Information provided by Pam Wells, owner of Wylie Flower & Gift Shop.

How long has The Wylie Flower and Gift Shop been in the area?

My dad, Bobby King, says the shop was open when he was in school in the early 50s, because he bought his flowers here. Dad graduated in 1954 and said it was open before that time and the owners were Jake and Lou Prince. My mom, Martha Ann King, said that Ms. Young owned the shop before the Princes. Young opened the shop and had it for several years, thus the shop was probably opened in the late 40s. I’m just not sure of an exact year. Jack and Mary Parker bought the shop from the Princes, but only owned it for about a year. Mom and Dad bought the shop from the Parkers in 1961, and owned and operated it until my husband and I bought it in April 1994.

Why do you think you were named a Neighbors Choice award-winner by our readers?

I believe it is because of the customer service, the quality of flowers and design work that we provide for our customers.

What is your reaction to being chosen for a second straight year – are you surprised?

Yes, I was surprised and delighted. I am grateful that our customers think so highly of us.

What do you think this award says about your business and the service to the community as a whole?  

I think that this award says that our business is appreciated by the community and that our service to the community is well thought of. It also shows that family-owned small businesses are needed to provide that hometown feeling many people are searching for. Personal attention to consumers is disappearing in today’s fast-paced world. This award says that our hard work, long hours and friendly staff pay off.

Why do you view this award as worthwhile?

It makes my staff and me feel like we are appreciated and that we do makes a difference for the better in our community.

What do you think winning this award will change for business around the shop?

I hope that when people read about our award, they will make the drive east and try us out. Many of the newcomers in our area believe that they can only find quality and variety by going to the larger towns. I hope they realize that larger towns don’t always offer better. I believe Wylie Flower and Gift Shop as a whole exceeds any other flower and gift shops around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our five designers have 184 combined years of experience between them. That’s an average of 36.8 years per designer, not including me.I can design when I have to, but with the experience designers Wylie Flower and Gift Shop has, I don’t have to very often.Our friendly staff is focused on customer service and I believe it sets our shop above any other shop around. Wylie Flower and Gift Shop offers extensive gift items for all occasions and a wide variety of flowers. I believe winning this award will let others know about us and what a wonderful experience shopping at Wylie Flower and Gift Shop can be.

What is the most important thing (or two) for our readers to know about your business?

We will treat you with respect and help you to make the perfect choice for your special occasion. We offer superb customer service, and quality products and workmanship for your readers. I hope those who are looking for a great florist to call their own will try us. We make daily deliveries around the metroplex and the county areas, and can arrange deliveries around the world for you. When you think of flowers, think of ours.

What would you say to others who might aspire to be a Neighbors Choice award winner next year?

It is a tremendous honor. It will boost morale around the workplace. To know that others think you are the best is a wonderful blessing.

Closing remarks?

Thank you for this honor and I hope you will soon be our customer and friend. To our existing customers, thank you for your trust, confidence and continued business.