Reina P. Cunningham
Staff Writer
Surviving the Hard Times is a new series in the Daily News. Each week a long-standing locally owned business that is surviving in today’s hard economic times will be featured.
Jim and Mary’s Flower Shop is this week’s Surviving the Hard Times business.
When you drive down Cumberland Avenue into historic downtown Middlesboro, you are likely to notice a color splash on your right. Jim and Mary’s Flower Shop brightens up downtown at 2020 Cumberland Avenue with holiday and seasonal window displays.
Owners Jim and Mary Whalen are husband and wife and have worked together for the past 30 years to provide residents of Bell County with one of a kind floral arrangements. They have been at their current downtown location for the last 13 years.
The Whalens credit their success to the community. As with any business, the flower shop has been through some hard times throughout the years but they have managed to not only survive but to be successful, all thanks to their loyal customers.
“That is the way it has always been,” said Mary about the ups and downs of owning a small business. “We appreciate Bell County’s business.”
Mary creates beautiful, unique gifts for all special occasions and Jim delivers them throughout Middlesboro.
The shop offers fresh, high-quality flowers to create just the right bouquet to fit every occasion and budget. Besides one of a kind floral arrangements, the shop also offers wreaths, pictures, stuffed animals, blankets, balloons and gift baskets.
The shop offers same day flower delivery at no extra cost for last-minute gifts.
The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Although the shop is generally closed on Sundays, the Whalens will open in the event of a funeral.
To help assure on-time delivery during the busy holiday season, the Whalens ask customers to try to place their orders at least one day prior to all major holidays.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and is the perfect time to promote this local business.
“We have candy, bear and balloon bouquets along with fresh roses and spring arrangements,” said Mary. “Everything for your special Valentine.
You may contact the Whalens at 248-5620, place your order online at www.jimandmarysflowers.com or come by the display room at the store to look at the numerous gift options Mary already has prepared.
To nominate a long-standing locally owned business to be featured in Surviving the Hard Times, contact Reina Parker Cunningham at rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 205.
Congratulations to Jim and Mary