As the time approaches for Valentine’s Day, it is important to find the best flowers, at the lowest price, from the most trusted seller. For those who wait until the last minute to start their shopping, local grocery stores and grocery chains are the best alternative. But for those who start early and look for the best local florists, there are many local shops that offer competitive advantages over their counterparts. In Inverness, FL alone there are four distinct florists who seek an edge in competition through special deals, customer service, Customization options and pleasing ambience. In this review we highlight the best and worst shops for flowers in Inverness: Flower Basket, Cat’s Meow Florist, Inverness Florist and Little Flower Shop.
Flower Basket
flowerbasket-fl.com
Consumer price: $40-135
Hours: M-F: 8:30-5 Sat: 9-3
This store is small and difficult to find, as it is hidden in the middle of two stores. Very limited front parking, with additional parking in the rear. The location is less than ideal, one of the busiest sections of hwy 44, but the interior, selection and customer Well outweigh the negatives .
From the first moment I walked in the door I was warmly greeted by the employee at the front and given informative answers about the bouquets and the usual products. While this florist, like others, receives its orders through teleflower and ytb, it has something that others do not: visible poster displays of products and price lists. The custom item selection of animalsstuffed, fish and silk flowers is superb and offers a good measure by which customers can order Rebatur.
Best 5 day deals:
“Sentimental expression” flower super bargain price $44.95
“Red and white” twelve mixed roses for $54.95
(Limited 5-Day Deal) Mix of pastel colored flowers and monkey charm for as low as $44
Grades:
Customer Service: A
Origin/Location: C
atmosphere: B-
Custom Choice: A-
Super Grade: B+
Cat’s Meow Florist
catsmeowflorist.com
Consumer price: $23-123
Hours: M-F: 9-5 Sat: 9-12
I had high expectations from Cat’s Meow Florist as evidenced by the many positive reviews I read, as well as the excellent status of their website. However, in areas other than flower delivery and arrangement, Cat Meow was strongly discouraged.
The Cat’s Meow is a very easy four place; ample parking and a large and visible barn. The first impression upon entering the shop was the delightful displays both on the exterior of the shop and in the display windows, and for the most part this is a well-decorated floral shop. Customer service is the biggest drawback at this point, however. I was not greeted upon entering the store, and was treated with indifference to most of my greetings. I was asked if I needed help, but the attitude of the employees was clearly not in my needs. They answered the questions I asked about the custom of choice, but without any advice to make me happy or grateful before there was an immediate return to indifference.
in the same way I was overwhelmed by the abundance of the interior. The refrigerated live flower section did not offer the flavor of the types of flowers sold, nor was it an honest attempt at Valentine’s Day promotion. The custom selection was minimal at best and while the prices at this location are tied for the most competitive with Inverness Florist, I wouldn’t recommend this store for any other reason.
Best 5 day deals:
“How Sweet It Is” is a bright and colorful arrangement for $34.9
“Heart and Soul” arrangement of heart-shaped carnations for $37.95
Grades:
Customer Service: D
Parking/Location: B+
Atmosphere: B-
Custom Selection: C-
Above Grade: C-
Winter Florist
invernessflowers.com
Consumer price: $23-123
Hours: M-F: 9-5 Sat: 9-12
This florist impressed me by far the most out of the four florists I visited. While the parking lot was very narrow (only two spaces in front) the place was relatively quiet and peaceful. And likewise, while the store itself was small compared to others, the interior was splendidly decorated and decorated with flowers; also stuffed with animals.
Unlike all the others, Inverness Florist had a moderately large Valentines section with all the big bears. hearts to Hershey’s kisses containers. Their cooling section also contained around eight arrangements which provided a good starting point for new customers. However, the most pleasing aspect of this store was the interior design and decoration. Not only was the decor pleasant and peaceful, but the victorian waiting room with three plates and a plush sofa. I entered this one of the most informal and hospitable floral stores.
And above all, at this point the customer service was extraordinary. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted with a smile and a friendly employee who was ready to answer any questions I had and could never be more available when I needed help. This florist is by far the best pick in Inverness.
Best 5-Day Deals:
“Teleflora Bear Hug Bear with Pink Rose” for $34.95
“Hershey Hugs Bouquet by Teleflora” for $42.95
Grades:
Customer Service: A
Ortus/Location: B-
atmosphere: A
Custom Selection: B+
Super Grade: A
Flower Blossom
thelittleflowershopinverness.com
Consumer price: $40-185
Hours: M-F: 9-5
Located right off the main street in Inverness, this flower shop is specifically located with substantial parking. The store is easily viewed from the road and is attractively decorated. It was in the appendages where the Little Flower Shop fell heavily in comparison with its florists.
I was very disappointed when I first entered this store to find the lobby relatively bare and lifeless, scattered here and there with a few silk arrangements and stuffed animals. Their refrigerated section contained absolutely no live flowers and no posters or displays announcing any special activities or promotions. Their collection of catalog items had been shoved into a corner out of plain sight and put away. I was particularly struck by the lack of any Valentine’s Day decorations, especially considering the holiday was approaching.
Customer service was poor considering I had to enter the florist and walk around the entire interior lobby before being greeted once, or for that matter, even noticing the presence of an employee. Since it was crowded with its usual out-of-order selection, the prices of the arrangements and the absence of any substantial displays was very disappointing, I visited this one of the lowest rated florists.
Best 5-Day Deals:
“Forever Yours” for $85
“Floral Attraction” for $60
Grades:
Customer Service: D
Origin/Location: A
atmosphere: D
Custom Selection: B+
Above Grade: C
