SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s all hands on deck at Peters & Sons Flowers and Gifts in preparation for Valentine’s Day this Friday.
The shop is running like a well-oiled machine thanks to the owners’ years of experience.
“My husband’s been in the flower world since 1969 and I have since 1975 when we got married,” Peters & Sons owner Susan Matteson said.
After more than 30 years in the industry, the Matteson’s have decided to pass the baton to someone new.
On February 1, Caitlin Collins became the newest owner in the store’s 120-year legacy.
“I just fell in love with what they do here,” Collins said. “The history of the business and Suzy and Ray and having them as mentorship through the process, it really worked out perfectly.”
But February is not the easiest time to enter the floral industry. While Peters & Sons stays busy year-round, the days surrounding Valentine’s are some of the busiest. Between February 13 and 14, the business has 150 total deliver orders.
“We agreed to stay through Valentine’s Day because it’s not an easy holiday for somebody new to the business,” Susan said.
While these days bring hundreds of orders, they also bring back loyal customers who wish to say goodbye.
“They’ve been a great local business and one that I’m glad it’s got a new owner because the tradition will continue,” said customer Rob Ogden.
For the Mattesons, this final holiday is just as bittersweet as your Valentine’s Day chocolate assortment.
“They’re family,” Susan said. “They’re very special so it’s going to be hard to leave.”
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