BELLEVUE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nearly three weeks after January's devastating ice storm left many Nashville-area businesses without power, Reema Floral Shop in Bellevue is working to fulfill hundreds of Valentine's Day orders.
The florist didn't get power restored until last Thursday, just one week leading up to one of the busiest days of the year for flower shops.
"Honestly, when outside is cold our businesses shut down because no delivery driver is going to go out to deliver flowers," said Mike Saadi, one of the business partners at Reema Floral Shop.
The timing couldn't have been worse. With Valentine's Day approaching, the shop was racing against time to prepare hundreds of arrangements.
"Each has maybe a beautiful story and they're going to be, maybe it's just starting it," Saadi said.
The ice storm's impact extends beyond just the immediate power outage. The shop has noticed changes in customer spending habits that reflect broader economic pressures.
"People used to spend $200, $300 or order easily a couple of bouquets," he said. "It's going down, the numbers, and we can attest for that."
Management says they'll continue taking orders through the rest of the week.
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The aftermath of the historic ice storm will be felt for a long time by many, but what looked like a hopeless situation for one small business owner proved to be quite the opposite. This community would not let her fail. Patsy Montesinos shares the story with a truly happy ending.
- Carrie Sharp
