Wigan florist reflects on a year of change and keeping going

To mark International Women's Day, Wigan Today has been speaking to female entrepreneurs from the town after almost a year of unprecedented upheaval due to Covid-19.

Kerry, who runs Wild Flowers in Standish and has been in charge of the business for 13 years, has seen her industry hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sadly she has been producing a lot of blooms and bouquets for marking sad occasions as people in Wigan have lost their lives with Covid-19.

However, there have also been more uplifting occasions she has been able to help residents celebrate and there have also been community projects which have drawn Wigan floral businesses together.

Kerry, who lives in Swinley, said: “I class myself as being very lucky as I’ve been able to operate in some capacity for part of the year.

“People have been so much more appreciative of what you are doing and that is quite nice, especially getting that reaction from people who are grieving.

“I’ve been doing more funeral work and that is one of the few things you can do for people at that time. I’ve also sold a lot of sympathy gifts and flowers for people because they can’t see each other on birthdays.

“However, we’ve also had gifts thanking people for lots of different things and what is quite funny is I’ve had a few orders for; ‘Happy injection day’ flowers. That tickled me.

“I’ve had challenges like everybody else, but it’s just about smiling and getting on with it.”

Kerry says the most important things for her have been having a good website prior to coronavirus striking and also maintaining her shop.

That has enabled her to take full advantage of click and collect while retail has been restricted.

She says her heart goes out to florists who have devoted themselves entirely to weddings or other events as their work has completely dried up for the best part of a year.

Kerry was also one of a number of Wigan florists who came together to produce a spectacular tribute in blooms to the NHS and other key workers in Spring last year.

The stunning design was mounted in the Friends of the Cherries Community Garden on Wigan Lane, a short distance from Wigan Infirmary, and gained a lot of attention from people walking and driving past as well as praise on social media.

Kerry said: “It was a really positive process to be involved in. It was great to get to know the other florists better and for us to use our skills to spread a bit of happiness and cheer around the community.”

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