HOLLAND, MI — Today is Small Business Saturday, which means an opportunity to support West Michigan organizations like Pat’s European Flower Market.
The blooming flower market is as successful as it is today, in large part because of Pat Johns. Pat is now 80 years old and has been running the store since 2008.
“When I was ready to semi-retire, I started my own business,” Pat said.
Over the past 16 years, Pat’s customers have become more like family. “We have really loyal customers,” Pat said.
Tammy Vanhouse, Pat’s daughter and co-owner of the flower market, said Pat is the hardest-working woman she knows. “I hear a lot of people come up to me and say I look like my mom,” Tammy said. “And I love it. I’m very proud of it.”
Pat’s Flower Market has doubled its business since last year, but other small businesses aren’t always so lucky.
“We’re hearing data that suggests consumers expect to spend nearly $200 less at small businesses this year than in the past,” said Jody Ouchalski, president of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. said.
Jody emphasizes the importance of shopping at local small businesses and explains the concept of West Coast Cash. “West Coast Cash is a community currency program that we offer that supports 111 different small businesses here in our community,” Jody said.
Jody said more than $3 million has been purchased locally through the West Coast Cash program, with more than $700,000 currently in circulation. As Jody says, this keeps dollars in the country because small businesses like Pat’s are the backbone of our economy.
Pat’s Flower Market lives on through her family and, as Pat says, “You can come to fill your happy moments or your sad moments, and we are here to make both happen.” It will become a special place that people will get to know.
Pat Flower Market is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here for more information about Pat’s Flower Market.
Click here to learn more about West Coast Cash.
Follow FOX 17: Facebook – X (formerly Twitter) – Instagram – YouTube
