The Flower Hutch Has Something for Every Holiday

John Tatman knows the business of flowers. He's owned and operated  in Bath Township for 42 years. And he's been in the industry since high school.

Tatman spent his after-school hours working for his aunt and uncle at their shop, Herwicks Floral Shop in Barberton.

That time set the course for his life. Tatman opened his shop on 1572 N  Cleveland-Massillon Rd. because at the time there wasn't an existing flower shop nearby.

“The closest one was in Wallhaven [an Akron neighborhood],” he said.

The location has proved to be the right choice because of its easy access to Interstate 77. The Flower Hutch delivers to all zip codes in the Akron area.

“The nice part about this location is that you can get on the highway and be there in 15 minutes,” Tatman said.

The shop delivers to Peninsula, Cuyahoga Falls, Brecksville and Independence, to name a few. “If it's worth my while, I will go to Cleveland,” Tatman said.

The Internet also provides an easily accessible route for customers. Tatman noted that the computer allows his store to be open 24 hours a day, virtually at least. For no extra charge, customers can come to the Flower Hutch's website and place orders at anytime of the day. One of his five employees will process the orders during the store's business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and now on Sunday through Christmas from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For those visiting the brick-and-mortar location, they are greeted with a splash of the holidays, both Christmas and Thanksgiving. There are floral centerpieces, pumpkins, Christmas trees, candles and pilgrims decorating the store. Half of one room is devoted to Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving tends to be the forgotten holiday,” Tatman said. “We try to avoid letting it be forgotten here.”

The store will put together flower arrangements and centerpieces that aren't the “ordinary,” Tatman said. They will mix fall flowers that include snapdragons and lillies, and avoid the more common carnations, mums and gladiolas because people tend to relate them to funerals.

The shop is getting a few more orders than usual lately because of the Thanksgiving holiday and, Tatman added,  because of  today's economy. Fewer people are flying home for Thanksgiving dinner and instead are sending flowers.