Every gardener knows that when a plant has outgrown its pot, it’s time to replant in a bigger container so that the plant can continue to thrive. Rodier Flowers, which has been a part of the Ridgefield retail scene for over 70 years, recently moved from the location they’ve occupied for 12 years to a roomier space previously occupied by Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe. “I wasn’t really thinking about moving, but realized we needed more space in general,” says Mary Jones, owner of Rodier Flowers for the past 16 years.
Rodier Flowers started in 1951 by Marywade Rodier, who ran the business out of her Ridgefield home. Eventually, Mrs. Rodier opened the store on Bailey Avenue. She ran the business for 30 years before handing the reins to one of her employees, who took over for the next 25 years. Jones bought the store in 2008 and moved to the Main Street location. To say that Jones has nurtured and cultivated the business is an understatement. In the intervening years, she has opened Ridgefield Flowers, which recently merged with Rodier, as well as acquiring several other “sister” stores in Wilton, Brewster, and Newtown. Jones believes that top-of-the-line products are paramount to her business model. “All flowers are an emotional purchase, so we want to have unique, interesting, and high-quality flowers,” says Jones. “When you have the quality, the flowers are going to last longer, show better, and mean more,” she says.
The new space has been transformed into a bounty of blooms and botanical-themed gifts. The front windows now are home to a wide variety of plants – including several varieties of orchids. “We always had a selection of plants, now we can offer so much more,” says Jones. Long built-in cabinets that once held confectionery treats now display candles, stationary, journals and tea towels – all at a variety of price points. “Sometimes you want to give just flowers, but sometimes you want a little something to add on to it,” Jones says. New product lines include The Rifle Paper Company, Rock Flower Paper, Peking Handicraft needlepoint designs, and Louis Sherry Chocolates, which Jones says, “are not only delicious but come in the most attractive and reusable tins.”
While some renovations were made, including a small office with a stained glass window that echoes the pendent lights, mostly the space perfectly fit the store’s needs. “It’s like it was meant to be,” says Jones. Some of the furnishings were brought over from across the street, a few of which are from the original Rodier store, including nesting benches that were built by Marywade’s husband, William Rodier. “My favorite piece is Mrs. Rodier’s design table, which we topped with granite. I really feel like magic happens there,” says Jones.
Jones is super excited about the cold-storage room, previously used for storing chocolate, which now holds cuts stems waiting to find their place in beautiful arrangements. Even the plumbing that once served Deborah Ann’s coffee station, now is used to fills vases. A large area in the back is perfect for off-season storage and allows easy access for deliveries.
With more than twice the old space, Jones is looking forward to what the future holds for Rodier Flowers. “I am so proud. We grew out of our old space and now that we’re here, we have the chance to grow again,” says Jones. •
