New ownership causes questions in Amherstburg

By Jolene Perron

After 27 years in business, one of Amherstburg’s oldest flower shops has changed owners.

At 58 years of age, Anna Savo and her husband have decided to sell Flowers by Anna and settle in to retirement. Ann Young took ownership of the business Jan. 3.

Young came to the shop in July inquiring about purchasing it. Savo said she was nervous about selling her business until she heard about Young’s experience working in the town at Jimmy’s Flowers. Savo said she can see Young is passionate about her work. The new retiree admits it wasn’t easy to let the place go after making a name for herself.

“We got it where we want it, but it still wasn’t easy to let go …  I spent the entire month of December crying in my shop,” said Savo. “Small towns are very personable and being a local girl I got close to these people. I went to their weddings, I was involved in their grandchild’s baptisms, I was involved in their funerals where there was sadness and they made me and my husband a big part of whatever took place.”

Savo began the business in 1986 from her basement while she worked as a dental assistant. After her flower shop started to grow, she left her dental assisting jobs and opened her independent shop in 1995. It has since been located at the same address on Sandwich Street in Amherstburg.

A large portion of her help came from her husband of 38 years, Gino Savo.

“We never looked back. We made the decision, myself and my husband,” said Savo. “And we worked together without killing one another.”

Amherstburg residents are sad the couple have sold the business but most say they will be returning to the shop.

“I am sure it was a big decision for them, and I will miss going into the store and seeing Anna,” said Julie Orsi, 45. “There comes a time when you are ready to move on, especially when it gives you more time with family.”

However some residents are concerned. Orsi’s daughter Elizabeth, 21, isn’t so sure about the shop’s reputation holding.

“I’m worried about the stability of her reputable business under new owners,” said Elizabeth. “Anna was consistent with her work, won’t people be skeptical? It might be a bonus for Mon Sherry Flowers.”

Some residents are worried about the overall change in the store. Andre Richard said he will likely go in to the store again but it “wouldn’t be the same” because he found Savo to be so respectful and personal with her customers.

Some changes have already been made. The basic look of the business and the addition of new products are filling up the store. Young said she plans on keeping a lot of the business in tact, especially the name, and Savo’s florist April Impastato will remain on the team.

“We want to build on the business as much as possible,” said Young. “We want to hear from the customers, we love having people come in and give their input on the changes that have been made.”

Savo said at the end of the day she wishes Young the best in running the business, it was very important to her that the shop will carry on.