Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
NEW FACE ON BOARD — Daniels Florist is under new management, as Erin and Dana Johnson, purchased the business in April. The staff working at the shop is, left, Dianne Lincoln, Erin Johnson, owner; and right, Karen Fitzpatrick.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — It has been a seamless transition, as Erin Johnson and her husband, Dana, became the new owners of Daniels Florist in Market Square on April 19.
A few things will not change at Daniels Florist under the new management such as the staff, quality products and exceptional service offered.
“Karen Fitzpatrick and Dianne Lincoln are still here and we are very fortunate to have them both,” said Erin. “There has been one new face added to the mix and sometimes my husband on the weekends.”
Russell Fitzpatrick will continue to handle his landscaping part of the business.
The Johnsons are sprucing up the outside of the shop with new paint and a new sign above the door. Inside, they look forward to making some new updates, as well.
The florist name will remain intact, respecting the fact that the business has been in the Daniels family since 1946 and it is familiar within the community.
“I would like to think we could be part of their extended family,” said Erin with a smile.
When the Johnsons took over, they got a crash course on the floral business.
“When we started it was time to prepare for Mother’s Day, dance recital, proms, and graduations. It was a busy two months for us. Luckily Karen and Dianne are patient, organized, and phenomenal teachers,” said Erin.
From there, they jumped into the wedding season.
“I love it when brides come in and are excited about the planning process of their wedding. When they come see us, I want them to have fun and leave feeling like they can check another item off their list,” said Erin.
The girls at the shop are already thinking ahead to the fall and winter months as they flip through catalogs.
“We look forward to adding new products that the neighboring businesses do not carry. We want to work with our neighbors and make the downtown experience one where customers can see a little bit of everything,” said Erin.
Daniels will carry an array of Christmas wreaths, centerpieces, and Christmas trees, integrated from the Johnson Family Tree Farm. They will also take special orders.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
ON DISPLAY — A variety of wreaths are on display at Daniels Florist, along with flower arrangements and home décor ideas.
Daniels Florist remains a full service florist with its top priority on customer service.
“We guarantee quality, fresh flowers, “ said Erin. “We want our customers to be happy so they continue to come back and visit us. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people locally and from out of state. It seems like we all have one thing or another in common.”
Daniels Florist has extended their delivery service to include Bridgewater and Mars Hill. They continue to deliver to the surrounding towns, all the way to Danforth, Haynesville and Oakfield.
“We haven’t changed where we deliver, we just extended our services farther north,” said Erin.
Daniels will be offering a variety of promotions throughout the year. They will continue their Secretary of the Year promotion; 10 percent off flowers on Tuesdays; Happy Hour Fridays where two stems of flowers can be purchased for the price of one; children’s workshops on design and arrangement; coloring contests for prizes; a referral rebate/gift certificate for weddings; Flower of the Month Club, as well as other “specials” and “free delivery” days.
As a former teacher, Erin encourages people to bring their children to the shop so they can pick out their own flowers and design their own arrangement.
“I remember when I first started at Daniels, a father came in with his son. The little boy and his Dad were walking by the shop and the son said he wanted to get his Mom some flowers. They came in and the little boy picked out his own flowers and wanted a ‘thinking of you’ balloon. It melted my heart,” said Erin.
At Daniels they want people to poke their heads in the cooler to see what they have, that way they know the customer is getting exactly what they want, if they don’t see it already made up in the cooler.
With much remaining the same, the Johnsons have added a new line of pottery and look forward to adding more. “We are always looking for new ideas and products so if anyone has an idea we would love to hear it,” said Erin.
Daniels Florist will be hosting an open house in the near future. They look forward to serving their customers Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, with extended holiday hours. Visit Daniels Florist Facebook page to learn about new products and promotions.
