An Inside Look: Cleveland the Florist Inc.

Cleveland the Florist was founded in 1948.

“How has the business changed to compete with the big-box stores?”

LeNae: “By beating them on price and services. Five dollars has become the buzzword of the recession - there are $5 subs, lunches, and now $5 flowers. A dozen roses, Gerber daisies, hydrangeas, spray roses, glads, sunflowers, snapdragons, and seasonal flowers are all available to the flower market shopper at a $5 price. Service is where we compete. We are there to arrange, deliver, and handle any special request on a daily basis. We are local and know that our future depends on our customers.”

“How did the business get its start?”

LeNae: “My grandmother began by growing and selling azalea and camellia plant to Van Antwerp’s (Mobile’s first department store). The business grew, and my father joined her, opening stores on Stone Street, Highway 90, Airport Boulevard, Moffett Road, and Tillman’s Corner. I joined the business in 1986 and opened stores on Azalea, Cottage Hill, and Old Shell roads. With changing times, we now have two stores, Airport and Old Shell.”

“What are your claims to fame?”

LeNae: “I have arranged flowers for Laura Bush, Tim Russert, and Patsy Riley, and have had the pleasure of decorating our governor’s mansion for the holidays and Cabinet dinners on the veranda. I have appeared on “The Rachael Ray Show.” While living in Atlanta as a newlywed and working at a Buckhead florist, I decorated Mrs. Day’s (of Days Inn) home for the holidays. I also did the flowers for Coke’s large parties and personal executive parties.”

The best advice that Mrs. LeNae Denson has ever received was from her father. He always told her to work hard, dream big, and never give up.

Some advice that she can offer to others: “When you can, buy locally from small businesses. We are the heart of the city.”

Cleveland Florist’s products and services include selling flowers, cut flowers, arrangements and plants (green and blooming). They plan and execute weddings and have traveled all over Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi working with brides.

This information was taken from an article that was recently printed in the Mobile Register.

Specials

We are doing things a little differently at Cleveland Florist these days. We are cleaning and making room for new and wonderful plants at low prices. Green and blooming plants are priced at $5, $10, $15, $20, or $25 dollars.

Roses (dozen), Spray Roses (dozen), Lilies, Gerber Daisies, Hydrangeas, Glads, Sunflowers, and many other seasonal flowers are in bundles for only $5.00!

There is also a sale on gift items including candles, flower pots, and lots of other goodies. Everything is 75% off. So come in and take a look. You might find just what you needed.

Cleveland Florist is here to arrange, deliver, and handle any special request. We plan and execute weddings and have traveled all over Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi to make the bride’s day a dream come true. We are local, and know that our future depends on our customers.

We’re open Monday thru Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.