After 50 + years in business,
Alvin Taylor’s Flowers
in downtown Paragould closes its doors. – Contents to be auctioned Online.
ONLINE AUCTION!
Bid NOW thru Wednesday, Dec. 7th @3 PM
209 N Pruett St., Paragould, AR 72450
Great finds include: antique China cabinet, hutch, dining tables, roll-top desk, National cash register, vintage adding machine; large custom built shelves, walk-in floral cooler, retail racks, fixtures, shelving, check-out counter, carts, office chairs & bar stools; florist supplies including bulk lots of vases, containers, liners, styrofoam, floral stands, flowers, greenery, Mylar balloons, & greeting cards; Christmas trees in all sizes, vintage and new Christmas decorations, ornaments, & serving trays; NEW religious, inspirational & boutique gift items including baby items,toys, t-shirts, picture frames, wall art, bath products & jewelry, some including retail racks and more!
Pick-Up: Thursday, December 8th 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
209 N Pruett St, Paragould, AR 72450
**10% Buyers Premium applies. Everything Sold "As Is, Where Is" PLEASE look at all lot descriptions for more information.**
NOTICE: SALES TAX will be charged on certain items!!
After over 50 years in business, Alvin Taylor’s Flowers, in downtown Paragould, closes its doors. – Contents to be auctioned.
Dec. 7th, 2022, marks the end of an era for a popular downtown family business. Alvin Taylor’s will close its doors for good. The family-owned business has deep roots in Paragould for over 50 years at its current location, 209 N Pruett St. “We have been a staple in Paragould, serving the community and generations of families through hard times and good times, from funerals and illness to weddings and celebrations.” a statement from the shop owner Judith Taylor, who grew up working in her father’s store and became the owner in 2012. “We have taken care of this community, and they have taken care of us.”
Alvin Taylor started the business in 1971. Judith began working in the shop in the 6th or 7th grade and occasionally skipped school during the holidays to help answer the phones, which Judith recalls as fun. Growing up, many hours were spent practicing arranging flowers and playing flower shop owner. In Junior high, she officially started working at Alvin Taylor’s after school. “I have learned many things inside these walls. Work ethic, customer service, and community service.“ Judith made this statement right before taking a break from her current and last task for the business, getting ready for the auction. She took time out of her busy schedule to attend a meeting for the town parade. Just like her dad, she continues to serve her community.
Judith’s children, nieces, and nephews spent much of their childhoods in and around the flower shop. Judith tells us, “If you want to teach your children work ethic, let them work in a family business. Let them experience the sacrifice, the hours, and the grit it takes to survive and thrive. Let them know your success or failure depends on you and what you do, and how you treat your customers and your community. “
Judith considers herself lucky to have worked beside her parents, Alvin and Bertha Taylor, for many years. She believes it was a bonding experience like no other. She is also thankful for the bond she has developed with her customers through the years. “My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patronage, loyalty, and, most importantly, your friendship.” Although the flower shop is still thriving and they have many loyal customers, the Taylors have decided it is time for a change. After the loss of Judith’s dad in 2018, working in the store hasn’t been the same for Judith and her mom.” As a result of encouragement from Judith’s husband, she has decided to start working in another family business, her husband’s. After all, his business Wheelis Mechanical Commercial Plumbing’, has grown exponentially over the last several years. Her husband needed help with bookkeeping and other administrative jobs, and that is what Judith does; she helps her family. As for her mom, she has worked at Alvin Taylor’s off and on for years and retired from teaching twice. She is 80 years young, and according to Judith and the auction company, she is still the hardest worker you could ever meet.” Mrs. Taylor said, “I enjoyed sorting the auction items. I think I might want to start working in the auction business.”
As for the landmark building, it undoubtedly has a bright future. Downtown Paragould is booming. The building is situated between 1812 Pizza and the new Twisted Goose restaurant. Judith plans to lease it after remodeling. The store will host a public online auction through www.Soldasap.com to sell its fixtures, inventory, and gift items. The public can bid on one item or several through Wednesday, Dec. 7th.
