Maureen's in the Village brightens Main Street
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Maureen's in the Village owner Maureen Bartley, left, Breanna Scaruto, head designer, center, and Mickey McFarlane, manager, opened shop six weeks ago in the heart of the village, 5461 Main St.

There was a need for a flower shop on Main Street in the village, so Maureen's Buffalo Wholesale Flower Market put one there.

Opened in April, Maureen's in the Village, is the business' second location, which has its 20,000-square-foot warehouse in downtown Buffalo.

"A flower shop is part of a village. There is a bakery, clothing store, gift shop and a flower shop," owner Maureen Bartley said.

The full-service flower shop has been a goal of Bartley's. Since opening the downtown location nine years ago she has considered expanding - and the customers have asked for another location for years, she said. This past winter the decision was made to set up a satellite location.

"Mickey (McFarlane) the manager found the space, and we thought it was perfect," Bartley said. The shop is at 5461 Main St., at Los Robles Street.

She added the location is easier for many clients to get to instead of traveling downtown.

Maureen's in the Village caters to corporate parties, hospitals, birthdays and country clubs. During the wedding season the company handles between 15 and 20 weddings a weekend, she said.

"We do a lot of parties ... any possible reason you would need a flower shop," Bartley said.

Also called a "bucket shop," wholesale warehouse florists allow customers to choose the flowers for their arrangements.

Breanna Scaruto, head designer at the Williamsville location, who has been with Maureen's for nine years, credited Bartley for learning the trade. She started when she was a student at City Honors.

McFarlane had met Bartley in 2000 when Maureen's handled the floral arrangements for the wedding of one of her children. Years later McFarlane moved back to Snyder after living in New Hampshire for 36 years.

A retired psychotherapist, she was looking for something fun and different to try and has been with Maureen's for four years.

"The village has been very receptive to us," she said.

Bartley agreed, adding there has been a lot of foot traffic past the shop and customers stopping in.

By purchasing wholesale, Maureen's can buy direct and keep prices low, Bartley said.

"The prices at the village shop are the same low prices as downtown," she said. "And the quality is extremely high."

She added, flowers are brought in from around the world with a large selection of orchids and calla lilies.

In addition to the flowers, Maureen's has a wide variety of vases and pots. Customers can also select from a variety of ribbon and wrapping for their personalized arrangements. Pre-arranged bouquets are also available.

The bright green walls have become a type of trademark for the business and are complemented with an array for flower choices and the "extras" that make an arrangement personal for each customer.

Bartley has been in the floral business for more than 30 years with 17 years experience as a sales manager and buyer before opening Maureen's.

Maureen's in the Village is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For information, call 630-7008.

For information on Maureen's Buffalo Wholesale Flower Market, 441 Ellicott St., call 852-4600.