Flower shop opens new location - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Flower shop opens new location

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April 13, 2004

Albany-- Sixty-eight years after opening, an Albany flower shop has a new location. The locally owned, family business after all these years is still growing.

They still take thorns off roses today, much like they did in 1936 , when Hadden's Flowers opened. Co-owner Anne Gray said "We help a lot of people in difficult times, try to cheer them up when they are sad. And make them excited when they have celebrations."

Orion Hadden opened her flower store in 1936 at 136 Jackson Street. In 1951 they moved to South Slappey, where the Hadden family ran the business until 1984.

Her granddaughter Carlene still works with the business. "The success has been wonderful. And as you know, it's the second oldest shop in Albany."

Anne Gray's father bought Hadden's in 1984, and sold it to her and husband Randy in 1997. Anne Gray said "I grew up in it, it makes it real special to me."

Carlene Hadden says her grandmother opened a flower shop because they were something people wanted in good economic times and bad. It seems that still holds true.

Co-owner Randy Gray said "But while others seem to be suffering some, we seem to be holding our own, anyway." The Grays cut the ribbon in front of Hadden's Flowers and Gifts new location Tuesday morning at 2401 Westgate Drive.

Two families have run the flower shop for 68 years in just four locations. They plan for this to be a permanent home. The Grays say the floral business never withers.

posted at 5:20PM by dave.miller@walb.com