Littleborough florist to close as owner retires

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Flower and the Glory will close on Saturday (12 January)

Littleborough florist ‘The Flower and the Glory’ will be closing for business on Saturday (12 January).

After over seven years of success, the Church Street florist will close as business owner Carole Stirzaker will be retiring.

Whilst the doors will close at 3pm after the shop’s usual Saturday hours, existing orders will continue to be fulfilled over the next few weeks.

Carole, a former teacher who swapped the classroom for floristry, said: “It has been emotional to say goodbye to people as you get to know them over the years. I’ve had some lovely comments from people who have popped in to to say goodbye.

“I would like to express my enormous gratitude to my many customers for their magnificent support over the years. It has been a true privilege to share your joys and sorrows and to get to know your families.

“I'm sorry it has come to this as the business is successful; I feel it deserves better than just to close, and it is no secret that it has been on sale for some time. However, the fact remains that I am the 'wrong' side of 60; I never work less than a 60-hour week, usually more and occasionally double.

“The pressures on my family are immense and the physical challenges of the job are taking their toll.

“My current lease expires this month, and the requirement to undertake a five-year-extension is a commitment I cannot make. This tells me it is time to call it a day.

“Enormous thanks to those who have worked for me or given so willingly, and unwillingly, of their help over the years.”