Exotic Flowers in Boston

Dear Funeral Directors,

We want to thank you for the important part you play in helping bereaved families experience the comfort of sympathy flowers and to let you know what a pleasure it is to work with you.

Flowers continue to remain an important part of a funeral or memorial service. Whether a funeral is in Boston, Cambridge or Brookline, funeral flowers remain an important part of the grieving process.

The continuing use of the “in lieu of flowers” phrase in obituaries, which is a major concern for us. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how the use of this phrase affects our work to help people express their sympathy, and how Exotic Flowers and all local funeral homes might work together to minimize the use of the negative phrase. Our goal is to help you address any concerns you have about handling flowers and to best serve your needs. This will benefit both companies and, most importantly, our valued mutual customers.

We would be glad to come to your offices or welcome you to our shop for a tour. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 617.247.2000 or e-mail rick@exoticflowers.com.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,



RickCanale
(Exotic Flowers)

 August 18, 1910, a group of forward-thinking florists met at the Society of American Florists (SAF) Convention in Rochester, NY and formed the country’s first flowers-by-wire service, Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association (FTD). The retail delivery association was led by John Valentine, a Colorado wholesaler who wanted to help grow the retail floral industry, which was still dominated by growers and wholesalers.

1910s
In the beginning, the growth of FTD was a slow process with only 200 florist members in 1914.  At the 1916 SAF Convention, members of FTD voted to split from SAF to form its own entity FTD, giving the 328 FTDA member florists the chance to chart their own destiny.  Also in the early years, the well-known FTD Mercury Man was introduced (1912), showcasing Mercury, the mythical messenger of the gods. Over the years, the logo has taken on many different variations, but always features the famous winged man.
Click here to view the FTD Logo through the years!

1920s
In 1920, FTD debuted FTD News, the first monthly membership directory. The FTD Directory is still used today in a printed book format as well as online within FTD Mercury. On January 1, 1924, 3,000 FTD Member Florists were introduced to the FTD Clearinghouse, the first non-profit international banking operation in commercial history, which handled over 460,000 orders worth almost $3 million in its first year. The 1920’s was a year of growth for FTD with the introduction of FTD’s first Publicity Bureau.  The group was very aggressive and creative in their marketing efforts. Annual revenues grew to over $6.3 million and the number of florists exceeded 5,000 by the end of 1929. Also in 1929, the FTD logo was copyrighted as the official trademark for FTD and was displayed in every shop.

1930s
Although the Great Depression hit the floral industry hard, FTD continued its strong advertising campaigns in the 1930s with radio shows featuring flower experts and merchandising celebrity endorsements from film stars such as Betty Davis and Jane Withers.  FTD also entered its first prize winning float in the Rose Parade and revived the “Say It with Flowers” marketing slogan originally used in 1914.  As the 1930s closed, there were over 7,000 FTD Member Florists and more than 2.1 million orders being processed through the FTD Clearinghouse.

1940s
As the United States entered WWII in 1941, FTD Florists experienced a shortage of many things from flowers to gas, tires and flower boxes.  Many florists went back to horse-drawn carriages for delivery and flower shops became a sales office for war bonds. Resulting from the ban on travel, FTD cancelled its florists’ conventions for three years and took a very aggressive effort to support the war effort and hosted programs to support all military personnel.  This dedicated approach grew the clearinghouse business to $25.4 million in 1945 and more than 8,650 members at the close of 1949.  In 1946, FTD launched both the industry’s first and FTD’s first test order program to assure quality and top performance from every FTD Florist. Quality and customer satisfaction remains a key part of the business still today.  Also, in 1946, FTD joined British Unit and Fleurop, the three groups later became known as Interflora, Inc.

1950s
The 1950s was an era of aggressive marketing campaigns and more celebrity endorsements of FTD.  With the introduction of the television, FTD hit the airwaves with a winning float in the first televised Rose Parade, was featured on the Ozzie and Harriet show and had FTD floral segments on the Today Show.  FTD increased its print advertising campaign to 13 publications such as Better Homes and Gardens and Cosmopolitan featuring prominent entertainers including Kim Novak, Elizabeth Taylor, Dale Evans and Rosemary Clooney endorsing FTD and flowers.  The media hoopla helped the FTD Clearinghouse surpass $63 million as over 8.2 million orders were filled in 1959.  FTD processed over one million orders for the first time in May 1959.  It was also during this decade that FTD changed its name to Florists’ Transworld Delivery (1956) to reflect the international partnership that was flourishing with Interflora Inc.

1960s
FTD moved forward at a rapid pace in the 1960s.  Clearings doubled from $63 million to $132 million and membership increased from 8,000 to 12,000.  There were many firsts in the 1960s for FTD that contributed to its rapid growth.  In 1962, FTD introduced the first FTD Selections Guide. FTD was featured on the cover of Business Week for its aggressive marketing efforts and for the newly introduced Selections Guide which was termed a “merchandising brainstorm”.  Another idea that was evaluated was the Test 90 Program, a three-month test of a privately leased telephone wire system to send orders. Although it did not continue after the three months, Test 90 was the first step in the development of the Mercury Network.

1970s
The 1970s may have seen gas shortages, but there was no shortage of growth for FTD and FTD Florists.  Along with increases in aggressive advertising campaigns and the introduction of its first nationally advertised holiday special (FTD LoveBundle) in 1971, FTD officially launched the Mercury Network on August 8, 1979. By November 1979, 6,500 consoles were delivered to members and transmitted more than 11,000 orders per day.  It did not take long for the Mercury Network to reach its one-millionth order, which occurred on December 13, 1979.  At the end of the 1970s, FTD topped $350 million in volume, orders were at 18 million per year and membership was at its highest at 19,000 members.

1980s
During the 1980s, FTD developed many famous new bouquets, some that are still being merchandised by FTD today, including the FTD® Pick-Me-Up Bouquet®, FTD® Big Hug Mug® Bouquet and the FTD® Birthday Party® Bouquet.  In 1983, NFL Hall-of-Famer Merlin Olsen was introduced to members as the new FTD spokesperson and was featured in advertising campaigns and appeared at various floral industry events.  In 1985, FTD introduced the 800-SEND-FTD toll-free phone number. The industry’s first design and education team was introduced by FTD in 1988 and many of the designers are still on the team today wowing audiences and demonstrating the latest trends at industry shows. FTD membership grew to over 20,000 at the end of the 1980s.

1990s
The 1990s provided FTD with great change and moved closer to John Valentine’s original goal for FTD...to help grow the retail floral industry.  FTD branched out from being strictly a clearinghouse for orders and more towards a full-service business solution for florists.  FTD developed many new exciting business programs such as a telephone answering service (FTD Flowers All Hours) and a custom web site development and maintenance program (FTD Florists Online).  FTD also recognized how technology was changing the way consumers’ shop, so FTD expanded its efforts to promote 800-SEND-FTD.  In addition, FTD created www.ftd.com in 1994 as another means to reach consumers that wanted an alternative way to shop for flowers.  In 1999, a portion of FTD became a publicly-traded company on NASDAQ combining 800-SEND-FTD and www.ftd.com into one company called FTD.COM.

2000s
In 2000s, technology continued to be a vital part of the success of the floral industry.  Consumers continue to look for new easier and quicker ways to shop.  In addition, more and more competitors have entered the gift-giving category.  This forced FTD and FTD Florists to truly embrace technology, create alternative marketing solutions and merchandise non-floral gift options to reach distinctive, fast-paced, tech-savvy consumers.  Thus, www.ftd.com, FTD Florists Online web sites and Mercury Technology systems grew very rapidly and have become a critical business function to FTD Florists.

Today, FTD is revamping its signature black and gold branding and focusing its marketing campaigns on celebrating the talent and artistry of FTD Florists.  To assist FTD Member Florists in the industry’s highly competitive environment and challenging economic times, FTD has introduced various programs and services all aimed at helping increase florists’ revenues and reduce costs. Programs such as the FTD Luxury Collections and the FTD Customer Choice Program provide florists with the opportunity to up sell the customer and significantly increase average order values. FTD is continuously enhancing Mercury Technology systems to offer florists state-of-the-art technology modules such as delivery and accounting integration, gift card options and marketing solutions to help streamline and advance their business.

On August 18, 2010, FTD will celebrate its 100th Anniversary and its 100 years of floral innovation.  That spirit of innovation is still the driving force behind the FTD brand today. From new marketing initiatives to breath-taking floral bouquets to our cutting-edge Mercury Technology, FTD continues to lead the industry with creative solutions that help florists compete in this rapidly changing world.  Our talented FTD Florists have been a part of the fabric of America for 100 years and an essential part of life’s most memorable experiences.

Exotic Flowers, Boston's Premier Florist is proud to remain an FTD  member in good standing. Did you know that Exotic Flowers in Boston can send flowers around the corner and around the globe. Trust your local Boston Florist to send flowers globally.

 

 

Above Photo; Boston Florist, Rick Canale speaking at CFA convention in 2008.

Put the Social Back into Networking in Orlando
By Shelley Estersohn
Remember brainstorming over a cup of coffee or perking up when you heard someone else ask a question about his business? Those moments can’t happen if you have your face buried in your BlackBerry or you’re updating your Facebook page.

The potential for those unexpected “aha” moments — inspiration sparked when people with different experiences just get together and talk — is a big part of what draws people to industry meetings. That’s why opportunities for networking between wholesalers, retailers and growers are a mainstay of the SAF convention schedule.

“Everybody in business needs a little face time with folks from similar businesses as well as from other segments of the industry,” said SAF convention chairperson Dottie Pannepacker of Penny’s Flowers in Glenside, Pa. “I go to SAF conventions to get away from the day-to-day.”

Or attendees can walk the SAF Winners Circle and hear experts from Professional Floral Communicators – International talk about the top entries in the Outstanding Varieties and Sylvia Cup Design competitions. That night it’s all about the chatter as attendees gather under the stars for the Networking Reception. 

* * * * * 

 As a florist from Boston, MA  I look forward to not only attending the convention, but also participating in the forums and discussions. I have also been invited to serve as a judge for 2 of the more presigious awards for the event.

My most honored role at the SAF convention wil be serve as a panelist for the importance of social media in the floral industry. Whether you're a florist in Boston or Belgium, or specialize in funerals or weddings; this social media seminar should be attended. 

SCIENCE AND NATURE UNEARTH NEW INSIGHTS INTO EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Rutgers Behavioral Study Links Flowers and Life Satisfaction

BOSTON, MA - With today's high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

"What's most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," said Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.

Research Findings

A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.

1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.

2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.

3. Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.

"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."

Sharing Space

The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors - such as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms - suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing.

"Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "They make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere."

Exotic Flowers, Boston's Premier Florist works with the Society of American Florists to bring public awareness on the importance of cut flowers in one's life.
# # #

Background

The Emotional Impact of Flowers Study was conducted by Jeannette M. Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Project Director, Human Development Lab at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr. Haviland-Jones is a psychologist and internationally recognized authority in the role of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response.

The research adds a scientific foundation to what many consider to be common knowledge - that flowers have a strong, beneficial impact on those who receive them. The Society of American Florists worked in cooperation with the Rutgers research team, bringing an expertise of flowers to the project.

Harvard Research Team Reveals:



Living with Flowers Strengthens Feelings of Compassion,

Decreases Anxiety and Worry



Can the mere presence of flowers in the home change people’s moods or state of mind? Can the effects carry over into our daily lives? New research, a result of a collective effort and strategic alliance by SAF and the Flower Promotion Organization (FPO), says yes.



Powerful Partnership



Throughout 2006, the SAF/FPO Alliance partnered with Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, to explore the effects of flowers in the home environment on well-being. The four-month behavioral research study concluded that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home.



Main Findings





Flowers feed compassion.



Study participants who lived with flowers for less than a week felt an increase in feelings of compassion for others.





Flowers chase away anxieties, worries and the blues at home.



Overall, people in the study simply felt less negative after being around flowers at home for just a few days. People can feel the power of flowers: Participants most frequently placed the flowers in their kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, where they spend a lot of time at home. They reported wanting to see the blooms first thing in the morning.





Living with flowers can provide a boost of energy, happiness and enthusiasm at work.



Having flowers at home can have a positive carry-over impact on our mood at work, too. The study found that people are more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at work when flowers are in their home living environments.


To our neighbors. Trust your local Boston florist, Exotic Flowers to decrease worry.

Exotic Flowers, Boston's Premier Florist now has garden roses arrive every monday. These Nostalgic Roses have an old world feeling to them either by their cup and quartered shapes or their fruity or flowery fragrance. These are roses are grown in Colombia at Alexandra Farms. Alexandra Farms is a small, cozy, nostalgic garden rose farm located in the incredibly fertile savannah of Bogota, high in the Andes mountains of Colombia, where the weather is perfect for rose growing: warm days and cool nights. The garden roses are all hand cut, graded and hand packed.
Trust Exotic Flowers, your local Boston florist to continue bringing in the freshest flowers in Boston.

July 12th, 1957 - 53 Years ago today --



Foreseeing the changing economy in the coming millennium, Sonny adopted the name Exotic Flowers as its primary signature for doing business in 1993. In 1994 a satellite location was opened at 2 Dartmouth Street in Boston's South End. In 1995, in order to expand our services, we opened a full service floral shop and garden center on route 3A in Cohasset. In June 2001 our flagship store opened at the greenhouse at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Roslindale remains company headquarters. All phone calls, on line orders, and deliveries emanate from this location.



In 2007, Exotic Flowers partnered with the Boston Red Sox to be The Official Florist of the Boston Red Sox. Exotic Flowers was thrilled to be such a special part of their World Champion season. Our success with the team led to the development of our online memorabilia store, www.fenway1912.com Exotic Flowers firmly believes in sports and their benefit to society. We have been the florist for the PGA Deutsche Bank Championship since its inception, and in 2010 partnered with the Women's Professional Soccer team - the Boston Breakers (www.bostonbreakers.com)as their official florist. Exotic Flowers and Lombardi Florist have also been proud to sponsor our local softball teams and reward our Little League Champions.



Exotic Flowers realizes we are a part of the community and continue to do our best by employing a strong business ethic and offering a beautfiul destination florist in Boston. One can always come in for free plant advice at any time.In 2009, Exotic Flowers closely worked with Fisher House Boston - who provides care for our wounded veterans and their families at the Veterans Hospital in West Roxbury, MA.



Exotic Flowers remains a family owned and operated Boston florist. Sonny and Marie work daily and their children all play integral roles in the future of the company. Lauren Canale Trifiro operates an online florist from Scituate. John Canale works part time and offers his experience and customer service skills for the benefit of the growth of Exotic Flowers. Rick Canale oversees the daily operations and ensures that Exotic Flowers remains Boston's Premier Florist.

Rick, I wanted to thank you for helping me with Mark's birthday party. The flowers were beautiful and balloons very festive. Thanks again - next time we're in Boston, we'll stop by. Thank you. - Laura" in regards to being the florist for a birthday party in Boston.

 

As usual you and your staff was above and beyond expectations!
She absolutely loves them, and I am the favorite child for a little while :)
Thank you! Have a great day! Margaret" in regards to serving as the customers birthday florist in Roslindale

" Hi Rick,


My mother just called to say that the flowers are beautiful. Thank you and thanks for such quick service. I'll definitely be a returning customer.

Regards, Kathy" in regards to serving as the client's birthday florist in Roslindale

" Hi Rick,


Hillary loved the flowers! Thanks for the great service - I will definitely
recommend you and order from you again!

Caleb C" in regards to serving Caleb as his Boston florist.

"Thank you. the flowers were beautiful. i will be sure to keep your info on file for future reference.


Kathleen " in regards to serving Kathleen as her Boston florist.

EXOTIC FLOWERS IN BOSTON & ROSLINDALE, MA NAMED MEMBER OF TELEFLORA'S NATIONAL ACCOUNT PROGRAM

                      Teleflora Creates Exclusive Program for Select Member Florists

BOSTON, JULY 20th, 2010 - Exotic Flowes was recently named a member of Teleflora's National Account Program, an elite incentive and loyalty program created exclusively for Teleflora's top member florists in America. Teleflora, the world's leading flower delivery network offering only hand-arranged and hand-delivered floral arrangements, created the program as a way to thanks its top member florists for their hard work and support.

Teleflora member florists qualified for membership in the National Account Program by sending orders through the Teleflora network, growing their TF hosted website order volume and designing and delivering orders from fellow member florists. Members of the Teleflora National Account Program represent the top 5% of Teleflora's 18,000 florist partners.

Exotic Flowers has been a member of the community for over 50 years and is located at 609 American Legion Hwy in Roslindale and Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. Consumers can place orders for same-day delivery to anyone worldwide by contacting Exotic Flowers, Boston's Premier Florist at 617.247.2000, 1-800-706-1200 or online at http://www.exoticflowers.com/