The Flower Emporium

This mid sized florists is central to a row of shops in the town of Heaton Moor, well technically it is a town but it has a distinct villagey feel with its larger than life characters and points of local interest. The stunning window display of this floral utopia is such a local talking point that people visit it just to take a photo.
What sets this florists apart from others is the owner Michael, a flamboyant award winning chorister who sings with The Manchester Gay Choir. This multi-​talented chap is (a self-​professed) Kylie’s number 1 fan and now I am Michael’s number 1 fan. His staff are a combination of more mature experienced professionals with younger enthusiatic florists all in awe of the ever exuberant Michael.
The Flower Emporium hosts an annual Christmas stock launch every November during which customers are treated to a glass of champers and canapes or a cup of tea (more my mother’s tipple). This florist’s quality is not just noted by its patrons, it also supplies the John Lewis group with unique and exotic flowers. It sells plants, gifts and candles and also operates a delivery service. Additionally, if any blushing bride-​to-​be sets her heart on a bouquet that is a bit off the bridal track, then she will find it at the Flower Emporium.
On a more solemn note, the reason why I find this establishment such a find is the care and consideration the staff show to those who have lost a loved one and need flowers for a funeral. My friend recently lost her mum and Michael did her mother’s memory justice with a touching floral display complete with peacock feathers. He also prepared a little basket for her grand-​daughter to take home on the day. This goes far and beyond the call of service and its nice to know in this cynical world that places like The Flower Emporium do still exist.