When Emily Moth moved to Chattanooga in March, the veteran retail manager was eager to use her business background at a local floral shop.
When she heard that Flowers by Gil and Curt might become available for purchase, Moth jumped at the chance to buy the award-winning florist, which was established in Chattanooga in 1990.
"Gil and Curt have built a tremendous reputation for quality, creativity and service which I am eager to continue and grow," Moth said last week in an interview after she acquired the North Chattanooga floral shop on the North Shore. 'There is no better florist in town with the reputation they have and this is just a phenomenal opportunity."
Co-founder Gil Cartwright, who is 76 years old, said he is handing over daily operational management and leadership of the company to Moth as he eases out of the business. Design manager and co-founder Curt Hodge is staying on. Moth said she is keeping the well-known name and the store's location at 206 Tremont Street where the business has been located since it moved from its original location in 1992 a couple of blocks down Tremont Street from its former storefront.
Moth brings decades of floral and other retail experience, although this is her first retail florist shop of her own. Moth grew up in Memphis in her family's floral business and her brother wrote the point-of-sale program that Flowers by Gil and Curt and other florists have used for years.
Moth, who earned her Master's in business administration from Vanderbilt University, has experience in marketing, technology, and retail operations in Memphis and later Nashville.
"Emily is well-positioned to lead Flowers by Gil and Curt into its next 30 years, continuing our legacy of unparalleled service," Cartwright said.
The sale of the business was finalized on Oct. 15th, Cartwright said.
While Cartwright moves toward his retirement at the end of the year, he remains an integral part of the creative process, Moth said. Hodge, and Anne Hannah, the shop's customer service manager, will continue at the business, she said.
"The team at Flowers by Gil and Curt remains dedicated to continuing the trust built over the last 30 years with cherished clients," Moth said. "For many years to come, we look forward to delivering the customer experience that we are known for, remaining Chattanooga's most trusted florist."
Flowers by Gil and Curt is a full-service retail florist providing fresh flower bouquets and floral arrangements with same-day delivery in the Chattanooga area. The store also offers a wide variety of home decor, fine art, antiques and unique gifts.
Consumer spending on flowers
– The United States is the biggest consumer of cut flowers globally spending $1.83 billion annually.
– The biggest floral event of the year is Valentine's Day followed by Christmas and Hannukah and then Mother's Day. Combined they account for over 70% of annual revenues recorded by most floristry businesses.
– 77% of flower purchases involve a specific occasion or reason. Birthdays and anniversaries account for 24% of annual sales.
– 60% of all flowers and plants sold globally are purchased as a gift for someone else; 20% are purchases for weddings or funerals and about 20% are purchased for the home or office.
Consumer floral sentiments
– 73% of Americans say that they have a high appreciation of flowers.
– 88% of Americans say that giving flowers makes them happy, while 80% say that receiving flowers makes them happy.
– 92% of women say that the best reason to receive flowers as a gift is that someone just wants to offer them without any specific meaning behind the gesture.
Source: Petal Republic, 2022
Contact Dave Flessner at DFlessner@TimesFreePress.com, or 423-757-6340. Follow him on Twitter at @DFlessner1.