business is prominent in her artistic and creative designs displayed throughout her shop. “I absolutely love being a florist and having my own shop. I wake up every day and can’t wait to get to work. This is what I want to do forever – live my dream” said Alison.

This is the first year Blooms at the Bay Florist has taken part in the Florist of the Year Awards and scored extremely high in all areas, including customer service, product and product knowledge, environment, merchandising and branding – a feat not done by many.

Alison will have no trouble communicating her achievements to the local community and will certainly enjoy spending the $1,200 on advertising to help promote her store.

She will also receive a plaque which represents her achievements, $100 gift voucher from our sponsor A&L Florist Sundries, free parking at Sydney Flower Markets for one month and entry into the Florist of the Year award which will be presented at the NSW Flower Growers Ball.

Details: Blooms at the Bay Florist, Studio 9, Stella Arcade, 340-344 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty, NSW 2261, tel: (02) 4333 5212

 

March 2009 – Bunch it with Country Florist, Narellan

Store owner Leanne Sproule was excited about her recent win as she was presented the March Florist of the Month Award. This is yet another accolade she can add to her collection of awards and trophies which are proudly presented throughout her store.

As a customer, your sense of smell, sight and touch are all heightened when you enter Bunch It With Country Florist in Narellan. You’re greeted with an aroma of freshly cut flowers and an amazing assortment of vases, pots and gifts in a very cosy unique country setting.

Leanne, no stranger to the business, understands what it takes to differentiate their store from their competitors. “We believe in surpassing our customers’ expectations. Our shop front is inviting with the look of a country shed so that even the fellas feel comfortable being in here. We have a large range of baby baskets and gift lines. Balloons, teddies and chocolates can extend every arrangement into a statement” said Leanne.

Bunch It With Country Florist in Narellan receives a $1,200 advertising package, $100 credit from our proud sponsor A&L Florist Sundries, 1 month free parking at Sydney Markets and will now join St Mary’s Florist to be in the running to win the ‘Florist of the Year’ award.

Details: Bunch it with Country Florist, Shop 70 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan, NSW 2567, tel: (02) 4647 9955

 

February 2009 – St Marys Florist, St Marys

Congratulations to Peppa Love, owner of St Mary’s Florist, for winning the first award of the year in the Florist of the Month program.

Peppa has been running the shop in St Mary’s for only 18 months and has been in the florist industry now for 17 years.

Peppa’s interest in flowers developed when she was in year 10 when her father organised her work experience in a florist shop. “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do, so he took action. Floristry was something I hadn’t even thought of so it was just an accident in a way. I ended up totally in love with the job and ended up getting a junior’s position at Pearson’s while still in year 10 and it all started there” she said.

This is the first time Peppa has won the Florist of the Month award, scoring very highly in areas of customer service, shop appearance, presentation and product knowledge. Peppa said “It’s really great to get the feedback. You are in your shop all the time and can quite often miss some key things. Having this feedback just keeps you on your toes, always aiming to get a higher percentage next time.”

Details: St Marys Florist, 174 Queen Street, St Marys, NSW 2760, tel: (02) 9623 3721