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Client Corner: Lopez the Florist


May 5, 2004

Lopez, The Florist: A Four-Generation
Business Rooted with Success

Donald Lopez, the current owner of Lopez, The Florist (www.lopeztheflorist.com), is the proud owner of a four-generation flower shop based in Dorchester. Donald’s grandfather began thebusiness more than 90 years ago when he came to this country from Sicily. He opened his first storein Roxbury, then the heart of Boston with cobblestone streets and horse-drawn streetcars.

In 1947, after four years of service during World War II, Donald’s father, Bernard, took over the operation of the business. It was during this time he had the idea of making available to the public the first florist shop located in a supermarket chain. He began a trend when he opened a floral shop in Star Market in Newtonville. Lopez, The Florist operated these floral concessions for almost 12 years, and then eventually sold the name “Starlight Florists” with the assets of the business to the supermarket chain.

The next few years he spent growing the Florist business andtraining his son, Donald, who was assigned various tasks including sweeping floors and cutting flowers. In 1965, Bernard relocated the Florist to its present location at 742 Adams Street, near the expressway and the Milton town line. He rented a corner shop on Adams Street for the first five years and then purchased four stores on the block, enlarging and renovating the florist into one of Boston’s largest floral showrooms today.

Donald took over the operations of the Florist in 1975. In 2001 he remodeled the entire store again and has increased business 50 percent more than when he began in 1975. Employing about 10 people today, Lopez, The Florist specializes in a variety of floral arrangements and gift baskets in complimentary ceramic containers and baskets. The Florist is known for its original fresh flower “poodles,” “ice cream sodas,” and “banana splits,” all beautifully created with fresh flowers.

When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Donald replied, “Dealing with the people of our community. I enjoy helping andsupporting our neighbors during times of loss or joy or celebration.”

Donald does indeed help others. He is a great community activist and assists local schools, churches, and various neighborhood associations. He is a member of a variety of charitable and civic organizations, including the 100 Club of Massachusetts, a private association that takes care of family members of badge-wearing citizens who die in the line of duty.

He relies on Graeber, Davis, and Cantwell for a variety of legal matters, including assistance with Trusts for his customers that have continuous care plots.

As for future plans for the florist: Donald has two sons who are already lending a hand in the store.



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