Jun 24, 2008

New owners for The Village GreeneryBy Erin PlummerFosters.com

The Village Greenery is changing hands and customers will have a place to get their flowers and accessories for the garden and pets.

The garden store on Route 25 was owned and operated by Caroline Russell and has changed hands, as it was bought by Dave and Michelle Nichols after Russell looked to retire. The Nichols’ are the owners of Dockside Florist on Route 3.

“The previous owners looked to sell, (we) kind of caught wind of it,” said new co-owner Dave Nichols.

Michelle Nichols has been a florist for almost 18 years, working for 10 years under another florist and eight years at Dockside Florist. Dave Nichols has been in retail for nearly 30 years and in the floral business for 25 years.

Dockside Florist has been in operation for 16 years, with Dave Nichols owning the store before Michelle came on.

Their current store Dockside Florist is recognizable on Route 3 across from the town docks with its many lawn ornaments and whirligigs on the lawn.

While Village Greenery was mostly a floral and garden shop, the Nichols’ said they want to expand the store’s selection to include more garden, pet and gift products.

“We’re going to expand on the gift shop end of the business” he said, “expand on pet food and pet products, gift items, home decor, furniture, framed art.”

The Village Greenery has been home to Lacey’s Place, which sells all natural dog food and pet supplies, and the Nichols said the selection will be expanded.

With the closing of the neighboring Sundial Shop, the store might also sell greeting cards.

Garden accessories and outdoor furniture will also be added to the store’s inventory, including similar items sold at Dockside Florist.

The Nichols’ will still own and operate Dockside Florist.

“Eventually we will combine Dockside Florist and Village Greenery,” Michelle Nichols said.

“We’re always adding here also,” Dave Nichols said.

The Village Greenery is located at the Meredith Shopping Center on Route 25. For more information call 279-6222.

“We have over 16 years experience in the floral garden center business and will continue to provide a great product with extremely friendly service,” Michelle Nichols said.

from Fosters.com © 2008