Although new, North Main Florist is well grounded in the floral business

Sunday, September 5, 2004
From left: Neva Pharis, Marc Looney, Jim Pharris, Judy Pharris and Willa Gardner.

SIKESTON - For the Pharrises, flowers are a family business. Now, the familiar name is again behind a retail floral operation.

Jim Pharris II grew up in the floral business, learning it as he watched and worked with his parents, Jim and Neva Pharris. Now the elder Pharrises have joined their son and daughter-in-law, Judy, in their new business venture, North Main Florist, located at 1126 N. Main St.

Already the owners of Midway Wholesale Florist Supply in Sikeston and Martin, Tenn., Jim and Judy Pharris agreed the retail store seemed like the perfect way to offer Sikeston area residents the fresh cut flowers from around the world and the floral supplies available through their floral import company.

Walking into the 2,800-foot square building, customers get a peek at the range of items available at North Main Florist. Two large coolers are filled with fresh flowers and fresh floral arrangements; situated around the interior are silk flower arrangements, plants and gift items. North Main Florist offers balloons, plush animals, ceramic angels, cards and snack and fruit baskets.

"Helping comfort families and friends with appropriate fresh funeral flowers in their time of sorrow has always been a priority with us," said Neva Pharris. She pointed out the business will deliver to local funeral homes and cemeteries.

Another speciality of North Main Florist is wedding flowers, according to the owners. Their work will reflect the latest in designs for church, home and garden weddings, Pharris said.

With 43 years experience in the floral business, Neva Pharris said one of her favorite jobs is helping students prepare for their school dances. "I'm looking forward to the girls bringing in their pretty dresses for us to match up with flowers and ribbons," she added.

As customers check out the variety in the showroom, behind the scenes at North Main Florist is a large design room where the arrangements are created. Working with the Pharrises are Marc Looney, a floral and interior designer, and Willa Gardner, a floral designer, whose career began at the Pharris' downtown business. New to the business is Vicki Jacob. On the weekends and when needed Pharris' sister and brother-in-law, Ginger and Kent Miller, pitch in to help.

Judy Pharris emphasized the entire staff makes customer satisfaction their priority, adding they will create custom designs to fit any need or occasion.

Since opening on July 19, Judy Pharris described business as very good.

Neva Pharris added she is enjoying seeing many of their old customers along with meeting new ones. "We have had many of our customers remember us from our downtown location and say they are glad we are back," she said.

North Main Florist is a member of FTD, allowing them worldwide transfer of floral orders.

The business is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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