Grimas nip prices in the bud
Flower power: Joe Grima (left) with father Tony.
JOE Grima has given a “110 per cent guarantee” that the Fresh Market in Helensburgh won’t increase the price of flowers now the florist across the road has closed.
Flowers of Helensburgh shut its doors a few weeks ago after months of intermittent trade and competition from the Grima family.
However Joe Grima denies his fruit and veggie store – which now sells cheap, fresh flowers –hastened its demise.
“There’s no way we put them out of business,” he said. “When you’re not open for business at 9am and you don’t go to the markets … they were paying more for flowers than what we’re selling them for.”
The Grimas started as florists at Heathcote where father Tony spotted a vacant shop on his way back from a fishing trip to Stanwell Park. He was working as a flower grower and decided to make the move to retail, opening Sylvan’s Flower Shop, which the family operated for 20 years.
“We’re all florists – my mum, dad, my brother Manny,” said Joe. “I started when I was 15 and did all the TAFE training.”
He said Grima Brothers Fresh Market was able to offer flowers cheaply because of their contacts and reputation as the markets.
“We’ve got good friends at the markets and good buying power,” he said. “Today I’m selling gerberas for $5 a bunch because a friend had too many and said ‘take 100’.
“We pick up the best deals.”
The Grimas also do arrangements and need a day’s notice to put something together for a special occasion.
To place an order, please phone 4294 4440.
