It’s been a marvellous 45 years for Marvin Chapman.

Picton’s mainstay florist marks nearly a half century of Flowers by Marvin, making him the longest- tenured merchant on Main Street. After a half dozen different locations throughout Picton, Mr. Chapman settled into his shop at 80 Main Street, where he has provided “womb to tomb” floral services for 11 years.

“In Prince Edward County, you have to look after your customers and you have to do business the right way or you won’t last. It’s all about the customers,” he says firmly.

More than a dozen other florists have come and gone during Mr. Chapman’s five decades on Picton Main. He has persevered, even thrived, through the challenges.

The biggest change has been technological, namely, the internet. Anyone from anywhere on earth can log onto www.flowersbymarvin.com at 3 a.m., select and order up a Harvest Sunflower Basket, pay for it, and wait for the team to arrange and deliver the next morning.

“We show up in the morning, there could be six or eight orders sitting there from all over the world.” 

Another big change has been the ability for florists to source and obtain flowers from all over the world with much more ease. Mr. Chapman can order flowers from Holland and have them delivered in Picton the following day. His weekly trip to the auction in Toronto can net him exotic stems and blossoms from all over the globe.

“After the auction, we go across the road to Farm to Canada and they have everything, flowers from Columbia, Ecuador, and local stuff in season. These days, it’s so much easier and faster to source flowers and they can be here the next day if we need them,” he added.

Getting fresh and unique stock and being able to connect with customers more easily has changed the floral industry. 

But at its root, the business is about serving needs. One customer might bounce into the store, looking for a big bouquet and gifts for baby and mother still at the maternity ward. The next minute, someone grieving wants to look at possible arrangements for a celebration of life ceremony.

“It’s about identifying with the customer and working with them on something that best suits their needs that day,” longtime employee Michelle Lott added. “Marvin has been doing that from day one and that’s why he’s been successful for 45 years.”

In an industry that’s seen so many changes, both technological and otherwise, it’s clear only the strong survive in the floral industry.

“Correction,” says Marvin with a smile. “Only the marvellous survive.”

Marvin, your customers and friends couldn’t agree more.