Jul 20, 2009

A Country Florist headed for homeBy Laura MichaelsNewLenoxPatriot.com

New Lenox, IL — For 23 years, Bonnie Norton has driven down U.S. 30 each morning to open the doors of her New Lenox flower and gift shop, A Country Florist. Now, Norton will still open her doors, but she won’t have to drive to do it.

The longtime New Lenox resident is moving her business, currently at 354 W. Maple St., into her home, and Norton is looking forward to the change in scenery.

“I’m very excited to be moving it home,” she said. “We have a giant wrap-around porch, and I can picture doing wedding consultations with brides while enjoying lemonade.”

Making A Country Florist a home-based businesses is something Norton said she’s thought about for five years, and now with the downturn in the economy, she said it was finally time to make the move.

“By moving home we’ll save about $2,500 a month between rent and utilities,” Norton said.

“Seventy to 80 percent of our business is over the phone,” she added. “There’s not really a need for a storefront.”

The store’s number — (815) 485-8250 — will remain the same, and Norton said people are welcome to come to her home at 132 First Ave., in New Lenox for consultations. She’ll still offer the same floral services and sell her Cuddle Me Babies gift line, but everything else currently in the store “must go.”

“We’re having a moving sale July 27-31 with huge discounts on all the gifts and some of the antique displays,” Norton said. “We’re going to be out by July 31.”

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