“We enjoy keeping things fresh, different, fun, and unexpected. We love to hear the ‘Wow!’ when someone enters the shop,” noted Josh Miller, one of the new owners of Hafner Florist, 5139 Main St., in the Southbriar Plaza. “And that is what we want to hear from those who walk in the shop for our Holiday Open House,” added co-owners Kyle Vierling and Kate Sterns.

That Holiday Open House is planned for Saturday, Nov. 19 from 3 to 8 pm, to celebrate the many long-term customer relationships that have been built over the last three decades, along with welcoming potential customers. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. The event will showcase both innovative and unique holiday decor items along with the more traditional Christmas favorites. In addition, there will be giveaways and specials including a raffle for a free Thanksgiving centerpiece. Customers will receive a 10 percent discount on any holiday centerpiece pre-orders. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Sylvania Area Family Services.

The entire store has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland featuring a forest of uniquely decorated trees. A treasure trove of holiday decor, along with an equally impressive selection of unusual gift items, can be found throughout the store. One of the in-demand gift items includes a wide selection of Thymes Fraiser Fir products and another is the display of USA-made Werkshoppe puzzles. Interspersed are traditional snowmen, gnomes, Santas, and reindeer along with poinsettias, amaryllis, lime green Cypress and rosemary trees to name a few.

Since assuming ownership of Hafner Florist less than a year ago, Miller, Vierling, and Sterns have put their own touches on every aspect of the business while retaining the successful elements created by founders Beth and Dan Hafner. Each of the partners brings unique skills to the business. Vierling serves as floral designer and also is in charge of the wedding and event consultation business.  Miller has retail and management experience as well as a love of flowers. His talents are seen primarily in the showroom while spending time with customers. Sterns, a 20-plus-year friend brings marketing and website expertise, completing the circle of talents.

The Hafners are delighted with all of the new touches as they continue to serve as mentors and advisors. They knew two of the partners quite well before they became owners. Miller had worked in the shop while he was in high school and Vierling has been a floral designer at Hafners for eight years.The Hafners are delighted that their emphasis on excellent customer service and high-quality products continues. And they are most pleased that the entire staff continues to work together.

“This is a wonderful staff,” Miller acknowledged. “I worked with over 80 teams in my last job and never did I find the kind of dedication this group has. This is an amazing group of people, many of whom have worked here since the beginning. They are assuming more responsibilities and they’re excited to be part of the business. The floral designers here continue to learn new techniques and are willing to try innovative approaches. They are super funky, creative, and do amazing work.”