The Stanly News and Press (Albemarle, NC)

Around Stanly County

Related Photos

  • Claude Harwood makes an arrangement at Harwood’s Florist in Albemarle. Justin Jones

    Claude Harwood

  • Left to right, are: Mitchell Edwards and daughter, Hallie Lambert, along with Cathryn and Claude Harwood. Lambert and Cathryn will manage the store, while Claude will continue as a floral designer and consultant. Justin Jones

    Harwood's Florist

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
September 26, 2012

Making Arrangements

Although the business has been sold, flower shop owners will still have active role

By Justin Jones, Staff Writer SNAP

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 — Families that have been turning to Harwood’s Flower Shop will have the opportunity to continue buying from Harwood’s, although it will be under new ownership, after the business was sold to Mitchell Edwards of Edwards Flowers & Gifts in Norwood.

Harwood’s, which has been in business since 1942, has operated under the ownership of Claude and Cathryn Harwood for decades. With an opportunity to sell the business knowing it could continue to operate as it has from its location on U.S. 52, while keeping the same name, the Harwood’s sold the business to Edwards, a longtime friend, on Sept. 7.

“We just wanted to scale back and slow things down,” Cathryn said, who will remain at the shop helping to manage day to day operations.

“I can’t tell you how delighted we are to partner with the Edwardses and Hallie,” Claude said.

Hallie, who is Mitchell’s daughter, will be managing the store with Cathryn.

Hallie has been managing Edward’s floral store in Norwood since January.

Claude will remain in the store as a floral designer, planner and consultant to customers.

“We’ve worked together many years. And I know how they serve and how important customers are to them,” Edwards said.

“And being in the store more over these past two weeks, I’ve found out that it’s all about really trying to keep customers happy.”

The Harwoods have enjoyed a successful run as owners of the flower shop and want their customers to know they can expect the same service and quality they’ve given in the past. The Harwoods’ work has been recognized globally, as they have traveled to Europe, teaching classes on floral design.

Meanwhile, Edwards has enjoyed success owning Edwards Funeral Home in addition to their flower and gift shop.

Edwards Funeral Home has two locations, one off College Street in Norwood and the other off West Allenton in Mt. Gilead.

With their histories of running two successful businesses, Harwood sees the sell as a chance for a secure partnership that will ensure Harwood’s Flower Shop continues to serve the community.

“No such thing as Harwood’s (Flower Shop) if they were not here,” Edwards said on the two staying active in the store.

“They are Harwood’s Florist.”

With the change in ownership, customers will notice some visual changes to the store. Changes are already in place to expand their display area, and Edwards plans to revitalize the greenhouses.

“We’ll be selling plants and hanging baskets, and types of things associated with yards and gardens,” Edwards said of plans for the greenhouse.

“That’s our biggest improvement and we’ll have some more things to offer as well with Christmas trees and wreaths this winter.”

Any other changes, Edwards said, can be worked through together.

“We’re thankful to still be here and able to still be working,” Cathryn said.

As for Claude, he may have given up ownership, but his goals have remained the same.

“From babies to funerals, we continue to take ‘em from beginning to end.”

 

Text Only
Around Stanly County
Seasonal Content