Fresh Flowers By Fine Things opens downtown

Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses at Fresh Flowers by Fine Things. The local flower shop is located just below Fine Things Reclaimed at 205 First Ave. W.

The store and building owner, Julia Prendergast, has been revamping the building by offering a place of relaxation and a one-stop shop.

Last month, Prendergast debuted Back Alley Beauty by Fine Things, and now the fresh flowers and full-service florist will just add to the shopping experience.

Prendergast said the idea took off when Altoona Floral and Gifts offered her and the flower shop’s co-owner, Shawna Wanders, an “incredible” deal.

The shop now employs two part-time florists, Wanders and Danielle Simbro and a friendly delivery guy, Clayton Bentley. The store also offers online orders.

When customers come in, Prendergast said they will meet in the store, which offers a fun and calming vibe.

“We have already met with brides who are planning wedding and families who are planning funerals, and they really need some time to relax,” Prendergast said. “We really want it to be fun and not stressful.”

Prendergast said she and Wanders have known each other for the last 10 years and were co-workers at a previous job.

“She is amazing,” Prendergast said. “I wouldn’t have done this without her.”

After accepting the offer to take over the business, Prendergast said she received a great clientele from Altoona.

“I think you really need a good base to start with,” Prendergast said.

From there, Prendergast said they re-designed the basement to be the flower shop, put in a walk-in cooler and design area.

“This is where all the designing happens,” Prendergast said. “We also have a grab-and-go flower cooler upstairs in the store.”

Prendergast said the idea behind the store was to bring fresh, affordable flowers to locals.

“Whenever I think of prices for the arrangements, I look at it from my prospective and if I would pay that price,” Prendergast said. “We want people to get their value.”

The flower shop is planning to incorporate a special deal one day a week, beginning Aug. 15. The deal would feature a vase and flowers for $4.99.

Prendergast said they also have worked to incorporate new ideas, like using items from Fine Things Reclaimed and filling them with fresh flowers.

“We also have lanterns that we have filled with greenery and a candle,” Prendergast said. “I’m trying to spice it up a little.”

Wanders said she hopes people will come check out the flower shop because of the uniqueness it brings to Newton.

“It’s something that we need here in town,” Wanders said. “You can come down and look in the coolers and we can help you out — it’s just personable here.”

According to Prendergast, she plans to maintain all three businesses with a friendly smile and provide a fun atmosphere.

“My hope is that the flower shop will be its own standing business, and people will want to come here over and over,” Prendergast said. “We want to have that reputation.”

The flower ship also offers delivery service to all surrounding areas. The shop’s hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Contact Fresh Flowers by Fine Things at 641-521-8858.