Springfield florist marks 100 years under the same name

A Springfield florist was recently recognized for operating for more than 100 years under the same name in an industry local business owners said has undergone upheaval in recent decades.

Schneider’s Florist was recently honored with the Society of American Florists Century Award, recognizing flower shops that have been in business for at least 100 years. Bill and Kathy Ardle have owned the business since 1971, and although the company has had a few owners since it first opened, it has continuously operated under the same name for more than 100 years, Bill Ardle said.

Their son Aaron Ardle will step in to take over an expanded role in the business.

The store is one of only a handful of locally owned florist shops in Springfield. There were more than a dozen local florists in town when Bill Ardle took over the business, he said.

He credited the longevity of Schneider’s to developing long-term relationships with customers and adapting to a business that has undergone significant changes.

“The secret to being successful in business is to find your niche and do your niche very well,” Bill Ardle said

Customers increasingly shop online, local floral business owners said, often meaning a more reliable stream of orders but at less value to the customer and less profit for the local business.

>>READ MORE: New business opens in South Charleston

Netts Floral has operated in the same family in Springfield for more than 125 years, according to owner Julie Netts Quinones. Melissa Skinner, whose family owns Flower Craft on Bechtle, said that store has been in business for about six decades.

“For sure we’re all in competition, but we have a good rapport with each other,” Skinner said of the locally owned businesses. “If I need something I call them, if they need something they call us.

When Bill Ardle and his wife bought Schneider’s Florist in 1971, the business was located on West McCreight Avenue near Ferncliff Cemetery. The current location, at 633 N. Limestone St., originally housed the Leedles Flower shop in the 1930s.

The Ardles recently renovated a portion of the second floor as a bridal consultation area. Special events like weddings, homecomings and proms now make up a much larger share of business than in the past, Aaron Ardle said.

To remain competitive, flower shops have to constantly look for ways to stand out and offer consistent service, Aaron Ardle said. That also means developing good relationships with customers to keep them coming back for decades.

“You have to engage with a younger audience and give them a good experience,” Aaron Ardle said.

Operating a family-owned business for decades requires long hours, an ability to adapt to the customer’s needs and a little bit of luck, Netts Quinones said.

“It’s all about keeping your customers happy,” she said.

In Other News

Does Ohio need a paid family leave policy? New report says yes

EXCLUSIVE: Amazon considers building Ohio data center in Fayette County

See which area hospitals received an ‘A’ in patient safety grading

Solvita announces new owner of blood center, splits from tissue...

Frisch’s Springfield location permanently closes

About the Author

Matt Sanctis