Flowers by Cori-Lynn is nestled in Crossroads Village Shopping Centre, near the library. It is Powell River's only locally owned and operated storefront flower shop.
The shopcarries a large inventory of fresh flowers, plants and gifts for any occasion, and specializes in arrangements for weddings, funerals and celebrations of life.
On May 1, Shawna Graham and her dedicated staff celebrated a decade of business.
“We especially want to take this opportunity to say a big thank-you to all our customers who have supported the store for the past 10 years,” says Shawna.
She adds that keeping the business going would not have been possible without all the dedication she receives from her present and past staff: Rosa Sox, Marie Major, Wayne Young, Barb Bombardir, Katie Canil, Nina Garcia, Annette Spreeuw, Anita MacDonald, Amanda Farvolden, and her husband Brian Graham. Volunteers Jim Kennedy, Joyce Furness, Gail Fennell and Judy Osborne have also contributed.
“None of this would be possible without them,” she adds. “It’s a not a me thing; it’s really a we thing.”
Similar to the existing threat family-owned small businesses across North America face every time a big box store opens in their town, so too is the case for small-town florists who struggle to compete against national grocery chains that engage in bulk flower buying, says Shawna.
“There have been some years that have been really tough for the business,” she adds. “We just want our customers to know that we appreciate them supporting us and we're looking forward to continuing to provide the best customer service experience possible as we go forward.”
When shopping for the flowers she sells, Shawna looks for the best quality blooms, and tries to support local producers when she is able.
“I’m looking for the kind of quality that I would have in my home,” she says. “We put a lot of pride in our arrangements and what's most important for us is the love and care that comes through with our flowers.”
Supporting the community is also important. For example, in 2018, the shop donated flower arrangements to Kiwanis Village Society, Evergreen Extended Care, and to Willingdon Creek Village during the its Make Someone Smile week.
“We got some really amazing remarks,” says Shawna. “We really did make them smile.”
Shawna says the store has boosted sales by selling flowers at Pacific Point Market and partnering with local businesses to have floral displays in their shops. Another approach has been to diversify the shop’s selection of gifts. Customers will find an array of jewellery, scarves, ponchos, wallets, picture frames, Manitobah Mukluks, baby clothes and greeting cards, et cetera.
Although customers from around the world can place orders for local delivery through its international floral wire service, Shawna encourages customers to call her directly to place their orders. The shop delivers from Saltery Bay to Lund, and to Texada Island. Customers who visit the shop after reading this article and mention it to her will receive a special surprise, she adds.
Flowers by Cori-Lynn is located at 104-4801 Joyce Avenue in the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre. The store is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and from noon to 3 pm on Saturday.
For more information, Shawna can be contacted by telephone at the shop, 604.485.7673 (ROSE), or by email at [email protected].
Flowers by Cori-Lynn is on Facebook.
