Shoppers sad to see popular florists go

A FLORIST who has to pack up her business of 12 years after the owners of her High Street base sold to a new tenant, says it is upsetting and has thanked all her customers for their support. 

Andrea Malone says she will have to look for a new job, after her lease expired and the shop was sold. The service was popular in the town, with local residents using it for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries and big life events including weddings and funerals. 

“It’s so upsetting,” Andrea told White Horse News. She took over the shop, which was previously a building society and named it Andrea’s, in around 2009. 

“Before that I did the flowers at Cooper’s, which is now Morrisons, So I’ve always been a florist. A lot of my customers followed me from Cooper’s and I built up the business myself,” Andrea said. 

“The shop was up for lease and Cooper’s was shutting down. My customers have become friends and I will miss them all.” 

Andrea’s was shut throughout the pandemic lockdowns and Andrea does not know what the new owners intend to do with the premises. Her last day of trading will be July 23rd. 

“I’m going to have to find another job,” she said. “I’ve been trying to find somewhere else to relocate, but there’s nowhere in Westbury at the right price.  

“I found out in February that the owners were selling.” 

Andrea put a note on the window to inform customers and many tributes have been paid to her and the business, with people also lamenting the loss of another independent shop. 

“People have been coming in and saying how sad it is,” Andrea said.  

Customer, Wendy Hillman said, “It’s so sad, such a lovely person, always loved everything she did for me, including the beautiful flowers when my husband passed, Always had the best service, will miss her so much, sad to see another independent shop go, Thank you Andrea, you’re going to be greatly missed.” 

Mandy Wright said, “What a loss to the High Street and local trading. Andrea gave that special touch to her service. A great loss. Good luck Andrea for the future.”