After more than half a century a local business is closing, a move the owner called “very sad for us.”

Dawn Marti has owned and operated Sansone Floral and Gifts ever since she bought the business five years ago. Ms Marti says she was hired as a part time florist by the Sansone family in 1984.

On March 31, she will stop selling flowers and floral arrangements, although the shop will remain open for the month of April so she can sell the remaining gifts, home decor and furniture. The gifts are already marked at one-half off. Marti says they will cut the prices on the furniture used for displays, which include some antiques. They will be “priced as marked.” Ms Marti says she will also allow customers to leave bids on the larger items.

The iconic, peach-colored building at Ashland and Gene Field has been offered for sale.

In an interview, Marti said she is going to retire, but still feels a sadness over losing contact with her customers.

“That is the hardest thing,” Marti said, “we are just going to miss them so, so much. That’s very sad for us.”

She has also offered an open letter to her customers:

“…We hope that the hard work and the passion that we have put into Sansone Floral has brought joy, comfort and happiness to all of those who have received flowers from our shop over the years. And we want to thank our longtime customers, who have let us help them celebrate the milestones. We enjoyed created the memories with flowers, and we only have you, our customers, to thank for that.”

“And we thank you for you loyal patronage. There are just no words to properly express our gratitude.”