Popular Merritt Flower Shop Closing its door Christmas Eve.

After more than seven years serving customers of the Nicola Valley, the community’s only stand-alone flower shop will close its doors one final time on Christmas Eve.

Miss Vickie’s Petals and Plants has been a fixture in downtown Merritt since 2018, first opening its doors at 2052 Quilchena Avenue before relocating to 1974 Quilchena Avenue just down the block in 2021.

“It was a difficult decision to retire, but I recognize that I’m not getting younger, and I need to spend time on me,” said Vickie Hansen, owner-operator of Miss Vickie’s. “It’s been a wonderful journey, and I can’t thank the community enough for supporting local business here in the Nicola Valley, like mine.”

Hansen acknowledges that it hasn’t always been “rosy” operating the establishment.

“We have endured through the heat dome, the forest fires, the flood of 2021, and throw Covid-19 in there for good measure, yes, it has been challenging to say the least, but it’s been worth it.” Hansen smiled.

Until closing on Wednesday, Hansen says most remaining stock at Miss Vickie’s will be sold at up to 40 percent off.

“I’m trying to give back to the city that has been so kind to me,”  said Miss Vickie.

When asked what she was going to do with her free time, she was quite adamant with her response.

“I’m going to have two cups of coffee in the morning,” she laughed. “I usually only have time for one before I have to leave for the shop.”

Hansen also plans to travel and catch up with family, something that has been a challenge for the small business owner.

“I have plans, I am going to hibernate for a little while once we get the shop closed and cleaned out, but I am going to visit my oldest brother, travel with a friend of mine, and just enjoy life.”

Hansen also thanked her staff for helping her operate the business.

“I have been blessed, “she said. “I’ve some some of the best designers in the world work with me. Dee has been with me from the beginning and Celina joined a few years back and it’s been a real joy to come to work everyday with these very talented ladies.”

Once again, Miss Vickie’s will be closing on Wednesday Dec.24 at 2 p.m.