Local shops change to keep up with the times
Florists - 01/11/2006 16:29:14
A Hemel Hempstead florist has had to change its business practices to survive in the 21st century.
Love from Lola is one of the few remaining businesses that has survived in the Old Town, following the opening of the Riverside shopping complex nearby.
Many firms have ceased to operate or have been forced to move their premises in an effort to chase shoppers.
But according to Love from Lola owner Lorna White and other traders still in the area, survival boils down to successfully adapting to the changing audience.
Ms White told the Gazette: "We quickly learnt we had to change our thinking and now our core business is providing a bespoke service for house flowers."
Other retailers claim that the area is undergoing changes and will soon reinvigorate itself. Stephen Holmes, former owner of Ye Olde Computer Shoppe, told the Gazette that "the Old Town will remain and will evolve into a specialist shopping area".
Small business rely on nearby residents to survive, so instead of going to the supermarket, why not visit your local florists whose details can be found in our online directory.