One fewer local store in Harvard Square: Brattle Square Florist to close doors

The Brattle Square Florist, unfastened for much than 100 years, volition adjacent adjacent month.

Owner Randy Ricker, who bought the Brattle Street store 9 years ago, says he's reached a concern and idiosyncratic breaking point, with a pandemic connected apical of everything:

On the concern front, challenges proceed to mount. Prices for plants, flowers and hard goods person risen dramatically and we are struggling to support our margins. Availability of merchandise has ne'er been much challenging. We are not capable to pull and clasp unit who are captious to our operation. While the store is simply a magical spot to visit, the conditions of our abstraction are besides deteriorating. The imaginable of continuing operations during an ongoing and unpredictable pandemic is daunting.

On the idiosyncratic front, I purchased Brattle Square Florist 9 years agone and threw myself into the concern enthusiastically. It has been an astonishing experience, but the tremendous magnitude of affectional and carnal vigor it takes to tally this concern has taken a toll. I person not had Thanksgiving meal with my household successful 9 years. I've had 1 Sunday disconnected successful 20 months. I person often worked 30-40 time stretches without a break. Simply put, I can't prolong this effort.

Given these challenges, I bash not judge that we tin conscionable the demands of Valentine's Day successful February, traditionally our busiest time. In airy of that, I person decided to upwind down operations successful January.