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Mrs. J.R. Purdy, Sr., began Purdy's in 1931. "For a long time, the shop was in our home," says John Purdy, current owner. Mrs. Purdy operated the business until her husband; J.R. "Bill" Purdy joined her, after World War II.
The Purdys operated the business until they retired in 1974, and were succeeded by their son, and current owner, John Purdy, Jr., who joined his parents permanently in 1961. "I grew up in this business," Purdy says.
Purdy and his wife, Rosanna, have been operating Purdy's together since 1970. The next year, the Purdys added gifts to thier flower shop and moved into The Village Mall.
The year 1987 saw an old Good Year building become transformed into a beautiful 4,000 square foot showplace for their ever growing gift lines, bridal registry and floral designs. "Flowers speak a language of their own; they convey messages that words cannot," Purdy says. "We're a lot of things to a lot of people, and we like to do a good job in everything we do. The customer's satisfaction is our top priority," Purdy adds.
"We're one of the oldest flower shops in the state of Arkansas that has been continuously operated by the same family, and also one of the oldest businesses in Newport," Purdy proudly says. Purdy is a former President of the Arkansas Florist's Association, as was his father, Bill Purdy.
"Our customers are our most important asset," Purdy concludes.
