Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Virg-Ann Flower & Gift Shop is changing hands, but staying local.
Monday officially marked the passing of the baton from Annamarie Miller and her family – husband Dave and daughter Stephanie to the Davidsons – Elyssa, sister-in-law Courtney and mother Kathleen.
The rain stopped long enough for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate as the shop will continue to remain at its same location at 224 Pennsylvania Ave. West.
“It’s a very exciting day,” Elyssa Davidson “I’m excited to be able to be a part of the community, to keep the shop running. We’re going to customize it to fit us a little bit better. I’m really looking forward to meeting everybody, the current customers, and to meeting new customers as well.”
Virg-Ann has been in the community for three generations, with Annamarie Miller serving as the owner for the last 40 years.
Miller hands off to the Davidsons with the shop flourishing. Virg-Ann offers a variety of fresh flowers and creative gifts. They offer daily floral delivery to local funeral homes, Warren General Hospital, nursing homes, and office deliveries.
They also do on-site decorating for weddings and special occasions.
The Davidsons plan to put their own touch on the shop while maintaining many of the qualities that have made it so successful over the years.
“We are looking to modernize the shop a little bit,” Elyssa Davidson said. “We’re going to do like a little modern twist to everything. That will take some time. But we’re just really looking forward to meeting all of Annamarie’s current customers and help fill her shoes.”
Miller has been working with the Davidsons in recent weeks in the transition phase, as well as assisting with a couple of events that she had already booked.
“So we’ve got to work with AnnaMarie for the last month,” Elyssa Davidson said. “She’s been helping to shape us so we’re ready for the transition. She’s going to help us with a couple of the weddings she already has booked for the summer, so we appreciate her for all the help that she has given us so far.”
Virg-Ann’s can also be found online here, or by phone at 814-723-5760. They are also on Facebook and Instagram.
