As redevelopment plans take root in downtown Sackville, Blooms Flower Shop is preparing for a big move.
After 15 years in its current York Street location, Blooms will relocate to 131 Main Street, just across from the Swan Pond. The move, prompted by a major commercial redevelopment project, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved shop – one that owner Alana Kelly is both embracing and navigating carefully.
“I had a little bit of a midlife change,” says Kelly, who took over Blooms in November 2024 after nearly a decade in finance. “I’m born and raised in Sackville and just really wanted to be a business owner in my hometown.”
Kelly’s love for nature and plants began in childhood, spending time in the woods and at camp with her father and family. “I’ve always had a deep love for nature and trees and plants,” she says. “But have never really had the opportunity to pursue it or to, you know, kind of tap into that creative side of me.” That passion is now blooming into her first business venture.
To bring her vision to life, Kelly brought on longtime friend and manager Chrissy Charlton, who left her job and commutes from Petticodiac to help run the shop.
“Lan and I have developed a pretty strong friendship,” said Charlton, who joked that she was “forced” into joining the venture. “I recognized that she believed in me.”
The shop’s last day in its current space is April 28, with a grand re-opening planned for May 5, just in time for Mother’s Day and Convocation weekend, the busiest time of the year for the flower shop.
Despite the upheaval, Kelly emphasizes that the shop will remain open for online and phone orders, and they’ll be offering free in-town delivery during the transition.
“We are going to stay open for flowers the whole way through,” Kelly says. “We want our customers to know that we’re still here and still ready to help them celebrate their special moments.”
Blooms is one of several downtown businesses relocating in response to the upcoming redevelopment. The building it currently occupies is scheduled for demolition starting in May.
“Change can be uncomfortable,” says Kelly, “but it’s also necessary. There’s excitement and curiosity, even as it’s kind of sad to see what we knew being changed.”
For now, Kelly says she’s focused on keeping Blooms rooted in its role as a space for connection, beauty, and community – no matter the address.
“I’m just so honored to be part of what Blooms means to people,” she says. “And we’ll keep doing our best to be that place.”
Customers can follow Blooms on Instagram and Facebook for moving updates and reopening details. Blooms is at www.bloomsshop.ca
