Florist shop transplanted

WELLSBURG - Just as a flower needs a little space to grow, Jackie's Florist needed a larger location in which to expand its stock.

Jackie Morris, owner of the nine-year-old business, said her new shop at 2514 Commerce St. offerS five rooms in which to display the wide variety of floral arrangements and decorative items, from scented candles to ceramic angels, offered by the store.

She added the shop also gained greater visibility by moving to Commerce Street, also known as state Route 2, near Wellsburg's north end.

Members of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce were among many who attended an open house there and helped Morris and her husband, Gary, to mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The move came as many area residents were preparing for Christmas, and Morris has a variety of holiday decorations on display and offers an assortment of gift baskets.

She's prepared for the usual orders of Christmas dinner centerpieces and wreath blankets that come at this time of the year and looking forward to again preparing prom corsages, Easter bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings and all occasions.

Aiding her with deliveries is her husband of 35 years, Gary, a Weirton Steel employee. The pair, who are natives of the 49 Hill area near Beech Bottom, have two sons and five grandchildren.

A graduate of Brooke High School, Jackie said after working for an area florist for 11 years, she decided to branch out on her own. She said she's always enjoyed working with flowers and the creativity and interaction with people her occupation involves.

"I love it. I love doing what I do," she said, adding one key to being a successful florist is being willing to adapt to each customer's needs.

"Everybody's tastes are different," said Morris, who added her faithful clientele includes several churches and schools.

Jackie's Florist is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, with those hours extended to 6 p.m. on Mondays during the Christmas season.

The new shop has become a sort of home away from home for Morris, and she encouraged anyone who finds her there after regular hours to stop in.

Potential customers also can reach her at (304) 737-4844.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)