Pictured Above: Rexburg Floral
Since 1937 one of Rexburg’s oldest businesses has strived to live by two principles: treat the customer as a friend, and always put a smile on their face.
Having witnessed events such as World War 2, The Teton Dam Disaster, and the transition of Ricks College to BYU-Idaho this business has come to be embraced as part of The Rexburg Community. Valentine’s Day also happens to be its busiest day of the year.
That business is Rexburg Floral located on 175 N Center Street.
Having existed for 82 years since its founding by Brent Sutherland, Rexburg Floral continues to give the citizens of Rexburg and customers throughout Southeastern Idaho flowers of the highest quality.
“We get the most beautiful roses from Ecuador,” says Bruce Sutherland current owner of Rexburg Floral. But Ecuador is just one of many places. 68% of the flowers come from South America
What is even better is that all flowers that come into Rexburg Floral have a life expectancy of 7-10 days, a good bang for your buck according to Bruce.
“We can get roses as quick as 36 hours from the time they are picked,” says Bruce.
As mentioned above, the flowers ordered and shipped by Rexburg Floral are nothing but of the most excellent quality for customers.
“I buy the very best, “he says adding on that flowers with the biggest heads, flower stems, and petal count make for the best flowers to be distributed to customers.
What’s even more impressive than the flowers is the customer service Rexburg Floral tries to portray to each of their customers.
“We try to treat each customer like a good friend and a valued person,” says Bruce adding, “if customers ever have a problem all they have to do is call, and we will take care of them.”
Taking care of customers can range from replacing flowers, giving a refund or both depending on the situation.
“We feel very strongly about guaranteeing our work, and that is one of the reasons we have been around as long as we have.”
Bruce’s desire to guarantee quality work has stemmed from his history with Rexburg Floral which began when he was a boy.
Pictured Above: Bruce Sutherland, the current owner of Rexburg Floral.
Bruce grew up working in the flower shop with his father, Brent Sutherland. After returning home from a mission in Illinois, he was asked to come back and help for a few years while attending Ricks College.
A few years ended up turning into 42 and counting. Throughout its years Bruce has seen Rexburg Floral continue to grow and help citizens of Rexburg.
“I believe it has been an interval part of our community,” he says.
One such example of the relationship of Rexburg Floral and the community came in 1976 when the Teton Dam collapsed.
“We had 5.6 feet of water in our building, it wiped out the greenhouses, but this building still stood.”
As flood water receded, Bruce began the long process of tearing up carpets and repairing the store. Then a miracle happened.
“About three weeks after the dam broke some of my wholesalers down in Salt Lake brought up a big truck of flowers; I wondered what am I going to do with them?”
It turns out Bruce did not have to wait long for an answer.
“People started coming in saying all I can see is mud, and I just need something to brighten my day.”
The customers continued to increase, and within one-month Rexburg Floral was back in business.
“It was amazing how many people felt a need for a flower,” says Bruce.
That same spirit that helped both shop and community through a hard time in history has continued to exist today according to Bruce.
“Rexburg is a wonderful community, we have great people who love the community, and because they love the community, they support the local businesses.”
As Rexburg continues to grow Bruce hopes that same spirit can exist between Rexburg Floral and its customers in the future.
“We truly enjoy serving the people; we treat them as friends.”
In addition to Rexburg’s community, Bruce has nothing but praises to say about being a member of The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We love The Rexburg Chamber of Commerce; I try to support them in any way that I can.”
In addition to supporting the Chamber, Bruce strives to make sure that any citizen of Rexburg or customer that comes into his shop leaves feeling welcome and satisfied
“I have yet to see anyone frown at a flower”-Bruce Sutherland
However, customers eager to get ahold of their flowers for Valentine’s Day should not wait according to Bruce.
“Valentine’s Day is our single largest day of the year,” he says with a smile on his face, “the number one reason is its men buying gifts for their wife at the last minute.”
A typical day on Valentine’s Day includes running around all day trying to keep up with the constant barrage of orders coming in.
“By 9:30 a.m. it all falls apart, the phones are ringing with orders, and we are running around to keep up, it’s just a crazy day.”
Regardless of the time of year though Rexburg Floral strives to bring a smile to every one of its customer’s faces.
“I have yet to see anyone frown at a flower; it always brings a smile to someone’s face.”
Those interested in buying flowers at Rexburg Floral can call in at 208-356-3624 or visit the shop in its location on North Center Street. Customers might not want to wait long though; these fine quality flowers will go fast.