Dundalk Florist to close after 115 years in business

The reader board outside Dundalk Florist has a new message this weekend: “Thank you for your support, after 115 years serving the community, we are closing our doors Nov. 14.”

The closure will come after over a century of serving Baltimore County residents in need of flowers, plants and other gardening essentials.

“We have been honored to serve generations of families throughout Dundalk and the surrounding communities,” a Facebook post announcing the store’s closure said. “Your loyalty, friendship, and trust have meant more to us than words can express.”

The post has accumulated hundreds of comments, almost all expressing sadness at the news and recalling fond memories of what the store meant to its customers.

It’s the second family-owned business in Dundalk that’s stood for over 100 years to close this year. Herman’s Bakery closed in March after 103 years.

Sandy Sparks, 60, has lived in Dundalk her whole life. She stopped by Saturday, wanting to patronize the business where she’s shopped frequently while she still had the chance.

“I missed out on going to a couple of the other family-owned businesses at the last part of their time being open,” said Sparks, who used to work at Herman’s. “I didn’t want to miss out on coming here at least one more time.”

She was part of a steady trickle of customers Saturday afternoon. The store, on German Hill Road, was quiet but never empty.

The shelves still held colorful bouquets, but the big open indoor space was largely empty. The greenhouse in the back was bare. One man confirmed when the store would officially close with an employee.

Dundalk Florist was a go-to for Sparks for special occasions. She picked up flowers for friends in the hospital or for the spring alongside her mother.

“It will be an inconvenience to go to the bigger stores,” Sparks said. “I prefer to spend my money at a family-owned business, rather than a big chain store.”

For Dana Stahovic, it was her first job. Starting at age 16, Stahovic worked in the store for two years with her mother.

“Working at a florist exposes you to all the feelings, from happiness to sadness to love,” Stahovic told The Banner.

The closure is bittersweet, she said. Although she’s sad to see the store go, she’s happy it thrived for so long.

Staff members at the shop Saturday declined to talk about the closure, and ownership did not immediately return The Banner’s request for comment.

The florist will be running a closeout sale starting Monday, according to a sign in front of the store.

Sparks wonders what will replace it. She hopes it’s a Wawa but would prefer it didn’t change at all.

“It’s sad to see a lot of these places go,” she said.