Exotic Flowers in Boston

Boston, MA

August 8th, 2011

As Britney Spears gets ready to take the stage at TDBank Garden in Boston tonight, she will be enjoying the fragrant blooms of Exotic Flowers in her dressing room. Britney has recaptured the public's affection and sells out her concerts throughout the country. I know that Britney will be blown away by the striking arrangement of Ecuadorean roses, Dutch hydrangeas, and orchids from Thailand sent by an adoring fan.

As Boston's Premier Florist, the staff at Exotic Flowers is often called upon to create some outrageous flower designs for the Boston area. From Fenway Park to Gillette Stadium, Exotic Flowers has had some memorable deliveries for friends, fans and celebrities.

Some of our flower deliveries have gone to Boston news icon Natalie Jacobson; actresses Barbara Streisand, Rita Moreno, Jane Seymour and Amy Smart; Baseball legends Ted Lepcio and Jose Canseco;  and politicians Senator Ted Kennedy, Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino. While some of our more memorable deliveries include:

Actresses Annette Bening, Eva Mendes and Debra Messing (who has many floral allergies) were feted with flowers while filming the movie, The Women in Cambridge, MA. What a pleasant surprise to have Hollywood producer Toby Emmerich's people ring up Exotic Flowers in Boston to celebrate these three movie stars with Ecuadorean roses, Dutch Gerbera Daisies and Cymbidium Orchids from New Zealand.

In June, 2009 - the Red Sox celebrated manager Terry Francona and coach Brad Mills' 500th win for the Red Sox with 500 roses sent to their wives from Exotic Flowers' hoard of Ecuadorean roses.

When the famous legend Julie Andrews was in Boston, Exotic Flowers was chosen to create table centerpieces for a party in her honor.

One of the more memorable Boston weddings came years ago. Exotic Flowers was honored to create the wedding flowers for actress Maura Tierney. The Hyde Park native has been a friend of Sonny at Exotic Flowers for many years. We are proud to be friends with such a special family.

It was

Boston, MA

Dear friends,                                                                                                                      August, 2011

At Exotic Flowersin Boston, you often ask us to send gifts for newborns, birthdays and anniversaries. We are honored that you choose our Boston flower shop to be such a special part of your lives.  We realize that sending flowers is all about sending emotions. We do not take that job lightly. At the end of the day, your special events give us purpose. We feel we help make your lives better and we are thankful for this huge responsibility.

At Exotic Flowers -  friendships, relationships and family are so important. Of course we like to share our achievements with you as well. Last winter you showed so much kindness when my wife Suzie released her first children's book, The Land of Chocolate Cosmos. I am thankful.

This week, Suzie has now released her second children's book, The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom. I know you will love it. For our best clients, we are sending a complimentary copy for your enjoyment. After all, we are all kids at heart. Whether you have kids or just think like one, I know you will love this book.

Thank you for everything. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Know that I am at your disposal.

with gratitude and admiration,

Of course.

Paris would be an asset to any company whose vision statement is' Reaction Guaranteed.' Paris is a marketing genius who reinforces her personal brand daily. Born with no marketable talents like singing, acting or nuclear science - Paris Hilton has turned her charm, looks and enthusiasm into a multi-million dollar empire.

Paris Hilton lives out loud. She engages with her fan base through social media outlets like Twitter. She grows her brand through shock and awe. Arrested, vilified, and x-rated; Paris' star only shines brighter. She is a fighter. Exotic Flowers in Boston believes in this energy. She turns lemons into lemonade and rarely hurts anyone in the process.

Although Paris has never exhibited the work ethic we look for in employees, she has proved her mettle by doing all types of labor intensive jobs to succeed. And at Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are looking for go-getters like Paris. Paris lives out loud. She is a trail blazer who generates revenue. What business would not want an employee who is rings the cash register? Paris Hilton is a rain maker and every small business especially florists could use a rain maker.

Paris also recognizes her fan base, also known as her customers. Paris realizes every fan matters. Just like Exotic Flowers realizes every customer matters. When a fan asks for an autograph request, her response. "Of course.'  Paris Hilton gets it. She is in the marketing customer service business. Paris knows every customer helps build her brand/business.

And of course, by evidence of the photo below: Paris Hilton loves flowers too. So Paris, if you're interested; you have a job at Exotic Flowers in Boston.

5. Toots by Bob Considine

No longer in print, this book about the famous saloon keeper Toots Shor -  is a nice read for all restauranteuers and small businessmen. 'Toots' not only teaches how to build solid business relationships, but also how to make money while doing it. His concept of spending quality time with his customers is practiced every day at Exotic Flowers in Boston.

4. Marketing Your Dreams by Pat Williams, Michael Weinreb

Williams insists that 'Marketing Your Dreams isn't a Bill Veeck biography; instead, it's a book about success, a book about one of the most relentless and fascinating personalities in the history of organized sports. It's a book about extracting Veeck's traits and concentrating them into their purest form so that the reader can pull the same kind of inspiration from the master that Williams did.'

The reader will find many of Pat and Bill's marketing ideas implemented at Exotic Flowers in Boston. Bill Veeck has always been one of my idols.

3.

by Leonardo Inghilleri,Micah Solomon,Horst Schulze

 

the chapter on Building Customer Loyalty Online and the Appendixes are worth the price of the book alone.
Just wish more companies practiced these policies.

At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are making a concerted effort to implement many of these policies.

 

2.

Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History

by David Meerman Scott,Brian Halligan

 

This book is great for the beach or the lake. A quick read with original insight. You can finish in a day or two.

 

Halligan and Meerman Scott have offered the staff at Exotic Flowers lots of fresh ideas for social media and marketing in Boston.

1.

Veeck--As In Wreck: The Autobiography of Bill Veeck

by Bill Veeck,Ed Linn

 

I am now reading this book for the third time. Not only inspiring, but enjoyable. This book is a must have for baseball fans, marketing fans and all small business owners. Bill inspires and teaches.

 

 

 

Red wine, beautiful flowers and great red meat are some of my favorite things. When you can combine all three, you will not only have a memorable meal, but you will ignite all your senses. Let me walk you through a memorable meal that I recently enjoyed at The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. While you savor this meal, remember the key to a Great meal is company and decor as well. No meal would be complete without a flowers in the room or on the table.

For starters, a 2009 Byron Pinot Noir was poured to accompany my assortment of warm bread and focaccia. The dominant themes are dark berries, cherries, rose petal, red plum, brown spice and smoke. A great starter with an explosion of flavor.

To accompany my blue cheese and bacon wedge salad; a 2003 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche was chosen. This wine has an intense, deep ruby color. Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and currant. Bright fruit aromas mingled with sweet oak, dark chocolate, slight clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. A nice match with the flavors of blue cheese and bacon. Not quite the Byron, but enjoyable.

My next course featured medium rare Filet Mignon topped with lump crab meat accompanied by mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. For this decadent entree, a 2006 Chalk Hill Estate 2006 Cabernet was chosen. Wow this was a winner. Everything you'd want in a Cabernet. Throughout this meal, candles flickered in the twilight. Aromas wafted from the kitchen. Rose petals decorated the table as a tower of sunflowers loomed over room divider. With an incredibly satisifying meal, our waiter insisted on us experiencing the RL Buller Portly Gentleman Port to go along with a complimentary berry covered creme brule. Although we were stuffed to the gills, this pairing was heavenly.

Aside from the masterpiece of desert; this meal could easily be replicated in your Boston backyard. Start with flowers and plants from Exotic Flowers (we will pick flowers that do not interfere with the aroma of your food) for your decor; steaks from the Butcher Boy in North Andover; and wines from Gary's Liquors in Chestnut Hill. Pick some great music and do not forget the candle light. Of course pick some great guests, family and friends. Invite the kids, youthful enthusiasm is infectious.

A conversation about blue roses often becomes a love/hate one. Some of our clients love blue roses and can only have blue roses or no other flower. Other clients loathe them and consider them an insult to nature. Because Boston is conservative, blue roses rarely find their way to the tables of Beacon Hill, Newton or Wellesley.

Blue roses do not exist in nature. At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we import hundreds of blue roses every week from Ecuador. These Boston Blue Roses are actually a white rose dyed blue while still in Ecuador. After the white rose is cut, the white becomes very thirsty. The white rose is then immersed in a blue dye solution. The flowers draws the dye straight up the stem to the petals; that is why the stems and foliage of our blue roses appear blue as well.

Because of the absence of blue roses in nature, the blue rose has adopted a symbolism of mystery and allure. This symbolism creates a connection with those giving and receiving the blue roses.

At Exotic Flowers, we are believe in sending the outrageous. Our vision statement, Reaction Guaranteed,' resonates with the sending of blue roses. Of course, the staff at Exotic Flowers may not care for blue roses, but we also would not drive a bright yellow car or a mini-cooper. To each their own, blue roses are here to stay.

The next stop on the horizon is the blue orchid plant. Another conversation for another blog.

Exotic Flowers Garden at 615 American Legion Hwy in Roslindale Boston has begun its annual summer clearance sale. This is a great chance to replenish your Boston garden on some premium items at discount prices. Outdoor garden flags, outdoor pottery and statuary are now 50-70% off.

Forty eight plant annual trays are now $12.50 per tray marked down from $18.00.

Four inch annual plants like New Guinea Impatiens and geraniums are now only $3 each, formerly $5 each.

Six inch wave petunias and begonias are now only $5 each, formerly $8 each.

Hibiscus plants are all now 20% off.

10" hanging plants like petunias, geraniums, lantana are now $15, 2 for $25 and 4 for $40. While Supplies last at Exotic Flowers in Roslindale.

Exotic Flowers' impatiens wall bags are now only $15 and 2 for $25.

Coco baskets are now only $25 formerly $40 each.

10" Impatiens or New Guinea Impatiens are now only $10 each.

all items are while supplies last at Exotic Flowers, 609-615 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131 617.524.4457

Yes, I know it's July. The weather is great and I do not wish to remind us how bad the winter of 2011 was. At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we are already accepting Christmas items and designing our holiday ads and direct mail pieces. Our goal at Exotic Flowers in Boston is to be a special part of your Christmas for 2011.  Leading off is our Colors of Christmas Centerpiece. The design of this floral arrangement is sure to bring star power to the table. The highlights of this arrangement include a hand-blown glass bowl, festive colors, elegant curves and our very own ecuadorean roses. Not only can Exotic Flowers send all our items throughout the Boston area, but we can also send these Christmas flowers throughout North America.

Our perennial holiday best seller is back again at Exotic Flowers in Boston. Partnering again with the Artist of Light via Teleflora; Exotic Flowers unveils Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Carolers Bouquet. Highlights of this Kinkade keepsake include our ecuadorean spray roses. Batteries are included. This Kinkade village plays the Christmas carol "Deck the Halls" and also lights up. Exotic Flowers now ignites your senses with sight, scent, touch and sound with this stunning Christmas gift.

Keeping in partnership with Christmas' stars; Exotic Flowers has once again partnered with Radko via Teleflora. Exotic Flowers is adding another keepsake ornament jar for your collection known as The Glitter and Shine Ornament, Celebrations by Radko. This Christmas gift will likely sell out again in 2011.

Remember Woody Woodpecker ? This bouquet hugger looks a lot like Chilly Willie. Known as the Send a Hug Penguin, this cute design is a surefire smile for all recipients. When you cannot give a hug, send a hug.

Christmas is such an important holiday. Start your own tradition in 2011 with flowers.

Exotic Flowers is located at 609 American Legion Highway in the Roslindale area of Boston.

The business hours for 4th of July Weekend 2015 are:

Friday:730am-5pm

Saturday: closed - but if we are here, we're open.

Sunday: 9am-1pm

The staff at Exotic Flowers will be delivering our stunning floral arrangements throughout the Boston area on Friday July 3rd.

If you are looking for a great deal on outdoor hanging plants and pottery for your 4th of July cookout, all our outdoor merchandise has been marked down.

Exotic Flowers in Boston posts hours for the benefit of its community and clients. As always, if we are here then we are open. Do not hesitate coming by if we are on the property outside of posted hours. The staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston is at your disposal.

If you know me, then you can often find me working on Saturdays. No worries, it is retail. Once you sign on for retail, you know weekends are imperative to your business survival. Unfortunately, working Saturdays often infringes on family time. Spending time with my family is my favorite past time.

This past Saturday, June 25th, 2011 my wife Suzie was treated by her company to free passes to Six Flags New England. What a treat. Not only did my son refer to it as the best day ever, my entire family had a blast.

Not only did the trip recharge my batteries, but Six Flags New England also provided valuable business lessons that all retailers should aspire.

1. Recharge your batteries: It is good to get away, take time off and spend time with family. Family is why we work so hard and we can never lose sight of how much they mean.

2. Cleanliness: From the parking lot - to the theme park - to the staff; the grounds are immaculate. No litter anywhere. The restrooms are cleaned often. The staff is well groomed and polite. No gum chewing, cell phone chatting, odd piercings or visible tattoos. All the attributes we hope to see in a retail store, but rarely do.

3. Enthusiasm: the energy in Six Flags New England is infectious. The staff is high energy and young at heart. For the most part, the staff is young. But all staff members are upbeat. From the continued hawkers dribbling basketballs to the constant requests for High Fives. Six Flags England gets it. Human contact, smiles, energy, positivity and good music make an ordinary amusement park a great memory. Retail stores, are you listening ? Do you wonder why clients are taking their sales on line ? As retailers, we need to create positive memories.

4: Superman & Batman and the power of branding: Contrary to what one might think, Six Flags Amusement Parks are not owned by Universal Studios or Warner Brothers. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety walk throughout the park for photo opportunities, high-fives and autographs. Rides like Bizarro and the Gotham Gauntlet are gate attractions. Six Flags New England embraces their partners. They realize the importance of working with name brands and not for them. As Boston florists, Exotic Flowers works with Teleflora and FTD. Exotic Flowers is proud to offer FTD and Teleflora items in the Exotic Flowers design style. Exotic Flowers works closely with Teleflora so that spokesperson Faith Hill offers Boston flower buyers one of our best selling collections.

5: Fair compensation: Six Flags New England is not cheap. They charge a premium for parking, carnival games, tickets and food. Six Flags New England realizes that for a business to prosper, it must charge a fair price for its good services. Remember, 'Cheap products make for a cheap company.'