Best of Waupaca winners announced in this week’s County Post
Readers selected Firefly Floral and Gifts as the best floral company in Waupaca.
Located in downtown Waupaca, Firefly has been in business for 10 years.
“I’ve won the Best of Waupaca 10 years in a row,” said Jayne Jansen, the store’s owner. “Thank goodness for this community.”
Firefly sells fresh cut flowers, living and artificial plants.
“We also have a nice variety of gifts, something for everyone,” Jansen said. “My goal lis to not have the same thing as the shops up the block.”
Jansen attributes some of her store’s success to its location in downtown Waupaca, across the street from the library.
“I see lots of foot traffic here and lots of repeat customers,” Jansen said. “I always brag that we have a really nice downtown.”
Inside the store, customers are surrounded by plants, a bright, cheerful environment and the fragrance of the flowers.
“I think my customers appreciate the feeling of spring when they come in here,” Jansen said.
Customer service is also part of Firefly’s formula.
While she was being interviewed by the Waupaca County Post, Jansen received a phone call from a customer. Jansen asked questions about what the plant looked like, then asked about its care. She recommended that the customer move it out of direct sunlight and use less water.
As with many local stores, Jansen said the recession impacted her business for awhile.
“I’m glad I opened two years before it happened. When the economy tanked, it was pretty tough,” she said. “But the past four or five years we’ve been in an upward swing.”
Late winter and spring are busy times of the year for Firefly.
While she normally employs two or three part-time people, Jansen may need up to seven people to keep up with the orders during Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Even St. Patrick’s Day brings in customers.
“We sell a lot of shamrocks and blarney stones. People come in for green carnations, too,” she said.
Firefly is located at 113 E. Fulton St. and can be reached by calling 715-256-0000.