By Morgan Macfarlane
Heirloom Rose Florist Shop participated in its first FTD Good Neighbor Day last week. They gave out hundreds of free roses to anyone walking in the shop door and to customers of Norma’s Antiques, and Kalamazoo County State Bank.
A dozen red roses cost around $42; however, with Heirloom Rose’s membership the price was reduced, said Designer Michael Cruse. The total cost was a couple thousand dollars according to owner Jim Stamper.
The FTD Good Neighbor Day is a nationwide event but few in Schoolcraft had any idea what it was, so Stamper decided to participate and educate. This year Heirloom Rose partnered with Norma’s Antiques to pay for roses for the community. Being involved with The FTD Good Neighbor Day is a great way to get involved with the community, said Cruse.
The Florists’ Transworld Delivery, also known as the FTD, is one of the largest floral companies in the world, according to FTD.com. Stamper has been in the floral business for over 40 years in Kalamazoo and New Jersey. He lives above the shop at 407 S. Grand Street and has owned the business for the last six years.
Heirloom Rose is rated as a master four star, which is the highest rating for a florist shop. There is only one other store in Michigan with the four star ranking, said Cruse.