A FLORIST whose business blossomed in a Stourport supermarket had bid a fond farewell to her loyal customers.

Karen Bartlett has sold flowers from the foyer of the Co-op store in Lombard Street since 1992 but served her last bouquet on Saturday (June 18).

The store is undergoing a refurbishment and Karen will not be there once the new-look Co-op reopens. Dozens of loyal customers took to social media to express their sadness and disappointment once news of her departure became public.

But Karen said she was moving into wedding and events flowers and is currently working on her new website.

She said: “I would like to sincerely thank each and every loyal customer for their commitment to our local independent business. Every penny spent with us has been gratefully received.

“I would also like to thank the management and shop floor staff who have been wonderful to work with over the years.

“In 1992, when the store opened, I approached the then manager with a proposal to sell flowers in the foyer. He thought it was a brilliant idea and an agreement was made for me and my husband Dan to sell flowers on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

“We started off gingerly but soon gained momentum and the business grew. Over the years we have made many friends and colleagues.

“The future for me is wedding and events flowers and I wish the Co-op every success with the refurbished store which will be opening soon.”

Karen added that she can be contacted at www.facebook.com/limelilyflorals