BEVERLY — If you'd like to say goodbye to The Blossom Boys, it seems only appropriate to say it with flowers.
The retail flower shop at 9911 S. Walden Parkway in Beverly will close Dec. 24, according to owners Steve English and Ryan Steinbach. The pair opened the shop April 24, 2008.
"The retail space is closing," Steinbach said Tuesday. "I've told some people that we are restarting or changing our scope."
Steinbach said he hopes to continue to provide floral arrangements for large events such as weddings, funerals and corporate outings. But The Blossom Boys will no longer have their shop, which largely caters to walk-in customers on Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, prom season and other such occasions.
English said its become increasingly difficult to make a profit with retail flower sales. Steinbach added selling both a perishable and non-essential product is also a challenge and seeing unsold flowers tossed in the trash is financially gut-wrenching.
"Being a retail flower shop, you have to gaze into a crystal ball as to what type of flowers to buy and what sort of colors to buy," Steinbach said.
Such decisions are much easier with large events where Steinbach can buy specific flowers without having to worry about a large amount of waste. He said he'll make such arrangements at his Morgan Park home as well as at a location that his wholesale vendor has made available to him.
Both English and Steinbach said the decision to close the retail shop has been looming for more than a year. And as foot traffic continued to dwindle, the decision became inevitable.
That said, they hope a vibrant business will take their place in the quaint shopping area near the 99th Street stop along Metra's Rock Island District line where their shop has become a staple.
The Blossom Boys opened their Beverly flower shop on April 24, 2008. Steve English (left) and Ryan Steinbach have decided to close their retail location as of Dec. 24. [DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig]
Katie Schickel is the co-owner of Tranquility Hair Salon across the street from The Blossom Boys. She wished her long-time neighbors well, adding that she's actually seen a boost in business in the wake of the recession.
"I definitely feel like its a loss to the block," Schickel said. "It's always been evident how much they enjoy what they do."
She remained positive about the tucked-away Beverly shopping district that also features Sweet Freaks Chocolate Shop, Beverly Barre, Figlia Boutique and others.
Josh and Bridget Barron own the 900-square-foot storefront that is home to The Blossom Boys. The landlords said the building has been operated as a flower shop for more than 30 years.
"We'd love to see a retail tenant in that space," said Josh Barron, adding that the rent for the storefront is about $1,000 per month.
As for Steinbach, he'll likely pursue a part-time job in the wake of the store's closing. English said he plans to expand his work with animals as well as help area residents as a Reiki master, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation.
English also said he'll continue to be involved in community events, including his advocacy for A New Direction, Beverly's domestic violence support center. English also coordinates Words By Friends, an event for local authors. And he was instrumental in twice bringing the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus to the Beverly Arts Center.
"I still want to do those kind of events," English said.
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