Somerset Co. Florist Expands Offerings With New Storefront

RARITAN BOROUGH, NJ — A Raritan florist is sprucing up its brand, and opening a walk-in retail storefront at its 1st Avenue location.

House of Blooms, serving the Somerset County area since 2017, is converting its former event consultation space to a newly-redesigned shop for customers to purchase ready-made bouquets, arrangements, cut flowers, gift baskets, and more.

The shop at 7 1st Avenue is also expanding its online offerings for customers, and will still offer floral designs for special occasions, according to a news release. The full-service florist said it plans to welcome customers for a soft opening on Wednesday, Oct. 18 with plans to be fully-stocked in November. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Owner Lucy Sandler is also welcoming Dana Kane as a new partner and part owner to the business. Kane, who has worked with Sandler for the past five years, lives with her husband Mike in Branchburg.

“When Lucy first introduced me to floristry and House of Blooms, I immediately fell in love,” Kane said. "I'm incredibly excited and proud to be an owner of this house I now get to call a home.”

Sandler said the transition to a brick-and-mortar shop "just made sense," as House of Blooms could showcase and offer products in-store.

“Shoppers want quality products and personal, local service, and that’s exactly what we offer," she said. "That’s why now feels like the perfect time to make the additional investment in the retail side of our business. We are so excited to be expanding our selection of products, and to be able to offer them not only online, but to walk-in customers for the first time!”