The oldest florist in the country is growing.
The Nassau Florist and its division JW/Events are shifting over to the historical Villa Flora building on Dowdeswell Street and Victoria Avenue, boosting its space by more than 2,000 square feet. The move, expected to occur on April 1, is an essential component of its overall expansion plans.
Al Collie, the general manager of Nassau Florist, said the business has boosted its staff complement to 14 in recent months.
The 60-year-old business is looking to hire up to five more Bahamians this year.
"Right now, 80 percent of our business is typically flower sales. The other 20 percent is events," Collie explained. "That is a picture we want to change. In the short term, we want 50 percent of our business to be events."
The Nassau Florist considers its move to Villa Flora "pivotal" to this business plan.
While the business might be largest in The Bahamas in terms of sales volume, special events, such as weddings, remains a relatively modest segment.
Collie said that The Nassau Florist hired a director of sales and marketing in Florida to specifically chase destination weddings and events around the world. Working with the hotels, such as Baha Mar, will be central to these plans, he said.
Noting that Villa Flora is "night and day" compared to the old location, Collie described the historical building as being more than 100 years old and offering 6,000 square feet of space.
"I am very pleased to finally announced that we will be moving to Villa Flora," said Jim Whitehead, the owner. "Many will know the location as the former Gaylord's restaurant on Dowedswell Street at Victoria Avenue in downtown Nassau."
In November, Whitehead announced the decision to sell the current location and move, insisting that the business had outgrown its space on Shirley Street.
Whitehead said that the building was renovated 10 years ago and featured energy efficient amenities, security, computer networking technology, offices, storage space and a conference room. It also has parking available on the property and across the street.
Collie told Guardian Business that the move and expansion is all the more impressive given the tough times facing florists. Like many other industries, the high cost of business has taken its toll.
The industry spends around 50 percent duty on the importation of flowers and other products.
The Nassau Florist is planning an official grand opening on Mother's Day, although it will be opening its doors right after its move to the new location on April 1.

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