Riverview's newest flower shop prides itself on quality of service and product

A5

by Hanne Armstrong
This Week Staff

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"I'm having the time of my life," declares Nancy Wentzell, the owner/operator of Maggie's Flowers in Riverview. After 25 years as an office administrator, Nancy opened the doors of her own business last October, and is doing very well.

"I heard the previous flower shop was closing, and there aren't any others in Riverview," she says. "I have lots of business experience and I love flowers, so I made the jump. I have two very talented ladies working for me designing arrangements, and I can tell by customer response that I'm on the right track."

The talented designers are Kim Evans and Linda Wissink, who work wonders with flowers from the exotic to more standard fare. Calla lilies, birds of paradise, and ginger protea, all mingle with more traditional roses, daisies and other varieties at Maggie's. The flowers come from all over the world through suppliers in Sussex and Ontario.

In July, Maggie's participated in supplier TeleFlora's 'Make Someone Smile Week'. TeleFlora supplied happy-face mugs and flowers and Maggie's supplied oasis and labour to create 50 bright arrangements, which Nancy and her staff then delivered and distributed to the residents of Lakeview Manor.

"The response to that was overwhelming," says Nancy. "Both from the residents and from members of their families. It was a very moving day for me, too."

Maggie's Flowers is located at 620 Coverdale Road. It is named in memory of Nancy's mother, Margaret, who was an avid gardener, a passion she passed on to Nancy. In addition to beautiful arrangements of healthy flowers, the shop stocks flower-related giftware such as high-end vases and interior fountains.

There are, in fact, fountains running inside the store, which together with oil paintings of Moncton artist Elsie Doucet, add atmosphere to the shop.

"I am expanding my gift lines," Nancy says, "and will soon be carrying more general gifts as well as those we have now. I'm so very happy with how things are going, and I enjoy not spending my entire working day in front of a computer. I'm even dabbling in design work as well as keeping the business running."

Maggie's skillfully designs both traditional and modern floral arrangements, and they strive to carry unique flowers. They specialize in weddings as well as funerals, and any event or occasion which calls for flowers. And they specialize in customer service.

"I've learned that customer service is of the utmost importance," says Nancy.

Many new businesses flounder in their first year of operation, but Maggie's is flourishing. What does Nancy credit as the reason for her success?

"Ninety-nine percent of comments I've been getting are positive," she says. "People are happy with our service, our designs, and on the longevity of our flowers. And people in Riverview have been very supportive and kind as well."

Good management, customer sensitivity, quality stock, and a supportive community combine to make a recipe for success. If you're looking for anything floral, why not give Maggie's a call at 386-2141? Better yet, drop in and have a look around.