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Blumz “Replanting” Floral Business with European Style Boutique
(Crystal A. Proxmire, March 13, 2020)
Ferndale, MI- As Michigan begins to warm with the sunshine of springtime, and nature awakens from slumber, the florists at Blumz by JRDesigns are preparing for their next opportunity to bloom – with a move to a cozier building across the street.
Most recently 522 E. 9 Mile served as the Atom Art Gallery.  It will soon be the new home for Blumz’s Ferndale location.
The current location at 503 E.9 Mile has warehouse space beyond their needs, and the ever-changing fabric of retail – especially now with non-essential businesses closed –  makes this a smart business decision.
“We’re right-sizing basically,” said Blumz co-owner Robbin Yelverton.  “We had more space than what we needed and with all the exciting things happening in Ferndale we knew someone else would really love to be here.  Plus, we’re ready for something new; the next chapter.”
Yelverton and his life/business partner Jerome Raska have racked up countless awards for their floral work, and they travel to conventions and destinations with their eyes always open to the beauty around them.
“Having traveled to Amsterdam, we have been inspired by European shops and flower markets,” Yelverton said.  “They are simple spaces where colors and varieties of the flowers really pop out at you. The new Blumz will have that boutique feel, like you are sniffing the tulips in Holland itself.”
What Blumz is giving up in space for home décor, they will make up for with design table on the sales floor, as was seen abroad.  “The magical art of floral design will happen before their eyes,” Yelverton said with his own eyes lighting up the way they do when he’s working on bouquet that he knows will be special for someone.
“We’ve always been about flowers, and in the new space those will get center stage,” Raska said. “We’ll always be known for our extensive variety.”
The new store will be ready to open when restrictions due to the coronavirus are lifted.  In the meantime, there are complementary blue ribbons and palms outside the store for people who may want them. The palms had already been ordered for Palm Sunday, and the blue ribbons are a show of support for healthcare workers.
Blumz, also continues to have a location in Downtown Detroit, and a location in Downtown Holly.  Plus they own Creative Fashions and Holly Antiques. The couple has been in business since 2002 when they opened their first store in Detroit and within 8 months added a store in Ferndale. First they were on 8 Mile, but have been on 9 Mile for over a dozen years.
“We stay true to Ferndale, the community has supported us in our growth and we’ve been involved in the community, doing our part, too,” Raska said.  Yelverton serves as the Chair of the Ferndale Beautification Commission, and Raska in on the DDA Board as well as the past Chairman of the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce.
Their hope had been to sell the 503 building, but with the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus plans changed.  Now they are in discussions about donating the space to help with efforts to fight the virus, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about Blumz by JRDesign, check them out online at www.Blumz.com.