Steve Harvey Show Names Vienna Flower Shop Best in the Nation

Karin's Florist in Vienna has won "Best Florist" in the first annual Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards. Harvey helms a popular TV show.

Patch talked with the owner of the flower shop Monday about the award.

Patch: How did you find out about the Steve Harvey awards? Did you have to get nominated somehow?  

Maris Angolia: One of our customers nominated us and called me to let me know about the show.  There was only one week for nominations for the Best Florist category and she saw it with only one day left.  She recommended that we post it on Facebook.

Patch: It looks like Karin's Florist received the most votes — how did you get the word out to your customers?   

Maris: We posted it once on Facebook, and only for one day. Our customers and community watch the show and nominated/voted for us without telling us. I was surprised and amazed at how many people told me after the fact that they had nominated/voted for us, without even seeing our Facebook post.

Patch: What is it that distinguishes Karin's Florist from other florists? How is it unique?  

Maris: We believe that we have several unique/differentiating factors. We get involved in our community (Karin’s Gives Back program, Wolf Trap and Inova sponsorships, chambers and other community organizations).  Our entire team works together to guarantee that our customer’s expectations are not only met, but exceeded. We hire floral designers from around the world to always provide the newest, trendy designs.   

We keep on top of the latest trends and technology by continuing education and trade shows.  We attend the market shows to find new gift items and the Fancy Food show to make sure our gift baskets always have the tastiest items.  We host an annual open house to welcome our community to our location and we make sure that our window displays are eye catching.   

We build relationships with our customers. It is so rewarding to be able to help celebrate the special moments in someone’s life.  For example, we have helped someone pick out flowers for the first date, design their wedding flowers and then send flowers for their newborn baby! 

Patch: In an age where people can purchase flowers at the grocery store, how does Karin's Florist entice customers to buy from them instead?   

Maris: Quality and Customer Service: The quality of the flowers, the quality of the design, uniqueness of the flowers, the expertise of our designers.  Also we make sure that we always have new and different items – from out of the ordinary flowers (from all around the world) to unique gift items. We can provide same-day delivery service and we have experienced floral designers that create amazing designs. We make things “easy” for our customers to order.  In an age where there is a constant shortage of time, we take care of everything for them so that they can rest assured that with one phone call, their gift will be taken care of. 

Patch: What is the difference between flowers purchased at a grocery store vs. a florist?   

Maris: Customization is really an important factor. We listen to their needs and customize a gift specially designed for them and the occasion. The other differentiator is quality and freshness.  For a grocery store, it depends on the outlet as to how much care they give to flowers and how much knowledge they have. Flowers are our primary product so care and handling is a priority to us.   We provide the expertise of professional floral designers.  

Our customers tell us that they come to us for the presentation and quality. It is s “wow” effect to have flowers delivered to a friend/colleague or loved one and where else can you go to get an extra special gift and have it delivered same day?

Patch: Is most of your business conducted in person, over the phone or by Internet?  

Maris: Mostly over the phone but many customers like to come into the store to see unique gifts and all the beautiful designs.  And of course, we have a full website www.karinsflorist.com, that includes our gift basket selections as well as  a wedding/event gallery that shows some of our Event work (for example, Wolf Trap Ball, Inova Gala).

Patch: Is most of your business from Vienna residents or people calling from outside the area to order flowers for Vienna residents?  

Maris: We deliver to the entire DC metropolitan area from our location so our business is predominantly Northern Virginia, DC and suburban Maryland residents. However that being said, Karin's Florist is one of the top sending florists in the country. And we can handle orders going around the world  through our network.  We do get orders from other cities to deliver in this area.

Patch: When did Karin's get started? How has Karin's changed from its beginnings to now?  

Maris: My father and grandfather started Karin’s Florist in 1956 at Seven Corners Center.  There is more about our history at http://www.karinsflorist.com/about-us/. 

Over 57 years, there have been many changes.  We moved to Vienna in 1995 – it was wonderful as Seven Corners customers stayed with us and Vienna welcomed us. I was even chairman of the Vienna Tysons Chamber, 2004-2005, which was where I met my husband! We’re changing as consumers have changed.  The biggest change in our industry has been technology.  

By being able to order online, send sample arrangement pictures for a party via email, Facebook, Twitter, online reviews, provide delivery confirmations, etc., it has expanded our ability to get the word out  and provide a higher level service to our customers. 

Read Maris' blog about her behind-the-scenes experience on the "Steve Harvey Show."