A South Norwood florist who claims to sell some of the best flowers in Croydon moved locations earlier this year and says her business is now blooming because of it.
Nicola Thompson opened her shop Blooming Desires in the High Street at the end of January 2017 but was left fretting about her future after not making nearly as much money as she hoped.
So in April this year she moved out of her shop and has been pitched on Station Road, near to Norwood Junction station, ever since.
The 45-year-old, of Essex Grove, Crystal Palace, told the Advertiser that business is better than ever, mainly because she is now in a prime location.
She said: “The previous location wasn’t the best. Where I was before was in the quieter part of the High Street and it wasn’t always very busy down there. So in terms of overheads it just wasn’t working.
“I decided to move and luckily was able to get a pitch on Station Road. It’s much better and business is now excelling.
“We are now in a position where regular customers have started coming back, mainly because I am much more accessible and in a position where I’m noticed.
Blooming Desires sells a range of flowers including lilies, roses and tulips, and also sells a handful of plants such as cactuses.
The florist&apos;s sells single stems or bunches, and allows customers to add cellophane wrap, vases, balloons and cards to their purchase.
Miss Thompson specialises in catering for weddings, but also offers her services for funerals, restaurants and homes.
With it now being four months since the business moved, does Miss Thompson regret anything?
“It’s the best move ever,” she said.
“People believe that having a shop is better but now I have had a shop and a stall I can honestly say having a stall is by far the better option.
Blooming Desires also offers floral workshops on a monthly basis, and aims to teach those attending how to properly care for flowers and make arrangements for special occasions.
So what are Miss Thompson’s future plans?
She said: “My dream would be for people to work for me at the stall and then I can do the bigger stuff like getting more contracts. We want to grow and grow and want to work at more weddings and funerals.
“You need to be very much on the computer, sending stuff out there and that is not always possible when you are always working on the stall. The idea is to make a good living out of the business and it’s something I am passionate about and excited about.
Blooming Desires has been shortlisted for the Love Your Local Trader award at the Croydon Business Excellence Awards 2018, and is one of seven businesses in Croydon nominated.
Miss Thompson has been invited to attend the awards ceremony, held at the Grand Sapphire Hotel, on Imperial Way, on Thursday, October 4.
“It’s amazing I am being recognised for my hard work in the business,” she said. “Obviously I had to tweak the business with the move so it’s great I am being rewarded.
For more information on Blooming Desires visit www.bloomingdesires.com.
To find out more about the Croydon Business Excellence Awards 2018 visit www.croydonawards.co.uk.
*If you know of a business in Croydon opening or closing let us know about it by emailing newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or sending a message to the Croydon Advertiser Facebook page.