The new owners of the iconic local landmark Mountain Market are seeing their business blossom in a new way. Earlier this summer Steve and Natasha Shim launched a website for online orders hoping to make their floral sales more accessible to those wanting to send flowers to those they care about in Lynn Valley and across the north shore. Plus we got their tips for the summer’s best flowers.
Working from home
The Shim’s took over Mountain Market last year when Mary and Steve retired, bringing Natasha’s expertise as a florist and their joint success running Denman Market & Flowers since 2007.
“We have lived on the North Shore since 2010,” explained Steve Shim about their move to work in the community where they live. “We have two children and a dog named Winter. We enjoy exploring different parts of the area. We love travelling and hiking with our kids and Winter. It’s great to be here.”
As they learned the quirks of Mountain Market’s market they noticed that its reputation was far-reaching and that they were filling orders from throughout the world
“We’ve been receiving many delivery orders for the Lynn Valley and north shore neighbourhoods from overseas, including Europe and the US,” he said. “To accommodate this, we’re providing photos and descriptions online to help customers place orders and see which flowers will be delivered. Additionally, our local neighbours and regular customers in the north shore can now easily contact us for special orders such as wedding flowers, anniversary bouquets, or urgent requests for funerals, celebrations of life and other occasions.”
Business is blooming
A new idea began to bud for the Shims as they considered this expansion to their business.
“We also launched ‘Atelier Floral Design’ at Mountain Market, where you can explore our florist brand in person or online. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and floral inspiration! “
This new dimension to their business is a way of trying to offer the same experience as wandering through their floral aisles at the neighbourhood (almost) corner store.
“While visiting our store in person is a great way to see our full range of cut flowers and plants, we strive to deliver the same quality in every order. Whether ordered online or picked up in-store, there’s no difference in the quality of bouquets or arrangement,” said Shim. “Online orders do incur a small delivery fee, but you can also choose to pick up your order. Our priority is to maintain the freshness of our flowers and offer reasonable prices, as each order is meant for loved ones. We value customer reviews and feedback greatly, as they help us ensure satisfaction.”
Regulars can fear not – custom or your ‘usual’ can also be ordered online.
“Regular customers can also request their usual orders online. We’re now accepting all types of orders — regular or special — via our store, phone, and website. We’re here to brighten your loved ones’ special occasions,” said Shim suggesting the form on the ‘contact us’ page as the best place for unique or regular orders. “Custom orders can be placed online. We’ve recently handled wedding flower orders, including bridal bouquets, corsages, and boutonnières, as well as ‘celebration of life’ arrangements.”
Making love last
The team of four behind the Mountain Market and Atelier Floral Design have some suggestions for enjoying cut flowers through the heat of August.
“While most cut flowers struggle in the heat, they do well if kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
To help flowers last longer, change the water in the vase or jar daily, or use a flower preservative if you have one,” said Shim. “When changing the water, trim the stems slightly—about an inch—and use cold or ice-cold water. Keeping the water clean is crucial. Cold water and ice are especially helpful in hot weather.”
August is a great time for local flowers with many colorful options available.
“In summer, sunflowers and dahlias are popular choices,” said Shim. “Sunflowers are long-lasting, affordable, and large, making them perfect for gifts or to brighten up your space. Both sunflowers and dahlias are seasonal, but roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, gerbera daisies and alstroemerias are available year-round in BC. We source most of our flowers from the BC Flower Growers Co-op auction, where you can find a wide variety of blooms from local farmers and around the world. “
Check out the flowers at Mountain Market at 3620 Mountain Hwy and send along their website to anyone you want to send you flowers: www.mtnmarketflower.com.
Looking for more?
There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.